League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA March 5, 2013 Election
	Dennis P. Zine Answers Questions Candidate for Controller; City of Los Angeles

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What is the single most important issue facing the Controller’s Office today, and how would you deal with it?

Solutions to the City's structural budget deficit and stimulation of the local economy are the greatest challenges we face. As Controller, I will manage city resources, encourage economic growth, and address key cost drivers.

2. The Controller serves an important audit function. What departments or programs would you prioritize for auditing?

I will implement a performance review of the Controller's office to ensure firm controls over the auditing process and the wise use of limited resources. I will work to conduct fiscal, contract, and performance audits prior to abuse, provide clear paths to reform, and ensure the recommendations are acted upon by tracking real-time departmental budgetary data and implementing a management scorecard system.

3. What management strategies would you implement to avoid payroll system problems in the future?

Government payroll systems are complicated and often fail because they are not designed properly or project teams are not managed. LA's Payroll System Replacement Project is an exception and is well past the risk of failure. If, however, significant modifications or additions to the City's system are proposed during my tenure, I would examine the need and determine if they are truly required. If modifications are required, I would create a strong project management or oversight team within the Controller's office to keep me apprised of the ongoing status of the payroll system project, making sure it is implemented on time and within budget.

4. Do you support the ballot measure to increase the sales tax in the city?

I voted against the current proposed 1/2-cent sales tax in Los Angeles because of the burden it would place on our residents, consumers, and businesses. We need to do a better job of collecting what is owed to us and work to make government as efficient as possible.

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: January 4, 2013 20:27
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