The controller oversees the budget for the entire county and serves as the gatekeeper of taxpayer dollars. When spending requests come forward, the controller is the one who tells the commissioners plainly whether the money is there or not. This dedicated position protects tax dollars. We need someone who is focusing on fiscal responsibility.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

I bring an outside perspective. I have never worked for government; instead, I worked eight years auditing governments and entities that receive government funds, and worked more than 10 years in the private sector. For the last six years, I have worked as a fractional CFO to small businesses helping them with all their financial needs including cash flows, budgeting, and financing.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

My first priority is to help the public regain trust in the county’s finances. Last year’s proposed property tax increase of 30% caught everyone by surprise. That should not ever happen. What was more surprising was that our commissioners and previous controller (not Scott Parke) thought it was acceptable to use temporary funds to cover permanent expenses and did not have a plan in place for when those temporary funds ended. Because I am not of the same party as the commissioners, I would naturally provide an independent check on all things financial. My second priority is to educate residents on the language of accounting, so that when residents read the county’s financial statements, they understand what the financials are saying. I would hold town halls, not just for truth in taxation, where residents can ask questions and talk through the numbers. Scott has begun work in these areas over the past year, and I would build on the processes and procedures he has started.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

This role should not be driven by politics; it should be grounded in qualifications and expertise. That said, compromise is still essential, and it starts with finding common ground while asking the tough questions. I see this every day in my work as a fractional CFO. When a client’s budget doesn’t balance, there is rarely one perfect answer. We sit down together and lay out the options, whether that means finding new revenue streams, cutting expenses, or some combination of both. Each choice has trade-offs, and my job is to give clear, honest numbers so an informed decision that everyone can support can be made. County finances work the same way. The controller’s role is to present the facts plainly so that commissioners and the public can weigh their options and find a responsible path forward together.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

Public voices need to be heard. The controller does not set policy; the job is to make sure the money is there and properly accounted for. But I strongly believe that elected officials have too often ignored the people they serve, and I know firsthand how it feels when those in office seem not to care about the issues affecting us. Housing affordability is a major concern, but closely tied to it is the fact that the state legislature has weakened building laws and enforcement to the point that safe homes are no longer guaranteed. My own home was built in 2023-2024, yet it was not built to code. The city and state have acknowledged that it was built illegally, but say they have no way to make the builder correct the problems. That experience is why I will always listen to residents and push for accountability. When government fails to follow through, the public deserves someone who will ask hard questions.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

My website is wayment4davis.com, my email is wayment4davis@gmail.com, interview with Davis Democrats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_WEuHV5fs0&t=10s, or Debate for League of Women Voters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl8FLVtVFpA .