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Auditor–Controller candidate emphasizes continuity, transparency and internal audits
Summary
Michelle Yamaguchi, running unopposed for auditor–controller, highlighted her 25 years with Ventura County, stewardship of payroll and property tax systems, and plans to improve website transparency and publish audit reports; no vote occurred.
Michelle Yamaguchi, who said she has worked for Ventura County for 25 years and for 12 years in the auditor–controller’s office, presented her experience overseeing property tax processes, payroll for more than 10,000 county employees, internal audit functions and financial reporting. She said improving public access to reports and revamping the office website are priorities to increase transparency.
Yamaguchi described the auditor–controller’s mission “in the public interest,” and said her office maintains mandated audits (for example, cash counts in Treasury), a property tax refund portal and routine reporting. She emphasized communication with departments and the board of supervisors and said she would continue existing practices she attributed to the current auditor–controller to preserve stability in financial operations.
In response to questions about audit productivity, Yamaguchi committed to publishing audit reports and working with departments on corrective action plans. She highlighted the role of the auditor’s office in sitting on oversight committees, including oversight of the Ventura County Medical Center, and said the office must ask “good questions” and verify accounting practices.
Yamaguchi asked for voter support in the upcoming election; the forum produced no formal decisions or votes.
