Chris Cagle, Candidate for Redondo Beach City Treasurer

Chris Cagle, a 29-year resident of Redondo Beach who has lived in the South Bay for 45 years, is running against two other candidates to become Redondo Beach's newest city treasurer. As a former two-term District 2 City Councilman, Cagle served two years as mayor pro tem, as well as on many boards and commissions.

Below are Cagle's responses to a questionnaire compiled by Patch editors.

Redondo Beach Patch: Why are you running for city treasurer?

Chris Cagle: The office of Treasurer is an important position within our city government. I am running for Treasurer because I see it as an opportunity to enhance the role and effectiveness of the office while ensuring the financial stability of the city without raising taxes or increasing costs. Helping others and working with our government to make positive changes in our community is my passion and the overall reason behind my desire to run for City Treasurer.

Patch: What are your qualifications?

Cagle: With 20 years of experience as a real estate finance professional, I have the strong financial background and practical know-how to serve as a successful Treasurer. Additionally, as a former successful and effective two-term City Councilman for Redondo Beach, I have the local government experience needed to understand the internal workings of our city. I also have a Master's Degree in Political Science.

Patch: If elected, how do you plan to maximize city revenues?

Cagle: I will focus on three primary things: revenue, oversight and managing interest rates.

• Revenue: I will make sure the city is receiving all that it is due by performing audits on a regular basis to ensure proper collections are being made and I will also look for revenue enhancement opportunities throughout the city. For example, when I was a Councilman I became aware that we did not have procedures for effective false alarm billings. The city charges a fee when a burglar alarm goes off too many times, unnecessarily requiring the police to respond, which has a cost associated with it. My inquiries about this led to a new and more effective billing system that was projected at the time to bring in an extra $125,000 per year. I believe there are many things like this in our city that could be reviewed to enhance our revenues.  

• Oversight: I will examine city procedures to ensure we have proper checks and balances in place.

• Interest rates: I will make sure we are getting the highest yields available in the safest investments possible.

Patch: Why should people vote for you?

Cagle: Because I have experience in both finance AND government. I am honest, dependable and have a proven public track record of getting things done as a City Councilman and community volunteer.

As Treasurer, I will:

• Ensure preservation of capital and transparency in spending.
• Create treasury alerts on significant financial issues.
• Provide annual State of the Treasury reports.
• Enhance the oversight role and visibility of the Treasurer’s office.
• Explore ideas that save money and manage efficiently.
• Develop a long term strategic financial plan.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like to say?

Cagle: Married to my wife, Diane, for 22 years; she is a Speech and Language Pathologist for 29 years specializing in autism, stuttering and articulation disorders. Diane has also been very active in the Art community and was named “Woman of the Year” by Redondo Beach in 2011.

I was recognized for my contributions to the community and named “Man of the Year” by Redondo Beach in 2012.

I am also Chair of the Redondo Beach Salvation Army Board and Vice President of the Redondo Beach Round Table. Both Diane and I are very active in the community.

I am proud to be endorsed by former Redondo Beach City Treasurer Ernie O’ Dell, who writes: "During my 18 years serving as your City Treasurer I worked closely with Chris Cagle during his time as a City Councilman. Chris is honest and reliable and cares about our community. His 20 years of experience as a finance professional combined with his government experience as a City Councilman will serve us well. I endorse Chris Cagle to be our next City Treasurer."

Additionally, I am endorsed by Steve Aspel, Redondo Beach City Councilman for District 1 and candidate for Redondo Beach Mayor, who writes:

“Chris and I worked together for many years on the City Council. He always put a lot of thought into his decisions and took the time to fully understand the issues before taking action. He is honorable, trustworthy, very capable and smart! Chris will make an excellent City Treasurer.”

There are many more endorsements that can be viewed on my website at ChrisCagle.org.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. I am looking forward to serving you again, and I would be honored to have your vote and support to be your next City Treasurer. 

Related:

• Chris Cagle for Redondo Beach City Treasurer
• Chris Cagle for Redondo Beach City Treasurer on Facebook
• Chris Cagle [Patch]
• Redondo City Treasurer Candidates Answer Questions From The Beach Reporter [Beach Reporter]
• 3 vie for Redondo Beach city treasurer sans incumbent [Daily Breeze]

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