Here's a recent article in the San Diego Tribune on one of our favorite politicians, California State Controller, John Chiang. In addition to dealing with the state's on-going budget crises, John is making sure that government is held accountable to its tax payers.

When State Controller John Chiang asked the head of a local taxpayer group for a luncheon guest list before a recent speech in San Diego, Lani Lutar figured he just wanted to familiarize himself with his audience.

However, what Chiang did do — and has done for talks up and down the state — was to run the list of about 150 attendees through his department's unclaimed property records, available at sco.ca.gov. He was looking for people's forgotten stocks, utility deposits, insurance refunds, probate assets, closed bank accounts and other unclaimed property that had been turned over to the state.

The San Diego County Taxpayers Association luncheon proved a lucrative event for many attendees because Chiang found assets ranging from $2 to $2,049 in 49 names on the luncheon list as well as 15 businesses and governmental entities. Admittedly, not everyone cashed in. Some, including Amy Harris, policy analyst with the Taxpayers Association, found out the funds mentioned belonged to a different Amy Harris.

One of the beneficiaries is political consultant John Dadian, who was unaware of a $115 court settlement. A court judgment for $52 is being held for Mental Health Systems CFO Michael Hawkey. San Diego Unified School District board member Katherine Nakamura has a $52 insurance premium refund waiting.

Despite Chiang's efforts, the state budget debacle is holding the funds hostage. My husband, who discovered unclaimed funds from an account in a defunct bank, applied to the state several months ago and recently received an IOU.

The good news? Chiang expects to begin redeeming the IOUs on Sept. 4, nearly a month earlier than expected, and is paying 3.75% APR interest. The IOUs are being accepted at face value by some banks and can be used to pay state income and business taxes as well as state Board of Equalization taxes.

Why would the state issue IOUs on property that clearly belongs to someone else?

Controller spokesman Jacob Roper explained that the unclaimed property goes into the state's general fund and constitutes a significant chunk of money — currently $5.3 billion. California's top priority is making payments mandated by federal law, court orders and the state Constitution, such as debt service and education.

While Lutar wishes taxpayers got higher priority, she is grateful that attempts are being made to reach out to asset holders.

John is really one of those politicians you can truly call one of the good guys. Not only does he show up to every community event out there, but he's really trying to make government work for the people of California. We simply can't say enough about him. Go John!