Candidate for
City Treasurer; City of South Gate

Dear Fellow Community Members,

I am a 38 year old married mother of two, and a small business owner. One daughter attends San Gabriel Ave. Elementary School and our other daughter attends South Gate High School. I have lived in South Gate for more than 30 years. I graduated from South Gate High school in 1988. I have been a community volunteer for the past 23 years.

I am the founder or South Gate R.O.C.K.S (Recognizing Our Community, Kids and Students). We are a non-profit organization here to serve our community and youth through programs, community service and events. We currently sponsor a Youth Team at South Gate High School with members of more than 50 students. The South Gate R.O.C.K.S. Youth Team is dedicated to serve our schools, community and country. I am very committed to serve and mentor our youth.

I am very concerned about the state of City. In June 2006 the City filed a status of "State of Financial Crisis" with the state of California, but in the budget for General Fund expenditures for the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the City included an added new expense of $4.1 million for employee salaries and benefits. From a business stand point, why is the City giving salary increases when they don't have the money to spend. If we have been in a "State of Financial Crisis" since June 2006, why did the City spend money they do not have? Why did they approve raises KNOWING the City is in a "State of Financial Crisis"?

We had a special election this last year, June 2008, which cost us $80,000. The special election included Measure P, which was a measure to increase the sales tax in South Gate by 1 percent. This measure did pass, which means we have been paying an additional 1 percent sales tax since October 1, 2008. We now pay 9.25 percent. This now results in the City of South Gate receiving an estimated $7.7 million dollars more in sales tax revenue on top of the already $7.7 million dollars a year we currently receive.

Measure P promised to increase afterschool and mentoring programs, expand anti-gang and anti-drug programs and support programs for our seniors, among other positive services for our City. Now that we are aware that we will have the money to accomplish these vital services, I want to make sure there will be accountability and no mismanagement of funds.

I am committed to serve my community members, local businesses and youth. I will work hard to restore the City's reputation to one that is positive and honorable.

Please support me by voting for Leticia Fernandez for City Treasurer on March 3, 2009. Your vote counts.

Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Leticia Fernandez For South Gate City Treasurer
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