VOTE Xiaohu Jeff Meng 孟小虎 for El Monte City Treasurer
Vision for tomorrow. Together
Vote by November 3rd,2026
MEET XIAOHU JEFF
My Story
El Monte is more than where I live—it is where my family's American story began. It is the community that shaped our values, strengthened our resilience, and gave us the opportunity to build a better future through hard work, sacrifice, and hope.
After immigrating from China in 1989, my parents chose El Monte as the place to raise our family. They believed in this community. They believed in its schools, its neighborhoods, and in the promise that hard work could create stability, opportunity, and a brighter future for their children.
My parents raised three children on working-class incomes. They taught us the dignity of honest work, the importance of serving our community, and the responsibility to give back.
Education changed the course of my life. With the help of scholarships, I earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Nankai University and a master's degree from UW with studies in Computer Science and Accounting. Those opportunities opened doors that would not have been possible otherwise, and they reinforced my belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed through hard work and education.
In 2022, my neighbors entrusted me with serving on our homeowners association board and helping oversee our community's finances. I have never viewed that responsibility as simply balancing budgets or reviewing spreadsheets. Every financial decision affects real people—working parents carefully managing household expenses, seniors living on fixed incomes, young families trying to buy their first home, and small business owners navigating economic uncertainty.
To me, fiscal stewardship is about protecting opportunity. It means making responsible decisions today so future generations inherit a stronger community tomorrow. It means ensuring El Monte remains a place where young families can put down roots, raise children, build careers, and confidently plan for the future. It means honoring the sacrifices of those who built this city while safeguarding the opportunities it provides for generations still to come.
El Monte should be a city where everyone feels they belong. Whether your family has lived here for generations or you have just recently made El Monte your home, you are part of our community. From longtime residents whose roots run deep, to working families striving to build a better life, to seniors who helped shape this city, every resident deserves a government that serves them with integrity, transparency, and respect.
El Monte gave my family a place to call home. It provided good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community where we could grow and build our future. It also inspired in me a commitment to public service and to giving back to the city that has given so much to my family.
I believe every family deserves that same opportunity.
Rooted in El Monte.
By the People, Fight for the People of El Monte
A Trusted Voice. A Unifying Force. Your Advocate.
Xiaohu Jeff Meng delivers 2nd speech at City Council Meeting.
Xiaohu Jeff Meng delivers a speech at City Council Meeting.
Xiaohu Jeff Meng Fight for El Monte Working Families.
A Vision Into Action.
From Affordable Housing to stronger schools and safer streets, Xiaohu Jeff Meng fights for the Working Families of El Monte..
MAIN ISSUES
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Protecting El Monte's Financial Future
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Affordability For Working Families And Seniors
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Transparency and Accountability
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Modernizing Our Schools
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Working Together for El Monte's Future
LATEST FROM THE CAMPAIGN
Insights, Updates, and Action from the Campaign Trail
Background Information
1. Describe your background and qualifications that you believe are relevant to this position.
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng, and I am a business owner with extensive experience in financial management, accounting, strategic planning, and technology. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, internal controls, and long-term financial planning. These responsibilities have given me a practical understanding of fiscal accountability and the importance of safeguarding financial resources.
I earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from Nankai University. I later completed a Master of Science in Computer Science and Accounting at UW. My education combines strong analytical, financial, and technological expertise that enables me to evaluate complex financial information and make informed, data-driven decisions.
In addition to my professional experience, I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association. In this role, I oversee budgets, review financial statements, monitor expenditures, and help ensure that community funds are managed responsibly and transparently. This experience has reinforced my commitment to fiduciary responsibility, ethical leadership, and accountability.
I also hold a California Real Estate License, providing me with additional knowledge of property valuation, local economic conditions, and financial regulations that affect communities.
I believe the City Treasurer should be an independent guardian of the public's trust—someone who approaches every financial decision with integrity, transparency, and professionalism. My combination of education, financial expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to public service has prepared me to fulfill that responsibility on behalf of the residents of El Monte.
2. Please identify and describe any community involvement and/or your service on boards, commissions or committees in El Monte or elsewhere.
Community service has been an important part of my commitment to responsible leadership. I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association, where I work collaboratively with fellow board members to oversee the association's finances, develop budgets, review expenditures, and ensure transparency in financial decisions.
Serving on the board has strengthened my understanding of fiduciary responsibility, consensus building, and the importance of open communication with the people we serve. Every financial decision requires balancing limited resources with the long-term needs of the community while maintaining accountability and public confidence.
As a business owner, I also interact daily with residents, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the financial challenges facing families and small businesses and reinforced my belief that government should manage public funds responsibly, efficiently, and transparently.
If elected as City Treasurer, I will bring the same commitment to fiscal responsibility, ethical leadership, and public service to the City of El Monte.
3. Briefly explain why you would like to serve as City Treasurer and provide your top 3 priorities.
I am seeking to be elected as City Treasurer because I believe public office is a public trust. El Monte deserves a Treasurer who is independent, financially qualified, and committed to protecting taxpayer dollars through responsible oversight and transparent financial management.
