by Laurie Frater
At this morning’s monthly meeting of the Pacifica Democrats, the three Democrats in the race to replace Lee Buffington as San Mateo County Treasurer took part in a candidate’s forum. (The fourth candidate, Republican Joe Galligan, a CPA, was not present.) Perhaps the most striking thing about the event was that so few attended – the candidates and their families outnumbered the members in attendance by 8:7 by my count – which meant that the Q&A session afterwards was considerably more intimate than usual.
The Lehman Brothers fiasco and its direct impact on Pacificans was mentioned often, and concerns about the investment side of the office predominated, but it was also made clear that investment is not the only issue facing that office. Rather than being like fund management and investing for long term gain, it is more akin to managing cash flow – think of an interest-bearing checking account! Income (predominantly property taxes) is typically disbursed within months of receipt, so the investment focus is on preserving capital while making sure that the funds are available to cities, school districts and other agencies within the timeline in which they have budgeted to spend it.
The low turnout was a pity as this is an important race, but each candidate made a strong case for their selection. Why couldn’t two of them have been just slightly awful? Each boasts an impressive list of endorsements, and each voiced a distinctly different perspective of the position:
Sandie Arnott has been with the Treasurer’s office for over 20 years, is the current Deputy, and is clearly itching to take the reins. “I can be effective from day one” she said, adding that if one of the others was elected, she’d be the one training them for the job! She admitted suffering from the “guilt by association” that has surrounded recriminations over the Lehman losses, but made a strong case for being the only candidate who would not be learning the ropes and who could make changes armed with a complete and thorough knowledge of existing processes.
Richard Guilbault, proprietor of Guilbault Asset Management, is a Burlingame-based investment advisor with years of experience of managing local government agency funds. He made the case that he is the only candidate with a long history of working with Wall Street, with an intimate understanding of and experience in the investment business, and that under his stewardship, we’d be best placed to avoid any future events like the Lehman Brothers debacle or the poor investment decisions that caused Orange County to default more than a decade ago. He has long been critical of Lee Buffington’s management of the office (some may remember that Guilbault previously ran for this office in 1994) and is committed to making it a more transparent and financially sound agency.
Dave Mandelkern is a veteran founder of Silicon Valley start-up companies and is no stranger to elected office in San Mateo County. He is currently on the board of trustees of the local community college district and is Vice Chairman of the California State Parks Foundation, among many others, so is fully familiar with funding and cash-flow issues affecting agencies within the county. He is also the only candidate to have been endorsed by the San Mateo County Democratic Party for this race. He made a compelling case for adopting solutions that have been successful in his other ventures – particularly using the best practices from other agencies and external sources to improve both the management and the taxpayer accountability of the office.
It’s a shame that any one of these fine candidates must lose! I’d urge everyone to at least Google each of the candidates before voting, but I came away leaning towards voting for Dave Mandelkern. I felt that he best conveyed his vision of what the office should be, and that he has the track record to turn that vision into reality.
The election will be on the June ballot. If no single candidate garners over 50% of the vote, there will be a runoff between the top two vote-getters from the June race on the ballot in November. Whichever candidate wins, we’ll be writing their name on large checks for at least each of the next four years.
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This is a really good follow-up report Laurie, sorry the meeting wasn't well attended today. Those of us who didn't attend probably need to do some research.
The Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) law suit against Goldman has been in the news today. Got to love the SEC-- speaking of accountability, they are the securities oversight organization. Where were they PRIOR to this several year round of major financial debacle?
Which date has the Pacifica Democrats reserved for the San Mateo County Coroner's debate?
Necrotic...being funny, huh? Yes, the Pacifica Democrats Club speakers of interest brought-in to our community is the closest thing Pacifica has to a Commonwealth Club. Frequently these speakers are county officials, candidates, sometimes panels. Not being was a missed opportunity for those of us who did not attend.
We're going to be voting for our County Treasurer, which one?
The public is invited to all these meetings.
The Coroner's debate was in February, Ned. Sorry you missed it!
This article in the Trib can help you research the hotly contested Coroner's race.
More importantly, it helped me on the Board of Supes race. There is no way that I'm voting for April Vargas with her "I haven't taken a formal position" response to the Sharp Park fiasco. We get enough mealy-mouthed fence-straddling to appease their environmental buddies on the Pacifica council. Michael Stogner ("stated emphatically that he is all for keeping the Sharp Park Golf Course as an 18-hole golf course") gets my vote.
Hello Laurie: I, too, attended the presentation to the Pacific Democratic Club by the three democratic candidates for San Mateo County Treasurer/Tax Collector and was also disappointed by the low turnout. It was an excellent program and presented a good opportunity to hear different approaches to an office that is so important to us in Pacifica.
