Anthony Cannella

Anthony Cannella (born March 22, 1969) is an American politician currently serving in the California State Senate. He is a Republican representing the 12th district, encompassing Merced and San Benito counties, as well as parts of Madera, Monterey and Stanislaus counties. Prior to his election to the state senate, he served as Mayor of Ceres, California.

He is the son of Sal Cannella, a former Democratic assemblymember who lost an election bid in the same district in 1998.

Anthony Cannella was the only Republican to vote in favor of the California "Dream Act." Senator Cannella has developed a reputation of being an independent-minded legislator, working with his colleagues on measures that promote government transparency, fiscal responsibility, and new water infrastructure, among other accomplishments.

Anthony Cannella was the only Republican Senator to vote in favor of Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017. The Senate bill triggers a 20-cent per gallon increase in diesel taxes, a 12-cent per gallon hike in gas taxes and a 5.75 percent increase in diesel sales taxes. Vehicle license fees would be raised an average $38 per vehicle. Drivers would also face a new annual fee to be paid with their vehicle registration, ranging from $25 to $175 depending on the value of their vehicle. The taxes and fees rise each year with inflation. (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2017/04/06/california-drivers-could-pay-more-for-gas-to-get-better-roads/). By voting for this bill Senator Cannella has forced the largest single gas tax increase in California history on the citizens of California in exchange for 400 million in pork project money for his district. (http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-jerry-brown-gas-tax-side-deals-20170409-story.html). His vote was in total disregard of public polling that showed strong opposition to a tax increase for road repair. (http://abc7.com/news/poll-californians-divided-on-gas-taxes-vehicle-fees-to-fix-roads/1826859/). Alternative bills proposed utilizing existing tax dollars for road repair rather than further increasing the tax burden on California tax payers. (http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-sac-california-gas-tax-vote-20170406-story.html)

• Senator Anthony Cannella (official website)
• Anthony Cannella for Senate (campaign website)
• http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_member.php?cs_id=36017&sort=party