1. Dan McAllister retired in August 2025 after 23 years as county treasurer-tax collector. What did he do right and what did he do wrong?
After 23 years of service, Dan McAllister left the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office last year with a team of professionals in place that continues to do a responsible and trustworthy job. Since my appointment to this office last November by a majority of the county Board of Supervisors, our office has continued to maintain a 99% property tax collection rate. This, in turn, gives us the ability to invest these monies in a manner that produces steady returns allowing us to fund infrastructure projects throughout the county such as schools, parks and libraries that enable communities to grow so that families may thrive.
We are currently working on getting more residents to pay online (currently at 80%), as this helps to streamline the process that we want to continue to improve upon. In addition to this, as the stewards of our region’s funds, we are also producing a more transparent website that will share with county residents how and where their taxpayer dollars are spent in their communities.
2. In December, three of the five supervisors used what was described as an “accounting scheme” to access millions of dollars in county reserves to pay for bonuses to county workers. Should the old policy of requiring four votes to tap into reserves have been followed?
Yes. I believe that in the interest of fiscal responsibility, four votes should be required to tap into reserves.
3. Should county investments prioritize maximum returns or incorporate environmental and social justice factors even if returns may be lower?
Our investment priorities should always be to maximize returns within the safety guardrails that are outlined in state and federal law. With regards to environmental and social justice factors, I would look at them on a case-by-case basis but never to the detriment of our portfolio.
4. What other issue affecting county residents deserves much more attention from elected county leaders?
I believe the trash tax in the city of San Diego was marketed and is being implemented in a manner that is not just, and that is why as the top fiscal agent of the county of San Diego, I’m supporting its repeal. I also strongly believe that the city of San Diego must get rid of the parking fees at Balboa Park, as I think parking at Balboa Park and all beaches in San Diego County should have free parking for all of the residents in this region regardless of where you live in the county.
Go to Larry-Cohen.com for more information about the candidate.