I walked away with this conclusion. I’m convinced Richard Guilbault is the person we need. He has 27 years experience in managing city and county investments of all kinds. He’s worked on Wall Street and is fully accredited. He also has a background in some top Silicon Valley high tech businesses like Hewlett Packard. San Mateo County cannot take another hit like the $150 million Lehman Brothers loss, much less Pacifica’s share of over $600 thousand lost.
If this was an appointed position, Mr. Guilbault would be the only one fully credentialed for the job. While the other candidates may be good at what they do, they do not have the credentials and proven experience for the most important part of the Treasure/Tax Collector job, and that is making sure our money is safe.
That's one vote for each; looks like it'll be a close race!
An update:
I've been suspicious of the post from "Victoria"!
I didn't recognize her as one of the seven local members at the meeting, not to mention that the text of her post included text that was very similar to text in an email I received directly from Richard Guilbault.
After consulting with others who were at the meeting, the consensus is that she was not one of the locals, but must have been there with one of the candidates. I wonder which one?
Having public comment is one thing, but having an interested party try to pass comment as though she is just a disinterested party makes me question the ethics involved.
I'll let you draw your own conclusions, but unless "Victoria" wants to out herself and prove me wrong, this has definitely narrowed the field for me!
It is a shame that Joe Galligan a Republican and the fourth candidate for Tax Collector/Treasurer was not invited simply because the event was hosted by the Pacifica Democrats. The election is a non-partisan race. Joe is a CPA with a Masters in Tax who recently passed the Series 7 General Securities Representative Test course required for financial advisers, which follows a rigorous course in investment management best practices. Joe has served on Burlingame's City Counsel and was Burlingame's mayor. He currently serves on a number of civic and special needs boards. He is the only candidate endorsed by three of the five County Supervisors (the remaining 2 have made no endorsesments) and by the Controller, Sheriff, Undersheriff and Coroner. I have seen no endorsements from County Officials for either Mr. Mandlekern or Mr. Guilbault. The only County official endorsing Ms. Arnott is Lee Buffington, her long time boss. Although Ms. Arnott has been employed by the Treasuer's Office for 20 years, the exact nature and scope of her past and current responsibilities remains unclear despite her title. If one felt strongly about Democratic party affiliation, then Mr. Mandelkern clearly holds the strongest credentials . If the candidate's party is not of concern, then Joe Galligan remains the strongest of all candidates to take the seat as San Mateo County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Or, check-out COUNTY TREASURER COMPARISON of google research available.
I think these candidates each offer solutions, but a new general securities, Series 7 from my view is immaterial (its just another horrible test to take, and has nothing to do with the kind of understanding that comes with experience). The best experience Joe Galligan offers is his CPA background and having served on Burlingame city council 8 years...that's got to be better than serving on Pacifica city council where there seems to be nothing to learn.
Is it the case that Joe Guilbault wasn't invited to the Pacifica Democrats Treasurers Forum or did not attend for his own reasons. For such a non-partisan office does anyone really care about party affiliation, and are all the other candidates really Democrats?
The investments made by San Mateo county seem to be mostly "low risk" Bond Funds and money markets reviewed by rating agencies which failed to do their job, invested through the securities brokerage firm Lehman, which collapsed. Based upon recall, the county funds invested were $1 billion+, the total losses were $155 million. Hence, total losses were about -15%, but an actually 10 year gain was something like 3.5%. That's a lot better than most of us fared.
It truely was the case that Joe Galligan was not invited when it was discovered that he was an "alledged" Republican. Also, the other candidates have made it a point to declare their party affiliation - even in their campaign literature and web sites even though this is a non-partisan race. 'Nuff said. The Lehman loss was not in instruments invested by the investment banking firm, but rather in corporate paper issued by Lehman. Securities held in a Lehman account would be covered by SIPC when Lehman failed. Had the County been watching, they might have gotten out when Lehman began its decline years before the collapse. In any case, "investment genius" brought up this subject, not me. I am curious, which of the other candidates does "investment genius" consider to have the appropriate "experience" and what is the exact nature of the "experience"? Joe Galligan, Dave Mandlekern and Richard Guilbault all have publically verifiable "experience". Sandie Arnott has only spoken in generalities concerning her background and experience. From all public sources, it seems she has held supervisory positions in the Treasuer's Office but holds no degrees or generally acceptable certifications in finance (CPA, Financial Advisor, etc.)She does not claim to have managed County Investments. So, which candidate has the "experience" that out-weighs financial credentials like passing the Series 7?
Even I passed the Series 7, so it's not that big of a deal. In reading the campaign websites, Joe Galligan's website said passing the Series 7 was a requirement for the position, so nobody's going to have a leg up on anyone for having passed the test.
From Joe Galligan's campaign website - "I have taken and passed the Series 7 General Securities Representative Test course required for financial advisers, which follows a rigorous course in investment management best practices and is now a State requirement for those wanting to serve in this important position."
Unless its changed since 1993 when I took it, the Series 7 was mostly about rules, regulations, and the mechanics of Wall Street. I had almost nothing to do with how to invest wisely.
