NEWS
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower price points, while also preserving local control and the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)*
The city should support responsible housing growth while preserving local character and quality of life. We should comply with state housing requirements, but also use every available local planning tool to ensure new development fits appropriately within existing neighborhoods.
I support expanding housing opportunities at a range of price points, including affordable and workforce housing. The city should streamline responsible development, encourage the appropriate use of vacant or underutilized properties, and explore incentives for projects that provide needed housing without unnecessarily burdening existing infrastructure.
At the same time, housing growth should be accompanied by careful planning for traffic, parking, schools, public safety, water, and other infrastructure. Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to participate in the planning process.
The goal should not be simply to build more units, but to create well-planned neighborhoods that provide housing opportunities while protecting the quality of life that makes our city a desirable place to live.
How should the city balance rising costs, paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves, all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, economic development, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)*
The city must balance today’s needs with its long-term financial obligations. That means maintaining essential services while responsibly addressing pension liabilities, existing debt, and the need for healthy reserves.
I believe the first priority should be disciplined budgeting: regularly reviewing programs, eliminating unnecessary spending, improving efficiency, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. The city should also develop realistic long-term financial plans rather than addressing problems only when they become urgent.
Economic development can strengthen the revenue base by attracting and retaining businesses, creating jobs, and encouraging responsible investment. New revenue should be considered, when necessary, but it should not substitute for responsible financial management.
A strong reserve is essential for emergencies and economic downturns. The city should establish clear reserve targets and maintain them consistently.
Sound finances require a balanced approach—fiscal discipline, economic growth, responsible debt management, and careful consideration of revenue—while protecting the essential services residents depend on.
The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the city do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)*
Public trust depends on transparency, accountability, and open communication. Residents should be able to understand how their tax dollars are collected, invested, and spent without having to navigate unnecessarily complicated information.
The city should provide timely, clear, and accessible financial reports, including understandable information about revenues, expenditures, contracts, debt, reserves, and long-term obligations. Important financial information should be available online and presented in a way that ordinary residents can easily understand.
The city should also strengthen oversight, regularly review spending, and clearly explain major financial decisions and their expected impacts. Public meetings and community engagement should provide meaningful opportunities for residents to ask questions and receive answers.
As a public official, I would support an environment where financial information is open to the public and decisions are guided by facts, accountability, and the long-term interests of residents—not by special interests.
Transparency should be a continuous practice, not simply a legal requirement.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)*
I believe one of the city’s biggest needs is maintaining strong financial stability while continuing to provide the services residents expect and deserve.
A financially healthy city has the ability to invest in public safety, infrastructure, housing, community programs, and economic development while preparing for unexpected challenges. Without sound financial management, even well-intentioned programs can become difficult to sustain.
I would address this need through responsible budgeting, stronger financial oversight, transparent reporting, prudent management of city funds, and long-term financial planning. The city should regularly evaluate whether programs are achieving their intended results and look for opportunities to improve efficiency.
At the same time, financial responsibility should not mean simply cutting services. We should seek opportunities for economic development, protect essential services, and make investments that strengthen the city’s long-term financial position.
My goal is a city government that is financially responsible today while building a stronger foundation for future generations.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)*
A good leader should listen carefully, make decisions based on facts and sound judgment, accept accountability, and keep the public interest at the center of every decision.
I bring more than 25 years of experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, and public service, along with experience serving as a board member and Chief Financial Officer. My background has taught me the importance of careful financial management, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Our city is made up of diverse communities, backgrounds, businesses, families, and generations. I would represent all residents fairly and respectfully, regardless of their background or neighborhood. That means listening to different perspectives, communicating openly, and seeking practical solutions that benefit the community as a whole.
Leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, asking the right questions, using resources responsibly, and being willing to make difficult decisions when necessary.
I would work to build trust through integrity, transparency, accountability, and service to every resident.
Background Information
1. Describe your background and qualifications that you believe are relevant to this position.
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng, and I am a business owner with extensive experience in financial management, accounting, strategic planning, and technology. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and long-term financial planning. These responsibilities have given me a practical understanding of fiscal accountability and the importance of safeguarding financial resources.
I earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Nankai University. I later completed a Master of Science in Computer Science and Accounting at UW. My education combines strong analytical, financial, and technological expertise that enables me to evaluate complex financial information and make informed, data-driven decisions.
In addition to my professional experience, I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association. In this role, I oversee budgets, review financial statements, monitor expenditures, and help ensure that community funds are managed responsibly and transparently. This experience has reinforced my commitment to fiduciary responsibility, ethical leadership, and accountability.
I also hold a California Real Estate License, providing me with additional knowledge of property valuation, local economic conditions, and financial regulations that affect communities.
I believe the City Treasurer should be an independent guardian of the public's trust—someone who approaches every financial decision with integrity, transparency, and professionalism. My combination of education, financial expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to public service has prepared me to fulfill that responsibility on behalf of the residents of El Monte.
2. Please identify and describe any community involvement and/or your service on boards, commissions or committees in El Monte or elsewhere.
Community service has been an important part of my commitment to responsible leadership. I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association, where I work collaboratively with fellow board members to oversee the association's finances, develop budgets, review expenditures, and ensure transparency in financial decisions.
Serving on the board has strengthened my understanding of fiduciary responsibility, consensus building, and the importance of open communication with the people we serve. Every financial decision requires balancing limited resources with the long-term needs of the community while maintaining accountability and public confidence.
As a business owner, I also interact daily with residents, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the financial challenges facing families and small businesses and reinforced my belief that government should manage public funds responsibly, efficiently, and transparently.
