The Treasurer’s office exists to serve as an independent fiscal watchdog for our community, not as a rubber stamp for City Hall. As a third-generation Covina resident, I understand how today’s decisions shape our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our quality of life for decades to come. My commitment to responsible oversight is rooted not only in policy, but in a lifelong investment in the city my family has called home for generations and the generations still to come.
Covina deserves a Treasurer who answers to residents, not political insiders.
Maintaining a balanced budget is essential to Covina’s long-term stability. I support disciplined spending, responsible reserve management, and structural planning that prioritizes essential services over discretionary pet projects. Too often, financial burdens are shifted onto working families and seniors to fund non-core initiatives. Strong finances require clear priorities, fiscal restraint, and a commitment to protecting residents first.
Short-term decisions should never compromise Covina’s financial future. In recent years, long-term plans like our 15-year master bike and mobility strategy and road repaving commitments were set aside for costly stopgap measures that increased expenses over time. I support multi-year forecasting, disciplined capital planning, and responsible contract oversight to reduce long-term liabilities and protect core services. Fiscal responsibility is not just about today’s budget. It is about safeguarding the next generation.
Over the past four years, I have been the consistent dissenting voice when City decisions put taxpayers at risk. I have publicly called out questionable financial practices and conflicts of interest of elected officials. Especially when it was unpopular with City leadership. Oversight is not about going along to get along; it is about protecting residents from overreach. I will continue to serve as an independent fiscal watchdog who answers to taxpayers not political pressure.
I oppose extending the Utility Users Tax. Just as we don’t tax groceries, we shouldn’t be taxing basic necessities like electricity, gas, and water. Government should not balance its budget on unavoidable household expenses. At a time of rising utility costs, this regressive tax hits working families and seniors the hardest and makes Covina less affordable.
I support bringing the incorporated islands into the City. These areas already benefit from Covina services like parks and the library, yet city residents shoulder the financial responsibility alone. A broader, fairer tax base can support hiring additional police officers and improving services. Annexation ensures everyone who uses city services contributes fairly to their cost.
City funds should focus on essential services: safe streets, maintained roads, and reliable infrastructure. Large discretionary spending on downtown projects (nearly $500k annually for Micro mobility contractor running Fric & Frac or $100k Murals) should not come ahead of residents’ everyday needs. Strong fiscal stewardship means funding priorities in the right order.
Covina allows campaign contributions of up to $5,900. Larger than the $3,500 limit an individual can give to a candidate running for Congress. Nearly ten times higher than neighboring West Covina’s $600 cap. Large donation limits create pay-to-play conflicts in zoning, development, and city decision-making. I support lowering contribution limits to restore public trust and ensure decisions are made on merit, not money.
City contractors and regulated utilities should not contribute to the campaigns of elected officials responsible for overseeing their contracts. The council has signed a 25 year auto renewing contract for trash, while those same members accept $5900 campaign checks from Athens Services. As a result, Covina’s rates are substantially higher than nearby cities; transparency matters. I support a contractor contribution ban to protect taxpayers and restore trust in the contracting process.
Good governance requires more than disclosure, it requires accountability. I support strengthening conflict-of-interest rules for local elected officials, closing loopholes that undermine public confidence, and implementing enforceable consequences when those standards are violated. Independent oversight, and consistent enforcement are essential to restoring trust and ensuring City decisions are made in the public interest.
As Treasurer, I provide independent oversight and a fiscal check on City Hall. But lasting change requires votes on the City Council. If we want stronger ethics rules, smarter budgeting, and resident-first priorities, we need leaders who are willing to act. That is why I am strongly supporting candidates this June who are committed to transparency, accountability, and affordability. Working together, we can deliver these reforms and build a stronger, more responsible future for Covina.
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