The more I look at the candidates, the less I like any of them.
Anonymous, well you're right that the Democratic Party Charter does not allow candidates other than Democrats to attend their candidates forum. This afternoon I sent an email to Barbara Arietta who schedules these events, and that's what the Democratic County By Laws require even though a position is non-partisan. Speaking for myself (and from what I'm pretty sure I know about Barbara) having all candidates present in a forum would be preferred. Guess that's why we still a city forum that is non-partisan for such events, more like a Commonwealth Club.
Let's not let this happen in the Fall for city council candidates or for the future. Why don't you contact me at improvedeconomy@gmail.com. We can begin to figure out how to schedule these bipartisan events for the benefit of all concerned.
SIPC INSURANCE up to as much as $500,000 (including $100,000 cash) when a securities firm fails.
Steve, I am sorry. My intention was not to focus on the Series 7. I merely meant to include it as an important certification in contrast to candidates who have none. I am trying to provide clarity with respect to the candidates. Dave Mandelkern is an accomplished entrepenuer with vision, but not a professional finance expert. His business record reflects caprice, not measured stability combined with vision. Richard Guilbault is a financial advisor, but does not have a public service perspective. Sandie Arnott has been an administrative assistant and supervisor in the Treasurer's Office with no higher education and no valid certificatons in finance. She did not manage investments and had no responsibility for the collection of taxes or complex tax accounting. Joe Galligan has demonstrated public service, adminstrative knowledge and experience and the appropriate education and certifications to do the job. Despite appearences, I am not being partisan. These are the only contenders. I am curious to know why you are discounting Joe Galligan.
Kathy, Thanks for the clarification. I will follow up with you.
I STRONGLY agree with Kathy. We need a non-partisan forum for these types of events.
Right on Steve! I agree. In my opinion, the Pacifica Democrats should have hosted an open forum for this non-partisan event.
Why is it that I get this funny little feeling that if the candidate was a member of the Green Party, they would have been given an invite?
Steve and Kathy, too many Anonymous's so I took this name. The citizens of San Mateo County need to beware and take a long hard look at the candidates for Tax Collector-Treasurer - particularly Ms. Arnott. We need to examine her credentials and experience.
"I am curious to know why you are discounting Joe Galligan."
I'm not trying to discount Joe Galligan, but I don't think the Series 7 is a big deal. While I give anyone who passes the Series 7 props, because it isn't an easy test, it's deceptive to make it sound like it's evidence of competence when it comes to finance or investment management. It's not. His CPA, Masters in Taxation, and experience with city government in Burlingame are much more relevant.
Unfortunately, I'm relatively unfamiliar with all of the candidates, so I don't have any preferences at the moment. I will say that I'm very turned off when supporters of certain candidates spend more time bad-mouthing other candidates than explaining why their own candidate should be elected.
Steve, I agree. I have looked very closely at the other candidates and do believe Joe is the best choice based on his experience and credentials. Again, I am not focusing on the Series 7 exam. My previous blog summarizes the reasons for my selection. I am familiar with the other candidates.
Steve. It is good when there is more than one qualified candidate running for office and then I agree bashing is very bad BUT..sometimes a candidate is so toxic, that person must be exposed. For instance Bernie Madoff is running for the senate and you know what he did. In that case the basher has to take the heat.
So who are you bashing "Whistleblower"? If you were Anonymous prior, we may never sort that one out.
Kathy, the anonymous that you suggested to email you is now Fiscal Conservative and not Whistleblower. Whistleblower is a new entry, not me.
Fiscal Conservative, okay Whistleblower was not an Anonymous, and fortunately Bernie Madoff is not running for County Treasurer.
Lee Buffington talked about the County Treasurer's job being more day-to-day, and not bond, money market, real estate, stock analysis. Sandi Arnott has been involved, seems to know the job, but I too would feel more comfortable with her having relevant education.
Joe Galligan, CPA/MA taxation looks pretty good (in spite of his 8 years city council experience), as does Richard Guilbault BS Business Management/MS Systems Management. Guilbault is an an RIA, currently handles government money in an office of about 60 employees similar to the County Treasurers office (plus for him). Dave Mandelkern, and entrepreneur is probably the last choice for me.
In bipartisan government positions political party affiliation doesn't mean much, does it, how political is a Treasurer really? In fact fiscally conservative should be good. Maybe the voter guide, and a video forum would be helpful. Here's the google search information again (not much available): COUNTY TREASURER .
Kathy. Treasurer is an executive position requiring vision and a broad plan for the future of 3 offices. Lee Buffington had that vision. He says "Sandie will keep the place going". There are lots of lower level people in the office who really keep the place running. Maybe Mr. Buffington does not want a successor who could outshine his record.