My professional background in accounting, finance, business management, and technology has prepared me to understand complex financial issues and make objective decisions based on facts rather than politics. My goal is to help strengthen public confidence by ensuring that the City's financial resources are managed responsibly and openly.
If elected, my top three priorities will be:
1. Protect Public Funds. Safeguard taxpayer dollars through sound financial oversight, prudent investment practices, and strong internal controls.
2. Increase Transparency and Accountability. Promote clear, understandable financial reporting so residents can easily see how public funds are collected, invested, and spent.
3. Promote Long-Term Fiscal Responsibility. Encourage responsible budgeting, careful financial planning, and efficient use of public resources while being mindful of the financial impact on residents and local businesses.
I believe responsible financial stewardship today creates a stronger and more financially secure El Monte for future generations.
Supplemental Questionnaire
1. What do you believe is the most critical duty of the City Treasurer and why?
The City Treasurer's most important responsibility is to safeguard the public's financial resources with integrity, independence, and transparency. Every tax dollar entrusted to the City belongs to the residents, and the Treasurer has a fiduciary duty to ensure those funds are invested prudently, protected through strong financial controls, and managed in accordance with the law. Public trust is earned through accountability and responsible stewardship.
2. What do you see as the role of City staff?
City staff are professional public servants responsible for implementing City Council policies, managing daily operations, and providing expert advice. The Treasurer should work collaboratively with staff while respecting their professional expertise and maintaining appropriate oversight. Effective government depends on mutual respect, open communication, and shared commitment to serving residents.
3. What steps would you take to learn about the City's financial policies and procedures?
I would conduct a thorough review of the City's budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), investment policy, reserve policies, prior audit reports, municipal code, and applicable California laws. I would also meet with the Finance Director, City Manager, City Attorney, external auditors, and other key staff to understand existing financial practices, internal controls, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
4. Have you reviewed the City's budget and are you familiar with where and how the City receives its funding?
Yes. I have begun reviewing the City's budget and understand that El Monte's revenues come from sources such as property taxes, sales taxes, service charges, grants, and intergovernmental revenues. If appointed, I will continue studying the City's financial reports and revenue structure to ensure I have a comprehensive understanding of its financial condition and long-term obligations.
5. How would you work collaboratively with other City officials and departments?
Collaboration begins with respect, professionalism, and trust. I would maintain open communication, listen carefully to different perspectives, rely on objective financial analysis, and work cooperatively with City officials and staff to develop solutions that are fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the community.
6. Give an example of how you resolve a situation where your personal philosophy is at odds with what is best for the City.
Public service requires putting the interests of the community above personal preferences. If objective financial analysis, legal requirements, and the City's long-term interests supported a decision different from my personal view, I would fulfill my fiduciary responsibility by supporting the option that best serves the City while explaining my reasoning honestly and respectfully.
7. How would you handle disagreements or conflicts in a professional setting?
I believe disagreements should be addressed through respectful dialogue, active listening, and fact-based discussion. I focus on understanding different viewpoints, identifying common goals, and working toward practical solutions that serve the public interest. Professionalism and mutual respect are essential to effective leadership.
8. What would you do if you were contacted directly by a resident or business to resolve a City-related problem?
I would listen carefully, treat every resident with respect, and ensure they understand the Treasurer's role. If the matter falls within another department's responsibility, I would connect them with the appropriate staff while following up when appropriate. Residents deserve responsive, courteous, and accountable government.
9. What actions would you take if the audit reveals findings? How would you address any recommendations or concerns raised by the auditors?
Audit findings should be viewed as opportunities to strengthen financial management. I would carefully review each finding, understand its root cause, work collaboratively with staff and auditors to develop corrective action plans, monitor implementation, and ensure recommendations are addressed promptly. Continuous improvement strengthens public confidence and reduces future risk.
10. What steps would you take to address potential conflicts of interest with City staff and vendors?
Public confidence depends on ethical leadership. I would fully comply with California law and Fair Political Practices Commission requirements by disclosing any actual or potential conflicts, recusing myself whenever appropriate, and ensuring all decisions are based solely on the public interest. Transparency, fairness, and integrity must guide every decision.
Candidate Statement
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng, and I am a business owner with a professional background in finance, accounting, and technology. I hold Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Nankai University, as well as Master of Science degrees in Computer Science and Accounting from the UW.
My career has focused on financial management, budgeting, accounting, and strategic planning. I currently serve as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association, where I help oversee financial operations, review budgets, and ensure responsible stewardship of community funds. I also hold a California Real Estate License.
I am seeking appointment as El Monte City Treasurer because I believe public service is founded on trust, accountability, and responsible financial management. My commitment is to protect taxpayer dollars, promote transparency, and ensure the City's finances are managed with professionalism, integrity, and independence.
