Editor:

This election, Antioch voters get the rare opportunity to choose an Antioch city treasurer.

It is only the third time in 25 years that the citizens of Antioch have a choice when voting for who will serve them as Antioch's city treasurer. Because it has been such a rare occurrence, I think there are some misconceptions as to what the role of an elected city treasurer are in Antioch.

In the year 2000, the job of the city treasurer was amended from a full-time paid position to an oversight position with a stipend the same as the City Council. This decision saved the city $52,000 a year and eliminated the duplication of duties.

Putting Antioch more in line with other cities in California. There has been an attempt to reverse that decision by the current city treasurer. While there is the need to have independent, nonpolitical oversight into the city's finances, I see this position as public service, not a full-time paid position.

While it is the treasurer's responsibility to adopt guidelines for the Statement of Investment Policy in compliance with state law and to coordinate the quarterly Investment Advisory Committee meetings, the city treasurer does not make investment decisions for the City of Antioch.

Those decisions are made by the city's money manager, an outside management firm that specializes in public funds investments. While some candidates in this election may promise investments that will yield more services for the city, it is an empty campaign promise. Not to mention when he presented his ideas before the City Council, the financial advisor called his ideas for investment risky and imprudent.

As Antioch's city treasurer, I will work to protect public funds and safeguard the city's finances and make sure they are reported in a fair and forthright manner. I have over 10 years' experience in accounting and auditing, and performed many of the treasurer's duties in the business world. I will serve in this position as outlined by the city and not ask the citizens to pay more for my services. Given the choice this election, make the right choice for Antioch. Vote for Janet Davis for Antioch city treasurer.

Janet Davis

Candidate, Antioch City Treasurer