Kathy, Anonymous is right on this one. Your assessment is correct. That is why we are supporting Joe Galligan. WE KNOW. Sandie Arnott has been Lee's Administrative Assistant, Budget Analyst and Manager of Cashiers for 20 years. She has never been involved (let alone in charge of investments). Charles Tovstein is the Assistant Treasurer and he and Lee are in charge of investments - Not Sandie. Also, Sandie was only recently appointed to Acting Assistant Tax Collector upon the sudden retirement of Kelly Lawrence as of November 2009. Sandie never had anything to do with the Tax Collector's Office prior to that time. The Supervisors and staff of the Tax Collector's Office are keeping the office running despite Ms. Arnott. We need someone with the education, savy and vision of Lee. We are convinced that Joe Galligan is that person. Mr. Mandelkern and Mr. Guilbault have the credentials to trump Ms. Arnott by a hectacre, but only Joe has the right mix. I do not know how to express this any more clearly. You all have to make up your own minds.
Another point. Kathy, my whole point was that this was NOT a partisan position. Party has very little to do with it. We need a careful fiscal conservative with the right mix of credentials, humanity and spirt. Joe is that person. Look at his record www.joegalligan.com
Please...
What a bunch of 'tards....
Why can't Joe Galligan speak?
I hope the South County votes...
Good one "Zombie Rockaway Sue". Pacifica should be proud of your astute assessment.
Good one, Zombie Rockaway Sue. Pacifica needs more astute observations like yours.
Good one, Zombie Rockaway Sue.
Who would want to be a Pacifica Democrat. Seriously I went to a couple of the meetings and Saturday morning coffee and bitch sessions.
In fact zombie rockaway Sue looks better then most of these people.
Seriously people don't go to meetings like you just woke up in your clothes
Fiscal Conservative. Thank you for your clear summation on the Treasurer candidates and the election. We have to verify what these candidates say because as we all know, politicians are not known for telling the truth. Why is Lee Buffington supporting Sandie Arnott anyway? Is he afraid one of the other guys might eclipse his record?
Kathy, I am not bashing anyone. I am WHISTLEBLOWER. I just think that if it can be verified that a candidate is not qualified and or is lying about his/her record, that candidate should be exposed. Otherwise, we elect people who cannot do the job. Exposing lies is not bashing.
To learn about Sandie Arnott go to http://tinyurl.com/2g343kw
For those who attended the Pacifica Democrats Treasurer candidate forum. Wait till you get Gilbaults campaign flyer in the mail. The picture must be 25 years old and bears no resemblance to the man who showed up for the meeting. Who is the real Gilbault? I have seen Joe Galligan in person. He looks like his picture and every single claim he has made can be independently verified. Sorry Victoria, Joe is the man!
Whistleblower, the links from your article (above) seem to actually support Sandie Arnott. The investment problem does not seem to be with the portfolio invested diversification itself, but with lack of Federal/Securities and Exchange Commission regulations and oversight, the rating agencies (ie S&P, Moody's etc), and internal institutional management and product review within Lehman Financial Services, as well as the collapse of Lehman. Based upon the outcome, if Sandie Arnott was the acting County Treasurer, it seems she did a commendable job of protecting the portfolio.
In the future, as a community there is no reason why a public forum for candidates cannot be provided directly, or through the league of women voters, through an organization. We should try to do that. These positions are non-partisan.
From the reverse-of-fortune example of this city-- governing strength, stability and vision are definitively important.
Meantime, "proud tea bagger" is concerned about appearance (as if tea baggers look better in the afternoon than those who attend Democrat meetings in the morning, 9am on a Saturday)-- "wake-up" tea bagger!
Whistleblower/Fiscal Conservative, yes we've all seen your candidate and people can think for themselves COUNTY TREASURER SEARCH .
Kathy You said: "Lee Buffington talked about the County Treasurer's job being more day-to-day, and not bond, money market, real estate, stock analysis." If Lee Buffington is telling the truth about the job, WHY did HE, HIMSELF, campaign on his significant education, executive level experience in government, real estate license, investment and finance expertise. Copy and paste this link to see Lee Buffington's qualifications. http://tinyurl.com/25bajhg
I think Galligan, Mandelkern, Gilbault and Buffington are all qualified to be Treasurer. I would be comfortable with any of the three. I just think Galligan has the best qualifications, most closely matched to the Treasurer's office. For me, it's not about who you like but who has the credentials. I understand some people won't stray from the party no matter what.
@Kathy:
Anything you say, coffee grinder.
Hi Kathy, or should I say Sandie. Unfortunately, I do not believe that "Kathy" is "Kathy". In your response to whistleblower, Your diatribe (look it up) about Lehman makes no sense - it is not even a coherent sentence. By the way, Sandie was not in charge of the portfolio as I have previously pointed out. Why don't you go to the county website, call the County Manager and find out who is responsible for what. Charles Tovstein is in charge of investments under Lee Buffington. Sandie manages cashiers. Do your homework.
