Meet Your City Treasurer Candidate: Gary Pia

Gary Pia is a familiar face around South Pasadena, and now he's slated to be the City's next Treasurer. A financial adviser and active community member, Pia's name will appear on the November ballot with no opponent. [Note: Write-in candidates are still welcome; see editor's note below for more information.]

Patch recently got in touch with Pia to learn more about the position and why he decided to run. 

Can you explain to us what the City Treasurer does, and what impact the office has on the average South Pas resident?

The City Treasurer is responsible for overseeing, reporting on and protecting the public monies the City receives, spends and invests. 

The stewardship of South Pasadena’s finances is administered by a City Finance Director who is hired by the City Manager, a five-member Finance Committee appointed by the Mayor and a City Treasurer elected by the people. This system of checks and balances assures South Pasadena residents that the public's monies are handled appropriately.

Why did you decide to run for the position? 

When the former City Treasurer resigned, I felt my background and experience would benefit the City. I have held positions with a major brokerage firm and a major life insurance company. Since 1989, I have been in private practice as an independent financial advisor and wealth manager.

Additionally, I have held positions of financial leadership within the American Cancer Society as Treasurer and member of the Stewardship committee for the California Division. I currently serve as chair of the national Investment committee where we have stewardship of $700 million in the Society’s pension, 403b, foundation and endowment. 

What do you think will be your biggest challenge in the position? 

We are a small town with a small economic base. We value our high quality of life and want it sustained into the future. My biggest challenge will be making sure the City gets maximum value for every dollar received, spent and invested.

What are you looking most forward to?

I’m looking forward to an ongoing conversation with my fellow residents. I believe in transparency, accountability and accessibility in government. It will be my duty to tell the City’s financial story to the City Council. It will be my pleasure to tell it to the residents of South Pasadena. I have created a Facebook page, Gary Pia for City Treasurer, to enable the conversation. I encourage everyone to visit and “like” my page and join in. 

What else would you like South Pas residents to know about you?

I use both sides of my brain. I’m a musician. I have auditioned, rehearsed and conducted pit orchestras for community musical productions. I played guitar in a university sponsored traveling musical variety group when I was in college. I sing and play bass in my blues band, Blue Monday. I also play golf and love to cook.

Editor's Note: Write-in candidates for City Treasurer are still welcome, and the filing window is Sept. 12 to Oct. 25. All candidates must be U.S. citizens, 18 years age and a resident and registered voter of the City. Qualified residents interested in filing for City Treasurer are asked to contact the City Clerk’s Office at (626) 403-7232.