Candidate for
Council Member; City of Glendale

Financial Accountability

In the long range financial plan currently in front of the City Council, the Director of Finance says that our reserves for capital improvement are being depleted rapidly in order to balance the budget and there is no concrete or even specific plans to replace those reserves. As a businesswoman I am used to reviewing and creating financial reports, performance reports and management reports. To achieve financial accountability, the City needs to meet similar standards being applied to corporations by the Sarbanes-Oxley law for financial openness, accuracy and integrity. When you elect me, I will stem the tide of irresponsible fiscal management.

The new Police facility - In speaking to experts in construction and police management, I am told that a sophisticated system of recordkeeping as well as an independent construction manager is essential for a project such as this. Neither were in place as this was built.

This incomplete building is not only overdue but is also way over budget and is the subject of many lawsuits.

When you elect me I will ensure all building projects have professional management that will keep the projects on time and within the budget.

The lawsuit brought by five female officers: There was complete avoidance of the possibility that the city might be at fault and thus a settlement was considered unnecessary. A jury found in favor of the officers. The city's arrogance has cost the taxpayers, you and me, millions of dollars in the settlement and legal fees. Additionally, due to the mere "band aids" that have been applied to the underlying problems, it is also entirely possible that another such lawsuit could be filed against the city, costing taxpayers millions more.

When you elect me a committee of independent experts will be convened to develop a solid plan rather than a band-aid, and recommendations that will bring a healthy working environment for all employees.

Crystal Clear Government

Public Hearings need to be just that. Public. We have the Council meetings televised so that more of the public can still participate in the government of their city. We need to add phone-in lines and more accessibility on the internet. We need to throw open the doors of city governments and let the sun shine in so we all have the opportunity to voice our concerns and opinions at the beginning of the project or idea, not just at the end.

When you elect me, we will have more open government.

Protection of our Children

Our teenagers need more supervised programming to channel their energies into positive activities. Crime, drug use and pregnancies triple during the hours of 3-8 p.m. Our children are our future, they are worth protecting. Women are the predominant nurturers and caretakers of our children and as a socially responsible resident of Glendale I saw the need and took the action necessary to create a Commission devoted to women, to give them a voice in Glendale to the Council. When you elect me, children will be a priority.