Letter to the Editor
In response to: Filing closes for city council races in Stanislaus County CA, (modbee.com, Aug. 12)
It was disappointing to see The Modesto Bee refer to the Turlock City Treasurer as a “mostly ceremonial role.” Unlike other cities who appoint or elect a treasurer to oversee the work of a hired consultant, Turlock residents elect their treasurer as the sole person responsible for safeguarding and managing $300 million of taxpayer funds.
While the treasurer role holds no policy-making authority, it deserves the voters’ attention, as the treasurer’s performance can have a very real impact on funding services that residents depend on, like public safety, water and roads.
I’m running for treasurer because I want to use my time, energy and professional training to serve my community. As a professional investment manager, I manage $500 million for 375 clients. I know firsthand what it means to be a fiduciary and act in my clients’ best interests.
I plan to use my experience to bring more transparency to the position and ensure our city’s investments are managed safely and wisely.
Michael Abram, PhD, CFA