 Michelle Park Steel
Member of Board of Equalization, Third District
Take 10 | Full biography
1. How do we get more Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) to become more civically and politically involved?
Historically, Asian Pacific Americans have been excluded from government service and the political process. To remedy this history of exclusion, we must support Asian Pacific American elected officials, community leaders, civil servants and voters. By winning local elections, we can build a foundation of electoral success; and thereby, bring more Asian Pacific Americans into the political process.
Just look at the current example in the special election for Orange County Supervisor, where two Vietnamese Americans finished as the top two vote getters in a crowded field. Vietnamese American leaders, like Assemblyman Van Tran, registered more Asian Pacific American voters and successfully turned out those newly registered voters on Election Day.
2. What is your dream job?
I have my dream job: fighting on the California State Board of Equalization to protect hardworking taxpayers. When I was studying business at Pepperdine University, my mother experienced the tough tactics of the tax collector. After operating a clothing shop nonstop for several years, my mother wanted a slower paced business so that she could spend more time taking care of our family.
However, when she transitioned to the new business, the Board of Equalization demanded additional fees, taxes, and interest penalties on her old business. My mother always followed the law and did not owe the Board of Equalization any money. But, she lacked the money, language skills and resources to fight a massive state agency. Regrettably, she paid the Board’s demands and suffered a major financial setback. Everyday, I work hard to protect taxpayers like my mother from an overly aggressive tax agency. My job is to guarantee that every taxpayer is fairly represented and successfully protected.
3. What was your childhood ambition?
Growing up in Korea and Japan, I never imagined that I would serve in American politics and government. As a child, I wanted to be a devoted wife and mother. However, as my life progressed, I saw a major need for Korean Americans to be represented in government.
4. What is the biggest challenge facing APAs in politics today?
Asian Pacific Americans, especially Korean Americans, have long been excluded from the political process. My first involvement in politics came immediately after the Los Angeles riots. Following the riots, Korean American businesses faced governmental obstacles to rebuilding their businesses destroyed by looters. It is hard to convince people who historically have been excluded to participate in government service.
5. What one law would you change if you could?
I would change how California’s taxpayers are treated in the tax appeals process. Unlike the judicial system, taxpayers are presumed guilty when they appeal their tax bills. I would change the law to guarantee that a taxpayer is innocent, until proven guilty.
6. What was your first job?
My first job was working as a travel agent. I worked at the travel agency to help support my family and pay my way through school. It was a natural fit for me because I speak three languages fluently.
7. What one question would you most like to have answered?
Why the government did not help Korean American businesses rebuild after the Los Angeles riots?
8. What is your favorite word/sound?
Ambition and Opportunity.
9. What was the last book you read?
Princess Masako’s Tomorrow, written in Japanese by Tomonou Naoko, a freelancer journalist.
10. Who/what inspires you?
President Ronald Reagan has always served as an inspiration to me. President Reagan’s eternal optimism and unrelenting determination lead our nation to victory in the Cold War. Regardless of the situation or political pressure, President Reagan never abandoned his principles and always did what he thought was right. I hope to live up to his example of principled leadership.
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