Good Governance and Protecting the City’s Financial Future

Over the past four years in my first term on the Hayward City Council, I have learned some important lessons about governing our city. 

For those who don't know, 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 a consistent and continuing commitment to financial discipline, transparency, accountability, and asking the difficult questions before a problem ever becomes a problem, or worst yet, a crisis. That is one of the reasons why I worked hard to help contribute to the city's fiscal recovery as the co-chair of Measure K1 to secure over $400 million over 20 years to fund core services for Hayward.

Going forward, my #1 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. Fortunately, I am now armed with the lessons of the past four years, and I am actively asking tougher questions, demanding greater transparency, and working to ensure that every dollar we spend advances a financially sustainable future for Hayward.