COMMITMENT OF SERVICE TO FRESNO COUNTY

By Paul A. Dictos

In the paragraphs that follow, you will be able evaluate my background, vision and qualifications and also appreciate my deep committment to public service.With the recession years upon us, and the large (24 Billion dollars) deficit at the state level, it is certain that the County will see sharp reductions to its source of revenues from the State of California. This is the time to elect a genuine fiscal conservative (Paul A. Dictos) to the Office of Auditor/Controller.

Paul A. Dictos believes that the election to the position of Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector is not for those who are "looking for a job", or those who want to make a career of government employment. It is for those qualified citizens who are interested in serving the public rather than their own interests and who have a proven record of being "good stewards" of their own financial affairs and those of their clientele. As a member of one of the most trusted groups of professionals, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, he is committed to being the steward of the public trust by protecting your hard earned tax dollars. Paul is not after a career in politics. He is seeking election to the position of Auditor-Controller/Tax Collector-Treasurer out of deep committment to public service. Over the past 27 years in business, God has blessed me handsomely. America has been good to me. Now I am willing to give something back to my community, even if it means financial sacrifices.

STATEMENT ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE

"After many years of work in the private sector and a committment to community service, I am asking for your support in electing me to the position of Auditor-Controller/Tax Collector-Treasurer. If elected, my primary concern will be the protection of your hard earned tax dollars and the maintenance of the highest integrity for our County's fiscal affairs. As a steward of your trust, I want to help make the County of Fresno the envy of the state. I began my career working for the City of Fresno as an Accountant/Auditor over a period of four years. I have been a CPA since 1974 and have a thriving private practice employing five professional staffers. In addition to my record of community service, I have had extensive experience in performing and supervising municipal and governmental audits, citywide cost allocation plans and cost certifications. I have had the priviledge to obtain appointments as an expert witness in litigation involving accounting fraud. I am currently serving as a Peer Reviewer for the California Society of CPAs and for four years have fullfilled the duties of Controller/CFO of a multimillion dollar corporation. I am looking forward to using my expertise by carrying out the duties of this office honestly and efficiently, thereby fulfilling my commitment to you. I am asking for your vote on March 5, 2002.

FOUR POINT PLAN FOR THE STEWARSHIP OF YOUR TAX DOLLARS

PRUDENT BORROWING -Develop an overall policy for debt acquisition, based upon conservative fiscal policies, which could assist the County in meeting long-term infrastracture needs. Fresno County has always maintained a wise and conservative approach to debt accumulation. However, appropriate use of long-term borrowing for major infrastructure needs is a prudent use of debt financing. Especially when it supports critical items such as juvenile facilities and when interest rates are at one-time historical lows. A strong debt accumulation and management policy will help the Board of Supervisors meet critical County needs, save millions in future tax expenditures and prevent unwise, last minute debt decisiions which can harm the County's fiscal integrity.

CREATION OF FIDUCIARY TEAM- The Office of Auditor-Controller/Treaurer-Tax Collector must be part of a strong County fiduciary team that creates efficiencies in County operations and assists the Board with critical financial decisions. A stronger team approach can go beyond standard auditing functions like balancing the books, and lead to increased efficiencies in many financial functions. A team approach, that proactively analyzes County operations on an ongoing basis, can save tax dollars and prevent major cuts when revenue drops. This team can also enhance the Board decisions by providing more and better information in advance of critical financial decisions.

SELECTION OF OUTSIDE AUDITORS- A new method of selecting the County's outside auditor must be established that removes the Office of the Auditor/Controller from the selection process. Currently, the Office of Auditor/Controller is a lead ex-officio member of the Committee that selects the County's outside auditing firm. This creates a serious potential for conflict of interest and can undermine the public's confidence in the results of the outside auditing process.(The recent news of Enron and its outside auditor brings this in focus). An outside committee must be established that would select the outside auditing firm and eliminate any potential conflict of interest.

IMPROVED EMPLOYEE RELATIONS- The Office of the Auditor/Controller must reduce high rates of employee turnover to stabilize operations, increase efficiencies and keep up with the growing demand for services. For the past several years, the Auditor/Controller's office has experienced low employee morale and unusually high rates of personnel turnover. A new emphasis must be made to stabilize and improve the work environment to reduce turnover and prepare the Office for the increasing challenges to be faced during future tight budget years.

AREAS WHERE THE COUNTY CAN CUT COSTS. (To be undated bi-weekly)

BIOGRAPHY Please visit my website at http://www.pauldictos.com to read my biography and see my picture and that of my family.

FINAL PLEA FOR YOUR VOTE

I am asking for your vote on March 5, 2002. Remember, every Republican vote counts. Don't waste it. Your vote is your Voice. Please VOTE for Paul A. Dictos for the Office of Auditor-Controller. Thank you and may God Bless you richly.