Lionel Cade

Lionel B. Cade (August 14, 1918 – April 3, 1990) was an American politician and accountant who served as mayor of Compton, California, from 1977 until 1981.

Biography Cade was born in Hardin County, Texas, on August 14, 1918, the son of Charley and Virginia (Slocum) Cade.

Cade earned a bachelor's degree at the University of San Francisco and a master's from the University of Southern California. in 1977.

Mayor of Compton (1977-1981) An accountant by profession, Cade ordered an audit of the city's finances soon after he took office. He discovered that the city had accumulated $2 million of debt. This finding motivated Cade to initiate a series of cost-cutting measures, enabling the City to pay back its debt within one year. However, this deprived Cade of further room for maneuver after the vote of Proposition 13 in 1978, which was overwhelmingly approved by California voters. The proposition, which resulted in a 60% drop in property tax revenues in California, forced local governments to drastically reduce their spending - a challenge for Cade who had already eliminated much of the unnecessary spending from Compton's budget.

In his 1981 reelection campaign, Cade lost to his opponent, Walter R. Tucker, Jr., a local dentist. Cade later moved to Stockton, where he spent the remainder of his life with his wife.

Other offices Other offices held by Cade during his 21 years in Compton include: president of the Chamber of Commerce, board member of the National Council of Campfire, and field deputy for state Sen. Ralph C. Dills. He was also active in the Rotary Club.