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Responsibility: Ensuring Financial Accountability and Effective City Services

 

As a Candidate for City Council, I believe that our primary responsibility is to manage taxpayer dollars with the utmost care and transparency. We must prioritize sound budgeting, protect public funds, and ensure that the services we provide are not only efficient but also result in tangible benefits for our community.

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1. Sound Budgeting:

   • The financial health of our city is essential for long-term sustainability. I propose that we adopt a budget that is both balanced and forward-looking, ensuring that resources are allocated to critical needs without overspending. By continuously reviewing and adjusting our budgetary priorities, we can ensure that Eureka remains financially resilient in the face of economic changes.

   • Action Plan: Regular budget reviews, performance audits, and meeting continually with the city budget advisory committee to ensure that all expenditures are necessary and cost-effective​

2. Protecting Taxpayer Money:

   • Every dollar spent must serve the best interest of the people who fund our city’s operations. I will advocate for transparent spending practices and for public funds to be spent only on essential services. We will explore innovative ways to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and avoid unnecessary costs.

   • Action Plan: Implementing strict oversight for all city expenditures, including a public reporting mechanism to ensure transparency. We will also leverage technology to enhance procurement processes and reduce administrative costs.

3. Ensuring City Services Deliver Results:

   • It’s not enough to simply allocate funds to city services; we must ensure those services are delivering real, measurable outcomes. Whether it's public safety, road maintenance, or community programs, we need clear metrics to track performance and hold departments accountable for results.

   • Action Plan: Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for each department to assess their effectiveness and to ensure that the services they provide are meeting the needs of our citizens. Additionally, I will encourage ongoing community engagement to make sure that city services are responsive to the evolving needs of Eureka’s residents.

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It's about being responsible with our city's resources. That means taking a disciplined, common sense, data-driven approach to budgeting and spending, while always keeping the needs of our community at the forefront. By focusing on sound financial practices, protecting taxpayer money, and ensuring that our services are both efficient and effective, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Eureka for everyone.