NEIL'S PERSONAL VOTING RECOMENDATIONS

I am a third generation Covina resident, born and raised in the City. I bring a lifetime of local experience and have been deeply involved in Covina civic life for more than a decade. In addition to serving the last four years as Covina City Treasurer, I have regularly attended and spoken at public meetings in my personal capacity, including City Council meetings, commissions, boards, and community meetings.

I have also spent years reviewing public records, campaign finance filings, agendas, minutes, contracts, property records, and other documents that help explain how decisions are made in Covina. That work has helped me understand political, financial, and ownership connections that are not always obvious at first glance. Everyone has to have a hobby, and local government meetings have definitely become one of mine.

When it comes to Covina politics, I have spent years doing the homework. This page reflects that experience and my personal views on the races and issues most directly affecting Covina residents. My expertise is strongest in local Covina races, and offices that intersect with Treasurer focused topics like Insurance Commissioner or Board of Equalization.

More information on my process building this list at the bottom of the page.

Links and information on voting can be found using the button below:

Voting Details

COVINA CITY WIDE RACES

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

I combine real world business experience with a proven record of independent oversight as Covina City Treasurer. I'm focused on accountability, affordability, transparency, opposing unnecessary taxes, and making City Hall work for residents, not special interests. I’m running to protect taxpayer dollars and keep Covina financially stable for the future.

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Susan Zermeno for City Clerk

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

Susan Zermeno brings a resident focused approach to the City Clerk’s office, centered on transparency, accessibility, and public trust. Her campaign is focused on improving communication with residents, strengthening public notice and records access, and making City Hall more open and accountable.

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COVINA CITY Council Races

Covina City Council seats are elected by district, meaning residents only vote for the council race in the district where they live. This year, only Districts 1, 3, and 5 are on the ballot. Residents in Districts 2 and 4 will not see a City Council race this election because those seats will next appear on the ballot in 2028.

Find Your District

Dr Bri Serrano for District 5

Dr. Bri Serrano brings a strong focus on affordability, renters rights, and advocacy for marginalized communities. Their campaign has stayed laser focused on Covina, with an emphasis on housing stability, community representation, and making sure local government works for all residents.

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Sarah Rizvi for District 3

Sarah Rizvi is a passionate advocate for the community who understands the importance of transparency, accountability, and investing in residents. Her experience as a grant writer gives her the ability to help bring new funding and opportunities to Covina without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.

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Hector Delgado for District 1

Unopposed races are never my preference, but Hector Delgado has distinguished himself by putting residents first and moving beyond political labels when making decisions for the city. He has shown independence, a willingness to listen to the community, and a focus on practical solutions over partisan positioning.

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Other Local

No on Measure CC

Measure CC was not placed on the ballot because Covina is facing a financial emergency. During my time as City Treasurer, the city has maintained balanced budgets and strong reserves. Instead, this measure was proposed because if the separate LA County sales tax measure passes, the countywide sales tax cap could be reached, limiting future local increases.

Do not be misled into thinking Measure CC replaces or blocks the county measure. It does not. In the only modern example where competing sales tax measures tied, both taxes ultimately took effect, pushing the combined rate above the supposed cap.

The revenue from Measure CC would go directly into Covina’s general fund with no binding restrictions on how the money is spent. The list of projects and services now being used to market the measure was created after the fact and largely copied from the city’s 2018 sales tax campaign. None of it is guaranteed.

At a time when residents are already struggling with affordability, raising the sales tax increases the cost of nearly everything families buy. It hurts residents, makes local businesses less competitive, and pushes spending into neighboring cities.

Gil Cisneros for US Representative 31st District

Gil Cisneros has been a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity throughout his public service. As a former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, he worked to strengthen inclusion, expand opportunity, and support one of the most diverse workforces in the country. He continues that commitment today as a member of the Congressional Freethought Caucus. His leadership reflects a commitment to representation, civil rights, and making government work for everyone.

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State Races

Jane Kim for Insurance Commissioner

Jane Kim has built her campaign for Insurance Commissioner around holding insurance companies accountable and making coverage more affordable for working families. She has pledged not to accept insurance industry money and has focused her campaign on consumer protection, transparency, and making sure the insurance system works for Californians, not corporate interests.

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Samuel P. Sukaton for BoE 3rd District

Samuel Sukaton has built his campaign for the State Board of Equalization around fairness, accountability, and making California’s tax system more transparent and accessible. With a background in labor organizing and public policy, he has focused on modernizing government processes, protecting taxpayers, and making sure the system works for working families, not just politically connected interests.

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How to use this page

These recommendations are meant to help voters navigate a long ballot, especially in local races that often receive less attention. I encourage you to read, compare, and make your own decision. My goal is to share the perspective I have developed from years of following Covina civic life, not to tell anyone how they must vote.

Some candidates listed here have received my formal endorsement, while others have not. I do not agree with every candidate on every issue. In every case, their inclusion means that among the available options, I believe they are the best choice for Covina residents.

What I considered

In making these recommendations, I considered qualifications, independence, transparency, record of public service, campaign funding, and whether a candidate and their policies appear focused on residents or special interests. I also considered experience with Covina issues, public engagement, and demonstrated commitment to the community.

Campaign finance is an important part of that review. Contributions can show which interests are trying to influence an election and who may expect access afterward. I pay special attention to large donations, contributions from those with business before the relevant government body, and patterns that suggest pay to play politics.

Very few candidates meet the contribution standards I have set for myself, especially in larger races that require bigger budgets. Inclusion in this page should not be read as an approval of every contribution or fundraising choice.

Transparency on Conflicts or Relationships

Because this guide focuses heavily on local Covina races, it should be assumed that I have had some level of interaction with many of the candidates mentioned. That may include public meetings, endorsement interviews, campaign events, community forums, or other civic and political spaces.

Those relationships vary. In some cases, it may be nothing more than sharing a Zoom screen during an endorsement process or having a brief conversation at an event. In others, it may include a professional working relationship developed through years of community involvement. In all cases, these are civic or professional connections. I do not have any personal or family relationship, financial conflict of interest, or business interest involving any candidate featured on this page, or any unnamed candidate in the same races.

I view this local familiarity as a feature, not a flaw. It gives me context beyond campaign mailers, slogans, and websites. It helps me understand how candidates show up, how they answer questions, and how they engage with the community when voters may not be watching.

In races where I do not have meaningful information beyond what is publicly available, I will not make a recommendation. If I leave a race out, it is because I do not have useful context beyond what is already available to voters (or it is not the ballot for Covina residents).

Disclaimer

These recommendations reflect my personal views and are offered as one resource for voters considering the races on their ballot. You are free to use all, some, or none of these recommendations as you make your own decisions.

All recommendations were made independently, without coordination, review, or approval from any candidate, campaign, committee, or organization mentioned. No payment, contribution, or other consideration was received for inclusion or exclusion from this guide.

No additional campaign expense was incurred to produce or publish this guide beyond services already being paid for by Neil Polzin for Covina City Treasurer 2026 and the personal time used to research, write, and share these recommendations.

NEIL'S PERSONAL VOTING RECOMENDATIONS

COVINA CITY WIDE RACES

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

Susan Zermeno for City Clerk

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

Neil Polzin for City Treasurer

COVINA CITY Council Races

Dr Bri Serrano for District 5

Sarah Rizvi for District 3

Hector Delgado for District 1

Other Local

No on Measure CC

Gil Cisneros for US Representative 31st District

State Races

Jane Kim for Insurance Commissioner

Samuel P. Sukaton for BoE 3rd District

More info

How to use this page

What I considered

Transparency on Conflicts or Relationships

Disclaimer

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