Kathy, It appears that you are a "Sandie Plant." The language in your post suggests that you do not understand government investing, which may indicate, you are getting your info from Sandie. Lehman was heavilly invested in subprime mortgage derrivatives. Have you heard of subprime mortgage derrivatives? You know those nasty things that collapsed our economy. Lehman began trying to get rid of these derrivatives 2 years before they collapsed. If the primary directive for investment is safety, you do not buy corporate paper from a company that is gambling for profit. You dump the Bonds!Joe Galligan would know this! Dave Mandelkern would know this! Richard Gilbault would know this! SANDIE WOULD NOT!(Sorry for the Joe plug if you ARE the REAL Kathy) If a "Sandiephite" is now spoofing Kathy, Kathy, please accept my apology. To sum it up this is why I am concerned for our county and Pacifica. Let's stop talking politics and start talking qualifications!
I must digress - Here, here "Proud Republican" or should I say "Tea Bagger" (wear the badge proudly.)
Kathy, It appears as if you may have a problem with your browser. Here are some quotes from the link I provided. From San Bruno Beacon 12/10/09
1. "So there you have it; it appears that Arnott and Buffington were the destruction tag team that lost San Mateo County taxpayers approximately $150 million. Based on this key piece of evidence, it is now pretty easy to see how the big boys and girls on Wall Street were able to walk off with more than $150 million in San Mateo County Taxpayer money. When you have amateurs playing against professionals the amateurs always lose."
2. "And now Arnott, who does not appear to have any degree in accounting or finance (or for that matter anything at all), wants to be San Mateo County's Treasurer? Are you kidding me? What's this."
3."Arnott is not even remotely qualified to be making the complex financial decisions a Treasurer must make."
If you think these quotes seem to support Sandie Arnott, we should talk
Maybe "Kathy" and "Victoria" should go out to lunch.
Whistle blower/fiscal conservative, try the 4th link down in "County Treasurer's Search" from my prior post, Lee Buffington's description of the Treasurer's job. Also, his statement about his educational and occupational background would be expected-- this is something any candidate would want to disclose.
Your vote is yours to make, the results of this campaign are going to be interesting for sure. Gilbault also has the credentials: BS Business Management, MS systems management, runs a company about the same size as the San Mateo Tax Collectors office. From what Lee Buffington said about the job: mainly careful collection of taxes, recording and handling all those data reports. For the most part its an accounting office.
Fiscal conservative/whistleblower, you sound like you're have a breach of reality, call 911. The links from whistleblower or yourself which you didn't read indicate Sandi Arnott has been working the Lee Buffington job because he has been sick for quite some time. Read the internal links, not the opinion from the San Bruno blog.
And, as mentioned prior, the only objection I personally have about Sandi Arnott is that she seemingly has no higher education, but her endorsement recommendations are quite good, including a list of Treasurers (and that has some clout). So, there you are whistleblower/fiscal conservative: stalemate.
On the other city blog (Riptide), there's an ad or article for Dave Mandelkern, endorsed by the San Mateo Labor Council (AFL-CIO). The political ploy is "save our schools" as if he could. Of course, on that blog some people may be more accustomed to buying the "rosy scenario"-- great schools without available funding, a County Treasurer who can turn IOU's into money, magic.
Hey, Tea-Bagger friend, 5:38pm comment, how are you doing?
Hi Sandie, I am bending over with laughter. You are way too transparent. And now for the punch line:
"Sandi Arnott has been working the Lee Buffington job because he has been sick for quite some time. Read the internal links, notjust the opinion from the San Bruno blog."
Let's take a survey of the County Offices and see who is telling the truth.
Sandie, if you try to spoof someone, at least attain their level of education to avoid transparency.
Kathy (Sandie), another problem: You continue to reference Lee Buffington's statements as though they were from an independant source. Lee Buffington is endorsing and supporting Sandie Arnott, because of a personal friendship spanning 20 years. If one evaluates all of the available information, such as County endorsements, it is clear that Lee and Sandie are a solitary team. By the way, the endorsements coming from other County Treasurers belonging to the Tax Collector-Treasurer State wide organization (CATTC) are in deference to Lee and his assistant Sandie.
Seriously what does Kathy Meeh know??? She comes across as a crazed cat lady. Who lives alone with her cats
To Sandie Arnott(KATHY) or Sandie's Campaign Manager. YOU ARE OUTED! YOU DO NOT BELONG ON THIS PACIFICA BLOG! This is an open discussion about candidates and qualifications FOR San Mateo County Treasurer, not a place to dispense political lies. NO COUNTY ENDORSEMENTS Sandie..WHY..because they know you. If you were SMART enough to be more subtle, you might have passed for Kathy, but that's the problem isn't it? BTW, if Joe Galligan were not running I would endorse Mandelkern 150 percent or Richard Gilbault. Stop dissing the other candidates and get off this BLOG! "SEEMINGLY SANDIE." YOU HAVE NO EDUCATION!
