Budget deficit

Questioned how the city went from a reported $30 million reserve surplus to a $30 million deficit, criticized smart trash can costs, and urged the council not to burden vulnerable residents with blanket taxes.

She flagged the $32.5 million projected 2027 deficit, noted Measure C funding covers only about $20 million of it, and suggested options like temporary salary cuts — while warning that property tax increases would hit homeowners already facing a school district bond measure.

Speaking for Hayward Concerned Citizens, TJ criticized the council's transparency over the last three years, questioned reliance on the business license tax increase, opposed cutting council meetings, questioned the 67% council raises, and warned that eliminating jail operations would force officer transfers to Santa Rita and hurt street staffing.

Said her neighborhood near the abandoned railroad tracks has become 'the new Hayward Dump' since Access Hayward stopped responding, and urged the city to push for formal track abandonment like El Cerrito and Albany did.