If elected as City Treasurer, I will bring the same commitment to fiscal responsibility, ethical leadership, and public service to the City of El Monte.
3. Briefly explain why you would like to serve as City Treasurer and provide your top 3 priorities.
I am seeking to be elected as City Treasurer because I believe public office is a public trust. El Monte deserves a Treasurer who is independent, financially qualified, and committed to protecting taxpayer dollars through responsible oversight and transparent financial management.
My professional background in accounting, finance, business management, and technology has prepared me to understand complex financial issues and make objective decisions based on facts rather than politics. My goal is to help strengthen public confidence by ensuring that the City's financial resources are managed responsibly and openly.
If elected, my top three priorities will be:
1. Protect Public Funds. Safeguard taxpayer dollars through sound financial oversight, prudent investment practices, and strong internal controls.
2. Increase Transparency and Accountability. Promote clear, understandable financial reporting so residents can easily see how public funds are collected, invested, and spent.
3. Promote Long-Term Fiscal Responsibility. Encourage responsible budgeting, careful financial planning, and efficient use of public resources while being mindful of the financial impact on residents and local businesses.
I believe responsible financial stewardship today creates a stronger and more financially secure El Monte for future generations.
Supplemental Questionnaire
1. What do you believe is the most critical duty of the City Treasurer and why?
The City Treasurer's most important responsibility is to safeguard the public's financial resources with integrity, independence, and transparency. Every tax dollar entrusted to the City belongs to the residents, and the Treasurer has a fiduciary duty to ensure those funds are invested prudently, protected through strong financial controls, and managed in accordance with the law. Public trust is earned through accountability and responsible stewardship.
2. What do you see as the role of City staff?
City staff are professional public servants responsible for implementing City Council policies, managing daily operations, and providing expert advice. The Treasurer should work collaboratively with staff while respecting their professional expertise and maintaining appropriate oversight. Effective government depends on mutual respect, open communication, and shared commitment to serving residents.
3. What steps would you take to learn about the City's financial policies and procedures?
I would conduct a thorough review of the City's budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), investment policy, reserve policies, prior audit reports, municipal code, and applicable California laws. I would also meet with the Finance Director, City Manager, City Attorney, external auditors, and other key staff to understand existing financial practices, internal controls, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
4. Have you reviewed the City's budget and are you familiar with where and how the City receives its funding?
Yes. I have begun reviewing the City's budget and understand that El Monte's revenues come from sources such as property taxes, sales taxes, service charges, grants, and intergovernmental revenues. If appointed, I will continue studying the City's financial reports and revenue structure to ensure I have a comprehensive understanding of its financial condition and long-term obligations.
5. How would you work collaboratively with other City officials and departments?
Collaboration begins with respect, professionalism, and trust. I would maintain open communication, listen carefully to different perspectives, rely on objective financial analysis, and work cooperatively with City officials and staff to develop solutions that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the community.
6. Give an example of how you resolve a situation where your personal philosophy is at odds with what is best for the City.
Public service requires putting the interests of the community above personal preferences. If objective financial analysis, legal requirements, and the City's long-term interests supported a decision different from my personal view, I would fulfill my fiduciary responsibility by supporting the option that best serves the City while explaining my reasoning honestly and respectfully.
7. How would you handle disagreements or conflicts in a professional setting?
I believe disagreements should be addressed through respectful dialogue, active listening, and fact-based discussion. I focus on understanding different viewpoints, identifying common goals, and working toward practical solutions that serve the public interest. Professionalism and mutual respect are essential to effective leadership.
8. What would you do if you were contacted directly by a resident or business to resolve a City-related problem?
I would listen carefully, treat every resident with respect, and ensure they understand the Treasurer's role. If the matter falls within another department's responsibility, I would connect them with the appropriate staff while following up when appropriate. Residents deserve responsive, courteous, and accountable government.
9. What actions would you take if the audit reveals findings? How would you address any recommendations or concerns raised by the auditors?
Audit findings should be viewed as opportunities to strengthen financial management. I would carefully review each finding, understand its root cause, work collaboratively with staff and auditors to develop corrective action plans, monitor implementation, and ensure recommendations are addressed promptly. Continuous improvement strengthens public confidence and reduces future risk.
10. What steps would you take to address potential conflicts of interest with City staff and vendors?
Public confidence depends on ethical leadership. I would fully comply with California law and Fair Political Practices Commission requirements by disclosing any actual or potential conflicts, recusing myself whenever appropriate, and ensuring all decisions are based solely on the public interest. Transparency, fairness, and integrity must guide every decision.
Candidate Statement
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng, and I am a business owner with a professional background in finance, accounting, and technology. I hold Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Nankai University, as well as Master of Science degrees in Computer Science and Accounting from the UW.
My career has focused on financial management, budgeting, accounting, and strategic planning. I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association, where I help oversee financial operations, review budgets, and ensure responsible stewardship of community funds. I also hold a California Real Estate License.
I am seeking appointment as El Monte City Treasurer because I believe public service is founded on trust, accountability, and responsible financial management. My commitment is to protect taxpayer dollars, promote transparency, and ensure the City's finances are managed with professionalism, integrity, and independence.
If elected, I will work collaboratively with City staff, elected officials, and residents while making decisions based on sound financial principles, objective analysis, and the long-term interests of our community. I believe residents deserve clear and understandable financial information and confidence that every public dollar is managed responsibly.
My priorities are to protect public funds, strengthen transparency and accountability, and support long-term fiscal sustainability. I will bring experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people of El Monte with fairness, professionalism, and respect.