CLEO Statement of Principles

California Local Elected Officials (CLEO) is a membership organization dedicated to supporting local elected officials who are dedicated to responsible governance, fiscal discipline, and effectively serving their constituents. 

We believe in restoring the California Dream—a state that leads in innovation, entrepreneurship, and opportunity for all Californians. As such, we commit to the following principles:

  1. Principled Governance – We believe in transparent, accountable government that serves our constituents, not special interests. 
  2. Fiscal Responsibility – We believe in balanced budgets and responsible fiscal management. Local governments should commit to sustainable financial practices that prioritize long-term stability and do not burden future generations with debt or higher taxes.
  3. Local Control – We believe constituents are best represented by local leaders who understand their communities and are directly accountable to the people they serve. Strong local governance is the most effective way to meet community needs, rather than one-size-fits-all state mandates.
  4. Economic Growth – We support policies that foster entrepreneurship, strengthen small businesses, and enable companies of all sizes to grow and drive job creation across industries.
  5. Excellence in Public Education – We believe public schools should focus on academic fundamentals and excellence, ensuring every K-12 student receives a high-quality education that prepares them for success in the 21st century. Schools must be accountable for student achievement, and parents—not bureaucracies or special interests—should have the freedom to make the best educational choices for their children.
  6. Smart Stewardship – We believe the government’s primary duty is to ensure public safety, maintain infrastructure, provide essential services, and support quality public schools. We are committed to prioritizing the effective and affordable delivery of government services while avoiding “mission creep” that diverts resources from these core responsibilities.
  7. Keeping California Affordable – We believe in championing policies that lower the cost of living while enhancing the quality of life of our constituents. Cutting red tape, responsibly reducing overregulation, and embracing common-sense solutions that foster innovation can unlock opportunities to reduce the cost of everyday essentials — such as housing, gas, and utilities — to build a more affordable and sustainable California for everyone.
  8. Making the California Dream Accessible to All – We believe every Californian should have access to the opportunities that make our state great. We are committed to promoting economic mobility, individual opportunity, and the ability for all Californians to succeed and thrive in their communities.