Cathedral City interviews three candidates for finance advisory committee; appointment scheduled at regular meeting

The Cathedral City Council held interviews with three applicants for the city's Finance Advisory Committee during a study session, with council members asking about availability, preparation and ideas for revenue oversight. The council will make an appointment from those applicants during the regular meeting later the same day.

City Manager Charles (Charlie) McClendon explained the process and that a random draw determined the speaking order. The three applicants who spoke were David Leach; Antonio Beshu; and Rocio Conde.

David Leach described himself as retired with a long career in financial services: "I'm retired. I spent about 40 years in the financial services industry," he said, and told council that he could attend committee meetings, which are now called about three or four times a year. Council members asked whether he would prepare between meetings; Leach said he would read meeting packets and prepare to address issues.

Antonio Beshu, the vice chair of the Parks and Community Events Commission, said his volunteer work included active support for Measure W and outreach in senior communities. He said Measure W's revenue and items such as ambulance fees should be monitored: "Getting those things together, the price that we pay charge for the ambulance and what Medicare pays... because we were leaving money on the table," he told council.

Rocio Conde, an educator with roughly 25 years' experience in public education and service on school advisory bodies, said she could adapt her work schedule to attend and would research the city's financial status to prepare for meetings.

Council members asked each candidate about the most important city revenue sources and about suggestions for raising funds or prioritizing spending. Candidates generally cited taxes, Measure W, property taxes and grant funding as central to the city's finances. McClendon told applicants the committee now meets more frequently than in the past and may be called on to review issues when council or staff requires citizen oversight.

No appointment was made at the study session; the city manager noted the council would consider an appointment during the regular meeting. The interviews were informational and no formal vote or action was taken during the study session.