Kathy, Lee was out sick for about a month, however, Sandie was not in charge during that time.
Interesting! If Victoria and Kathy are the same person, they could not go to lunch together. Good one with the cats but it didn't work.
Gilbault could do the job but Galligan and Mandelkern are better candidates. Too bad it's not just Arnott in the race, then Victoria, you would have a winner....
TO" "What does Kathy Meeh know"
Do you have inside info on WHO KATHY IS?
Her language definitely indicates a political plant.
Whistleblower, I just read Victoria's response, which is close to mind..now if you just knew the 7 people who were at the PD meeting you could attempt to trash them too.
Sandie Arnott SANDIE ARNOTT is far more than the County Cashier as you've alleged, she is the Deputy Tax Collector, #2 under Lee Buffington, the following is her statement.
"I am the Deputy Tax Collector-Treasurer and the Acting Assistant Tax Collector. I currently manage many of the key requirements of this office such as the administration of our 63 employees; tax billing and collection; banking services for all county departments, school districts and special districts; cashiering for tax, treasury and revenue services; budget development and monitoring and the 71 school district general obligation bonds which have renovated and modernized schools providing more students access to computers and technology."
And, the job description: "The Tax Collector-Treasurer's office is comprised of 3 departments: Tax Collector, Treasurer and Revenue Services and has 66 employees. They manage and protect the County's financial assets, bill and collect taxes and provide support to County departments in their effort to recover revenue due to the County. The size of San Mateo County’s pool is currently $2.4 Billion."
Sandie Arnott has be employed in the county tax collectors office for 20 years, probably been moved around rather than starting at the top (joke). She knows the office, the people, the requirements and the job. This upward command would have occurred because she's intelligent and strategic. The more I think about this the more I think you've convinced me to vote for her.
PS: You're no "whisteblower" otherwise you'd have the courage to use your own name, instead you're acting like a bully and a coward. This is America, we get to chose who we vote for.
All WHISTLEBLOWER/Fiscal Conservative's comments have done is convince me to vote for someone other than Joe Galligan.
I am an alien that came down from the planet of Confusion, I have no idea what I am saying or doing. No one listens to me, the city council falls asleep when I talk to them.
Steve, Vote for someone who can do the job not to spite those who support another candidate. It is obvious that kathy Meeh is associated with Sandie Arnott's campaign. I did a check list and that's how Galligan came out on top. As I said in another post, Mandelkern is a good candidate, a Democrat, endorsed by the party with a masters degree from Stanford...not bad. Guilbault has a masters degree and strong finance experience. The candidate that is not qualified is Sandie Arnott. You seem like a really smart guy. Read about the candidates and make an informed decision. This is an important job. This is not about bashing anyone! Doctor's have credentials. Lawyers have credentials. Teachers have credentials. It's about credentials!
Kathy, I cannot believe(awful) the City Council falls asleep and I think the "Cat Lady thing" was very rude. We should not be attacking each other and calling each other names. We should be discussing the candidates qualifications. Did you meet Sandie Arnott? Arnott is the only candidate with no higher education. Would you want a teacher with no credentials or education teaching your kids? Political candidates make all sorts of claims and we need to try our best to find out what is true and what is not. Remember John Edwards! If Arnott is your candidate, use your words, not hers to endorse her.
Kathy and Steve,
I am sorry. I have only tried to shine the light on a subject. Vote for whomever you will, but please make an informed decision.
Generally speaking I value on-the-job training and I place more emphasis on the ability to do the day-to-day job than I do on a piece of paper.
I also dislike when a candidate bashes other candidates. It doesn't bode well when your record can't speak for itself and you need to tear down your opponent.
Anonymous Who is your candidate? I assume it is Sandie Arnott since she is the only candidate without a piece of paper!
Anonymous, perhaps this escaped your attention, but this is not a position for "on the job training". This is an executive position that requires higher education. The current tax collector and the other 3 candidates all have Masters Degrees. All of the candidates have records that speak for themselves. Do a comparison.
Anonymous, no one cares whether or not you value anything. You can place "emphasis" on anything you want - the rest of the world does not consider you an authority. What you like or dislike is irrelevant to the rest of the world. Clearly, your opponents have records that speak for themselves.
Fiscal Conservative...the other candidates have Masters Degrees, but no practical understanding of the Tax Collectors Accounting Office. A Master's Degree is NOT a requirement for the job. Again, Sandie Arnott is #2 and has been doing the seamless 3 department executive managerial job of #1 in a government office of 63 employees. That speaks for itself. Also, remember a long list of County Treasurers have endorsed her. So, genius, who are we to "trust" them, or you?
Boomerang to you your unkind, mean-spirited, "stuck" words: "no one cares whether or not you value anything. You can place 'emphasis' on anything you want - the rest of the world does not consider you an authority."
