As the upcoming June 3rd election draws near we realize many do not vote because they do not understand the position or the candidate. To that end we are featuring a few candidates allowing our local community to gain a better understanding.
Today we feature Juan Raigoza from the San Mateo County Controllers Office where Juan has worked for the past 13 years. (We also reached out to his opponent former Burlingame Councilmember & CPA Joe Galligan, yet we did not received a reply.)
Juan’s qualifications look great on paper; having a solid history with the Controller’s office including his current position as Assistant Controller. He has received honest endorsements from his current boss, Controller Bob Adler, as well as former Controller Tom Huening. And yes, he has the qualifications needed for this position, and then some.
What is remarkable is this man really enjoys his work and moving from Assistant Controller to Controller is in many ways a promotion which is support by his two ‘bosses’ as well as staff in that office. But our County Controller is an elected position in San Mateo County which puts us, the voters, as his ‘boss’ upon winning this election. And that’s a good thing.
The job requirements are outlined by Sue Lempert of San Mateo Daily Journal in her March 31 2014 article:
The controller is the county’s chief accounting officer. Duties are to properly pay all valid claims against the county, distribute property tax revenue to all cities, schools and special districts (including the county), and be responsible for all financial accounting systems. Finally, the controller has the ability to audit any department or any other governmental entity in the county that keeps its money in the county treasury.
Pretty dry stuff yet important to our county and to our city. This is not a policy making position, nor does it fall upon the County Controller to bring more revenue into our region. It is number crunching and reporting that is essential to the financial health of our county. And that reporting continues to change as the State imposes more regulations and less support to those trusted with getting this right.
Many have heard of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and the fact that Governor Brown has dissolved this arm of local governments that had its own coffers and accounting. South City’s Redevelopment Agency was responsible for the growth realized East of Grand Avenue and downtown as well as a few other ‘blighted’ areas. With the dissolution of the RDA and the creation of the Successor Agency part of those property tax dollars are now coming back to other city services such as schools, police, fire, etc through the San Mateo County Controller’s office. In time a newly designed RDA may come out of the Governor’s office which would once again change up the reporting regulations.
These major changes in laws and regulations support the fact it is imperative the Controller understand the history of these changes. Juan gets this. He’s lived through the history and understands how to successfully navigate through the reporting. He sees where improvements might be made, where increasing efficiencies can streamline time and money. He embraces technology and how to use this to the advantage of the public. He knows how to work with the $2 billion annual budget and the accountability his office is entrusted.
Juan is not a politician. He is the Assistant County Controller and should be promoted to our County Controller by the voters on June 3rd.
Q&A from Everything South City
1. What does the County Controller do?
RAIGOZA: The Controller has the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role, an administrative function, within the County.
Our Office is responsible for handling all financial accounting transactions and preparing financial reports. We also process payroll for County, Courts, and several special districts, are responsible for tax accounting functions, and issue the County’s payments and distributions. We also have an internal audit function that performs financial and compliance audits, and conducts performance audits of County’s operations.
While the Board of Supervisor makes policy decisions, the Controller administers County, State and Federal policies and laws related to financial activities.
2. What would you do to make this position better/ different than how it has been done previously?
RAIGOZA:I will find opportunities to improve the County’s operational and financial results by expanding the use of performance reviews of County’s operations. We will leverage the use of technology to enhance and expand such reviews. I will also expand the financial information available that is available online so that residents can become better informed about the County’s financial activities.
3. How does that translate to the every day SMC voter?
RAIGOZA: As Controller, I will safeguard taxpayer dollars, reduce costs by increasing efficiencies, and improve transparency of financial information.
I will continue to work hard, as I have been for the past 13 years, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent as authorized by ensuring that proper checks and balances are followed. I will continue to find opportunities to improve the County’s operational and financial results by conducting more reviews of the County’s programs and operations.
I agree too. Juan Raigoza has the experience and integrity to be Controller. Do NOT vote for his Tea Party opponent who is a litigious bully who has sued San Bruno and San Mateo County at great cost to taxpayers.
Here’s a photo of Juan’s opponent at a Sarah Palin rally of all things. Truly a picture is worth a thousand words:
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Palin-swings-through-state-and-at-Obama-3266635.php#photo-2416235
Juan Raigoza is a man of integrity. He has my VOTE!
I agree. I heard him speak recently at an endorsement meeting of the Peninsula Stonewall Democrats when he earned our endorsement. He is the man for the job. His understanding of the position is unparalleled; his opponent cannot touch his experience; and his heart is in it every bit of the way. It is his calling.