Candidate for
City Treasurer; City of Carson

Dear Voters,

Below I have provided a copy of the interview questions asked by the Daily Breeze Newspaper editorial board to assist them in making their endorsement decision. I share my responses with you as I believe it will give you a insight to the responsibilities of the City Treasurer and a candid picture of my philosophy:

Questions for Carson Treasurer Candidates

1. Could you tell us your top three priorities for the next four years and why voters should re-elect you?

• To protect the financial stability and fiscal integrity of the City of Carson
• To ensure fraud prevention and detection remain a top priority in the City of Carson.
• The implementation of an electronic cash receipting system throughout all city facilities to include the acceptance of internet payments and the adoption of a strengthened cash handling policy.

2. Please explain how your program for fraud prevention and detection is working and what additional steps need to be taken in the future.

The fraud prevention program has resulted in the revision of a number of policies, namely the cell phone policy and use of city vehicle policy. Additionally, it has resulted in the arrest of one individual and pending criminal charges on another. I believe it is working very well. I would like to broaden the publicity of it by including at least an annual story in the City's Carson Report and adding the hotline number on every publication the city puts out.

3. Is the city getting the best return on its investments now? Are there changes you would like to make in the next four years to maximize the city's investment income?

The City's funds are invested in accordance with Government Code and our earnings are commensurate with current market rates. The strategy to investing public funds is normally "buy and hold" which allows for a safe return on your investment and allows for a portfolio with laddered maturity dates to remain more consistent. I don't anticipate making any changes to the conservative strategy which has been utilized for the 17 years I have been in this office...my first priority, as with any public treasurer, is safety of principal, then liquidity, then yield. I currently manage over $200 million dollars and have earned nearly $30 million in interest for the city/agency. We have never lost one penny to risky investments and will not on my watch.

4. Should the treasurer have a role in shaping city policies with the City Council?

I believe the Treasurer should have an active role in shaping any city policy that may potentially result in an abuse of public funds. As such, I have taken an active role in strengthening of policies related to: city vehicle usage, cell phone usage and travel for city employees and elected officials. Additionally, after the adoption of AB1234 which placed a requirement for ethics training for elected officials who travel at city expense. I initiated and coordinated an annual training class open to all employees, elected officials and commissioner who might travel at the city's expense. We were viewed by the League of California Cities, who provided the training, as a pro-active city ahead of the curve.

5. Do you seek any changes in the structure of the office or its relationship with other city departments?

I do not see a need for any changes in the structure of our office or its relationship with other city departments. Since assuming the post of City Treasurer in 2001 I have established a more open working environment with other city departments. When and wherever possible we extend a helping hand, share responsibilities, workload and information. My philosophy is we are all on the same team and we work together for the betterment of the community. As an example, recent changes requested by other departments have impacted our banking services (the creation of an automatic debit system for payment of membership services at Veterans Sports Complex) and third party administrator for dental fund (employee benefits). We have worked with those departments for a seamless transition of services.

6. Please discuss any other issue that is central to your campaign for treasurer.

The City of Carson has experienced a great deal of political turmoil during my tenure with the City, which began in 1982. I began my career as a "Kelly Girl" (temp) in the City Clerk's Office...I like to say that I am self-taught and attended the school of hard knocks right here within the walls of City Hall. I have worked my way up through the rank and file to the position I currently am elected to, Carson City Treasurer. I am the third City Treasurer in the City of Carson, which is 39 years old but have the most years experience in the office. I have been here since 1989, or 17 years. I believe the City needs to maintain stability in the Office of the City Treasurer and I have the unique ability to provide the City with both stability and institutional memory.