And, this was your reply to what most of "the world" might consider a rational, perfect analysis, and neutral comment from Anonymous. Fiscal Conservative we heard you the first 10 times you bashed Sandie Arnott and everyone else with an alternative view to yours. Maybe time to put some of that energy into working in a positive way for the candidate of your choice.
Why does the Democratic Party and SEIU support Mandelkern?
I am sorry my comments about not caring was very rude. Since you did not clarify who you were, I did not know if you really knew about this job. If you know so much about the Office, please identify yourself. So that your authority has credibility. I do not claim to have this level of authority, I am an outside observer.
Fiscal Conservative,
I guess you'll start caring about what I think once your candidate isn't elected, but by then it will be too late.
Joe Galligan might be a great guy, but rude supporters like you aren't doing him any favors.
Anonymous, too late for what? Who are you? Are you threatening me?
Now that SEIU has endorsed Dave Mandelkern, I am thinking he is more likely the best candidate. Unfortunately, Mr. Mandelkern came to the race late and we did not get a chance to learn much about him. The San Mateo County Democratic party, all the school districts and every important union in the county is endorsing Mr. Mandelkern. That is good enough for me and he has to be pretty smart to get his degrees from Stanford. Mr. Mandelkern now has a great new video on his web site that talks about his platform. I think SEIU knows more about what is going on in county government than any of us so...sorry for the about face...I am really thinking Mandelkern is the right candidate. Bye all! I am off to other campaigns and ballot measures. Don't forget to vote June 8.
Oh, you'll figure it all out on June 9, Fiscal Conservative.
I'll be voting for Mandelkern.
If I had to vote today, I'd probably vote for Mandelkern, too. (Even though I think a Guilbault's MS degree from USC overrides Mandelkern's MS degree from Stanford.)
From One Anonymous to another Anonymous, What will Fiscal Conservative "figure out???" Mandelkern wins! That sounds really good to most of us.(maybe not Fiscal Conservative) OR do you have a hit out on Fiscal Conservative for June 9th? Your posts sound very threatening. Please freely share information about your candidate, who you say is Dave Mandelkern, to inform the group. Keep the threats to yourself. Everyone has a right to his/her own opinion without being threatened. No, I am not Fiscal Conservative and frankly your threating tone scares me.
Let's keep the death threats to a minimum. Thanks.
I'll try it with more words this time:
On the day after the election, when your candidate has lost and you're sitting there trying to figure out why -- maybe you'll realize you shouldn't have behaved like such an ASS and turned people off when stumping for your guy.
My god -- how stupidly paranoid do you have to be to take that as a death threat?
Anonymous to anonymous, who are you talking about? It seems like Mandelkern is the choice and likely winner with all of his endorsements, even if Guilbault's degrees trumps him. Have you changed your mind about the candidate you are supporting? We are all concerned about you! Steve is one of the best, most respected contributors to FixPacifica so perhaps you should apologize to him or leave.
Give me a break with your crocodile tears and sense of outraged victimization, Anonymous @ 4:15.
Steve Sinai has shown himself to be e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y patient on this blog and elsewhere and I certainly respect him for it, as well as the contributions he and Kathy put towards this site.
It was YOUR paranoia at work when you posted that my "posts sound very threatening" and asked if I was "threatening you."
All because I dared suggest that you're behaving rudely and it's harming your candidate. You perceive that as a personal threat?! Get a grip.
Anonymous to anonymous, You threatened Fiscal Conservative, not me, and it appears that he/she has left the building. I am just pointing out what you said. You said to Fiscal Conservative;
"I guess you'll start caring about what I think once your candidate isn't elected, but by then it will be too late." Maybe you should just suggest to Fiscal Conservative that Mandelkern is the best candidate. Tell us all why you are voting for him. I and most others are already in agreement that he is the best, right."
O.K. It appears that we all agree on Dave Mandelkern so there is no need for more discussion. Don't forget to vote.
What a bunch of morons! I now have even less confidence (if that is possible) than ever that this group is capable of doing anything other than getting the City Council incumbents re-elected in November. Pat yourselves on the back.
SUMMARY
* Galligan supporters spam the comments and fling mud at his opponenets
* People respond that this makes him look bad
* Someone posts that they don't care what they think
* Someone else posts that they ought to because they may lose votes due to their attitudes
* This is read as a death threat by Galligan supporters
ANALYSIS
* Galligan will never win because his supporters won't even be able to find the door out of their homes let alone figure out how to cast a ballot
CONCLUSION
* I'm with "Disgusted" ^
I thought Disgusted was saying people were morons because they wouldn't vote for Galligan.
I can't follow any of this.
"Me to said" is not from Pacifica
What the hell...obviously above I didn't post moronic comments about my self. It takes a unethical coward to do that-- someone who can't stand by his own intelligence and comments. Now "I'm the cat lady that no one listens to.. and Sandie Arnott-- give me a break!
