Despite the most difficult economic crisis in Poway's history
we have delivered four balanced budgets and maintained the highest percentage of reserves in the county.
Four years ago when I was elected to Poway's City Council the City faced its most challenging economic crisis since it was established in 1980. While other Cities throughout the State refused to read the writing on the wall, that significant fiscal restraint was necessary, we instituted closer monitoring of our budget, reduction of staff though attrition and took all unanticipated revenue and put it into reserve accounts for our streets, pensions and an economic uncertainty fund. As a result even after the State "stole" millions of dollars from our robust Redevelopment Agency, we have been able to deliver Four Balanced Budgets and maintain the highest percentage of reserves in the County. The result, the best maintained streets in the County, the lowest crime rate in the County, lowest unemployment rate, and by all accounts it is still the envy of the County as the "City in the Country".
Now is not the time to change course. Continued fiscal conservatism is the key to maintaining our financial future while at the same time delivering a great quality of life for our citizens.
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