Fong’s Nomination Likely to Have Clear Sailing in the Legislature

Matt Fong, the first Chinese-American named to a major state post by Gov. Pete Wilson, appeared likely Tuesday to be confirmed by the Legislature as the newest member of the State Board of Equalization.

As Wilson announced his choice of Fong, officials in the Senate and the Assembly predicted that he would face little opposition in either house. Fong’s 4th District seat on the tax board encompasses most of Los Angeles County.

“There doesn’t seem to be any problem with Fong,” said Michael Reese, press secretary to Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco). “You would think any opposition would be springing up by now.”

In the Senate, Minority Leader Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) said the Democratic majority had no reason for opposing the appointment unless it wanted to deny the Republicans “bright, young” political faces. “I don’t see any confirmation fight,” Maddy said.

Because Fong is filling a constitutional office, he must be confirmed by both houses of the Legislature within 90 days.

Democratic opposition to Fong would be politically troublesome because his mother, Secretary of State March Fong Eu, is a longtime Democratic Party activist as well as a statewide officeholder. Fong declined to say if his mother would actively lobby for his confirmation.

In an oblique reference to the conviction on political corruption charges of Paul Carpenter, who had held the seat, Wilson repeatedly described Fong, 37, as man of “honesty and decency.” Terming the appointment “one of the most important acts of my Administration,” he said Fong had “an impeccable reputation for integrity and character in both his professional and personal life.”