My Priorities as State Treasurer

By Greg Conlon

My primary goal is to make California financially strong and help ensure that taxpayers get more services for their tax dollars.

We must act now to avoid a downward spiral in the financial position and management of our state funds. With your help I can put 30 years of experience in business financial and accounting matters, combined with years of public service in the critical areas of energy, transportation, and education# to work for the greater good of California.

I began my public sector experience almost 10 years ago when Governor Pete Wilson appointed me as a Commissioner of the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for six years (two years as President) and a Commissioner of the California Transportation Commission for three years. During my tenure on the PUC, telecommunications competition was instituted resulting in dramatic long distance rate reductions for consumers in California. Serving on these Commissions has given me hands-on experience with two of the most critical State agencies.

Prior to these appointments, I spent 30 years in the private sector as a CPA with a Big Five Public Accounting Firm (Andersen), working with corporations to streamline expense and improve financial management.

My primary goal is to make California financially strong and help ensure that taxpayers get more services for their tax dollars. Among other things, my priorities will be to:

1. Improve the State's Credit Rating. The recent downgrading means millions of taxpayer dollars are being wasted on higher interest payments instead of improving California roads, schools, and infrastructure. I will work to streamline government and cut government waste to get our bond rating back on solid ground.

2. Get the State Government Out of the Energy Business. The state has proved itself ill-equipped to finance or manage our energy needs as is evidenced by the $43 billion in contracts that now appear to be overpaying current rates by 500%. The private sector has successfully handled California's electricity, natural gas, and telephone needs for over 100 years. The state should renegotiate electricity contracts and consider selling those contracts to third party public utilities or private corporations.

3. Create a Strategic Plan to Finance California's Growing Infrastructure Needs. California is confronting a mounting state deficit with no clear vision or strategic plan for future capital expenditures. Without careful planning, our infrastructure # roads, schools, public works # will further deteriorate. Within the Treasurer's office, I will immediately apply proven business principles to streamline management and work with the Governor and legislature to create an effective strategic plan to finance California's growth.

I would very much appreciate your vote, endorsement and financial support. With your help I pledge to run the State's finances in a fiscally prudent and conservative manner of which you will be proud.