Cathedral City Treasurer Challenged for Seat

Cathedral City Treasurer Finds Himsel in Contest for Role

CATHEDRAL CITY — For the first time since 2002, the city Treasurer is facing opposition for the obscure post.  Twenty-four year ago, Cornell English and Henry Chan both ran for Treasurer for the Nov. 5, 2002, election. Chan won.

This year, former City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan, age not provided, is challenging four-year incumbent city Treasurer Greg Jackson, 55, for the post. This would be Jackson’s second term.

Don’t expect fireworks or accusations of wrongdoing It is expected to be a rather low-key race. Both men say serving as city Treasurer is a way to give back to the city.

The city treasurer is elected at large for a four-year term. The city treasurer has general oversight of a city’s financial affairs. City treasurers often advise the City Manager’s Office and City Council on questions regarding a city’s revenue, spending, and overall municipal funds.

Cathedral City has been Jackson’s home for more than 25 years.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching the city grow and develop as a community, “Jacksono told Uken report. “Continuing to serve as City Treasurer allows me to support that growth in a practical and proactive way. The role gives me the opportunity to help manage the city’s funds responsibly so Cathedral City can meet its needs today while preparing for the future. Over the past four years, the investment decisions I’ve made have supported steady growth while keeping risk at appropriate levels.”

As our country faces economic uncertainty and rapid change, Jackson said he believes it is important for the city to have steady, consistent financial oversight.

“Continuing to be City Treasurer will allow me to contribute to that stability so Cathedral City remains a place where families can thrive,” Jackon said.  “My children grew up here, and staying involved with Cathedral City AYSO soccer for over 15 years has kept me connected to local families, volunteers, and the broader community. I also enjoy getting out to our local events, shopping around town, and supporting the community whenever I can.  It’s just part of being involved in the place I’ve called home for so long.

“Serving as Treasurer is one way I can continue investing in the city that has invested so much in me,” Jackson said.

For Kaplan, seeking the post is an extension of who he is. For the past 12 years he has been focused on helping to make Cathedral City stronger and more responsive to the needs of residents and businesses. First as a commissioner on the Cathedral City Planning Commission and then as a City Council member from 2014 through 2018 and more recently as an active proponent of Measure W. Measure W provides for a recreation program for Cathedral City youth; better street maintenance in the city; a forth ambulance to handle the growing number of medical calls the fire department manages each year and to support the development of a much-needed multigenerational Cathedral City Community and Recreational Facility.

The latter is especially needed to help support the programs of the Cathedral City Senior Center as its programs continue to expand to meet the growing needs of the city’s older adults, Kaplan told Uken Report. He is also currently the Chair of the Senior Center Board of Directors.

“I am running for the City Treasurer position to continue to help maintain transparency in the city’s finances, to assure the city’s financial reserves are safe and secure, are liquid to address annual cash flow needs, and are generating the best interest income on the principal, Kaplan told Uken Report. “Basically, to assure the residents and businesses that their tax dollars are being as productive as possible in meeting their needs and the city’s obligations.”

Before retirement, Kaplan was the budget director for a major research university, and he also managed about $750 million in construction and renovation projects. “I have a strong background in financial management, he said.