Good Governance and Protecting the City’s Financial Future

Over the past four years, I have learned some hard and important lessons about governing our city. 

Our city is currently in a deficit recovery period, and I take that reality seriously. The most important lesson I have learned is that good intentions are not enough—good governance requires financial discipline, transparency, accountability, and asking the difficult questions before a problem becomes a crisis. That is why I worked hard as the co-chair of Measure K1 to bring in over $400 million over 20 years to fund core services for Hayward.

Going forward, my number one priority will be restoring and protecting Hayward’s financial solvency. Because if we cannot pay our bills, maintain our infrastructure, provide essential services, and build a sustainable city government, then none of our other priorities—no matter how worthwhile—can succeed. I will bring the lessons of the past four years with me, ask tougher questions, demand greater transparency, and work to ensure that every dollar we spend advances a financially sustainable future for Hayward.