Fiscal Accountability
Politicians will sling the words “fiscal accountability” or “transparency” around, but do they really have the track record to support the claims? I have spent the past 4 years on city council diligently looking after your tax dollars in our Budget, finances, and financial documents.
I have ensured that:
Staff moved $48 M of idle city funds to actually earn interest the city needs after noticing and inquiring about a non-interest bearing checking account with this much balance - over $2M in interest was lost in a one year period when we were told we could not afford $145k in fireworks
The city follows proper contracting processes including putting jobs out to bid as required, not skipping this step, and not paying on expired contracts after noticing this
The city files tax returns on the Cupertino Public Facilities Corporation after a ten year lapse after researching this and noticing the lapse
The city provides financial documents per schedule requirements
There is a reduced overestimation of budgeted items
The public is provided a listing of Special Projects for public disclosure and transparency, after inquiring
We work to engage the public by removing the Budget ‘knowledge divide’ between the council and the public, so that members of the public are able to comment on the budget
The city forms written contracts instead of honoring allegedly old verbal agreements after finding this practice was even happening
We remove Budget items the city does not have to pay for (extra library hours) after noticing this in the Budget - make an accurate budget
I have done the hard work researching and reviewing where your tax dollars were spent. I have asked questions, and have made sure our city is provided guidance for best practices for improvement and that improvement has been happening. The CDTFA audit drastically altered the city’s financial picture, but with diligent and careful budgeting and work planning, paired with continual process improvement, we can ensure a fiscally sound future.