All I was saying was 20 years experience in various departments, running the entire county tax collecting operation as #2 for Lee Buffington #1, and a list of endorsements from other county Treasurers is qualifying for the #1 Treasurer's position.
Who cares who you vote for, good luck.
We are all voting for Dave Mandelkern because he has the education experience and County endorsements. Kathy, you sound too much like Sandie Arnott's campaign stump speech. Use your words. Would you want a Doctor who worked in a hospital doing various jobs, who had no medical school or license to operate on you? Chances are, you would not even get in a Cab if the cabbie did not have a license. Sandie Arnott has no education and no licenses so just from the point of common sense, voting for Dave Mandelkern, Richard Gilbault or Joe Galligan makes more sense. They all have both the education and expeience. Besides that, have you considered that working in one place for 20 years could make someone a little stale. New blood can revitalize an organization and since the last group lost 155 million of our tax dollars, new blood seems like a good idea. Please do not take offence, just consider what I am saying and then vote your conscience.
May 4 8:48 Kathy Meeh comment, You have me confused with someone else. I did not make those comments. There are just two things I want to say. The Tax Collector Treasurer is an important job and just like any important job, the proper education is required in additon to experience. Dave Mandelkern, Joe Galligan and Richard Gilbault all have both the education and experience. Lee Buffington also has both the education and experience to do the job. We the taxpayers are hiring this person so we should pick someone with the highest level best suited education who has experience in Finance and investing. Please can we talk about qualifications and not use words like paranoid and moron. cat lady, teabagger and cut the threats. We might actually be able to learn from each other.
Whistleblower, not sure why you're so obsessed with Sandie Arnott, but here's a list of County Tax Collector-Treasurers who do not agree with your position:
Lee Buffington, Tax Collector-Treasurer – San Mateo County
Mark Saladino, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Los Angeles County
Dave Irish, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Sacramento County
Jose Cisneros, Treasurer – City and County of San Francisco
Tony Zidich, Treasurer – City of Daly City
Tracy Kennedy Desmond, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Madera County
Frank L. Freitas, Tax Collector-Treasurer – San Luis Obispo County
Karen D. Adams, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Merced County
Fresno - Vicki Crow, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Fresno County
Wayne Hammar, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Siskiyou County
Michael J. Smith, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Marin County
William J. Pollacek, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Contra Costa County
Shabbir A. Khan, Tax Collector-Treasurer – San Joaquin County
Charles Lomeli, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Solano County
Rod Dole, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Sonoma County
Jackie Denney, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Kern County
Bernice James, Tax Collector-Treasurer – Santa Barbara County
This list is from ENDORSEMENTS FOR SANDIE ARNOTT . Please note that Lee Buffington is the first Tax Collector Treasurer on that list.
Formal higher education is great, important in some positions, and we all take classes at minimum to update. Some of us even forget most of what class work we have taken and depend much upon our subsequent experience.
And, here's one example based upon personal experience: One of the smartest, most efficient, competent, verbally astute people I know (now retired) has been a Company Controller and has great managerial skills. Moral to that story: generally profiling an individual based up a learned view does not always hold true.
Kathy, most of us believe higher education is important in this position. If you do not, then vote for Sandie.
Kathy, How can you think that Higher Education is not important for a job that is responsible for billions of tax payer dollars? This is not simply an "office manager" job. Anyway, vote as you will.
Whistleblower, I have 11 years college education, and I hear what you're saying, but all those Treasurers above say she qualified-- and, as you may know some people exceed in experience, skills, intelligence, wisdom and intellect those paper values.
Kathy, use common sense. Do you really think all of those Treasurers from distant Californian Counties are intimately knowledgible of Sandie Arnott's qualifications and day to day abilities? Or might they be social colleagues that belong to an association wherein members endorse members?
Kathy, also I do not understand how you can reduce years of intellectual achievement to a "piece of paper". It is not the "piece of paper", but the real effort and achievement that it represents. And again, none of the Treasurers from the other counties have any stake in this election. They do not live in San Mateo County. They are performing a professional courtesy by endorsing Lee's choice.
Whistleblower, evolve, your elitism is getting tiresome. Think accounting is rocket science? Most of our 8 year genius city council members have degrees and have delivered a failed economic city. For me this conversation is done.
In his deposition in North Pacifica LLC v. Pacifica, Dejarnatt, Vreeland et al, Councilmember and former mayor Pete DeJarnatt stated that he couldn't remember whether or not he went to Skyline College. FACT. The only degree DeJarnutt has ever seen is on his rectal thermometer.
All "Pacifica Truth Police" has shown is that he is an asshole. His childish personal attack is irrelevant to this thread.
@Anonymous 8:52 AM:
I guess you would know assholes since you have been taking regular rides on DeJarnatt's rectal thermometer.
My point is made.
Anon 11:17am - Your point is on your neck, pinhead. You give nameless people a bad name.
out'a here.
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