The City of Carson Deserves Honest Leadership

By Karen Avilla

CARSON VOTERS DON'T BE MISLEAD BY SCARE TACTICS

Carson's Financial Condition

The City of Carson currently enjoys reserve balances of $25 million or 40% of its budget. The City has a bond rating of "AAA" by Standard and Poors and "Aaa" by Moodys. In fact, we are the envy of many cities throughout the nation. Our city has not experienced reserve balances below 40% since 1994. In the early 90's we faced our most difficult times when reserves were near 20% and our reserves were under $7 million. Those were scary times. I remember employee lay-offs and severe cutbacks...I WAS THERE as an employee. I can assure you we are in no way facing financial crisis as you may have been falsely told.

The Treasurer's Duties

The most misleading statement you may have been told is that the "Treasurer's job is to provide sound advice in ensuring that the City's expenditures are balanced with City revenues." THIS IS NOT THE TREASURER'S JOB.

Very simply put, by state statute, the Treasurer's duties are to safeguard the public's funds by safely receiving, recording, disbursing and investing those funds. I am very proud to have attained the distinction of a Certified California Municipal Treasurer in 1999 and everyday that I have served you I live by its code of ethics:

• To protect, preserve and maintain intact cash, investments and other assets placed in trust with the Treasurer on behalf of the residents of the community.
• To promote principles of good government. To be dedicated to the concepts of effective and efficient local government service being provided by elected and appointed Treasurers.
• To maintain personal conduct in such a manner as will enhance the stature of the profession and its ability to serve the public.
• To observe the profession's technical standards and continually strive to improve the Treasurers' level of competence.
• To be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor, integrity, and objectivity in all public and professional relationships, and to function within existing legal guidelines.
• To encourage the development of clear lines of communication between residents and elected officials, administrative officers and employees.