If elected, I will work collaboratively with City staff, elected officials, and residents while making decisions based on sound financial principles, objective analysis, and the long-term interests of our community. I believe residents deserve clear and understandable financial information and confidence that every public dollar is managed responsibly.
My priorities are to protect public funds, strengthen transparency and accountability, and support long-term fiscal sustainability. I will bring experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving the people of El Monte with fairness, professionalism, and respect.
STAND WITH Xiaohu Jeff Meng
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ENDORSEMENTS
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Nankai University Alumni Association Endorse Xiaohu Jeff Meng for El Monte City Treasurer.
Rowland Heights Villa HOA Endorse Xiaohu Jeff Meng For El Monte City Treasurer.
Shaanxi Association of the United States
美国陕西同乡会
Tianjin Association of America
美国天津同乡会
Southern California Academy of Fine Arts美国南加州画院
US Lanting Pen Club 美国兰亭笔会
COMMUNITY LEADERS
TRUDY NG
RHV HOA Board Member，President of HOA Board
TONY LUAN
Parkland HOA Board Member
Jack Zhengjun Liang
梁政军先生，南加州著名画家。
Southern California Famous Chinese Artist
BINGNAN FAN
范炳南先生，笔名老陕，职业画家、古玩鉴赏家。
World Famous Chinese Artist
Wei Lu 芦苇，中国当代著名编剧、导演。
Chinese Famous Film Screen Writer, Artist
Howard Hao Shi
史浩先生，南加州著名书法家。
Southern California Famous Chinese Artist
Zhou Yu 于洲先生
追光动画创始人
Chinese Famous Film Producer, Co-founder and President of Light Chaser Animation
JUN YU
Business Owner , DDS Doctor
ISSUES
Stances on the Issues
The Treasurer's Office serves as an independent fiscal watchdog for our community—not as a rubber stamp for City Hall. As a second-generation El Monte resident, I recognize that the decisions we make today will shape our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life for generations to come.
My commitment to responsible financial oversight is grounded in sound public policy and a lifelong dedication to the city my family has proudly called home for generations. I am committed to safeguarding El Monte's financial future for current residents and for those who will call our community home in the years ahead.
El Monte deserves a Treasurer who is accountable to residents—not political insiders.
Protecting El Monte's Financial Future
Balanced, Sustainable Budgeting
A balanced budget is the cornerstone of El Monte's long-term financial stability. I support disciplined spending, prudent reserve management, and strategic budgeting that prioritizes essential city services over discretionary projects. Too often, the costs of non-essential initiatives are ultimately borne by working families and seniors. Sound financial stewardship requires clear priorities, fiscal discipline, and an unwavering commitment to putting residents first.
Long-Term Financial Planning
Short-term decisions should never compromise El Monte's long-term financial health. In recent years, critical investments—including our 15-year master bike and mobility plan and scheduled road rehabilitation projects—have been delayed in favor of costly temporary solutions that increased expenses over time. I support comprehensive multi-year financial forecasting, responsible capital improvement planning, and diligent contract oversight to reduce long-term liabilities while protecting essential services. Fiscal responsibility requires planning beyond the next budget cycle.
Independent Financial Oversight
Over the past four years, I have consistently advocated for taxpayers when City decisions created unnecessary financial risks. I have raised concerns about questionable financial practices and potential conflicts of interest—even when doing so was unpopular with City leadership. Effective oversight is not about avoiding difficult conversations; it is about ensuring accountability, protecting public resources, and advancing the interests of residents above political considerations.
Affordability for Working Families and Seniors
Opposing New Taxes and Tax increase
Government should not depend on unavoidable living expenses to balance its budget. At a time when living costs continue to increase, these regressive tax places an unfair burden on working families and seniors while making El Monte less affordable.
Focus on Essential Services
City resources should be prioritized toward the core services residents depend on every day: maintaining streets, repairing roads, supporting public safety, and investing in reliable infrastructure. Discretionary spending on projects such as downtown projects should not come before essential community needs. Responsible fiscal stewardship means establishing priorities and funding them appropriately.
Transparency and Accountability
Campaign Finance Reform
El Monte currently permits campaign contributions of up to $5,900—significantly higher than the individual contribution limit for candidates running for Congress and nearly ten times higher than neighboring West Covina's limit. Excessively high contribution limits can create the perception of pay-to-play politics in decisions involving zoning, development, and City contracts. I support reducing campaign contribution limits to strengthen public confidence and ensure decisions are guided by merit rather than political influence.
Ban Contractor Contributions
Companies that conduct business with the City—or seek City contracts—should not contribute to campaigns of elected officials responsible for approving or overseeing those contracts. This includes regulated utilities and major City contractors. I support prohibiting campaign contributions from City contractors to reduce conflicts of interest, enhance transparency, and restore public trust in the contracting process.
Ethics, Transparency, and Public Trust
Transparency must be accompanied by accountability. I support strengthening conflict-of-interest standards, closing loopholes that undermine public confidence, and establishing meaningful consequences when ethical obligations are not met. Independent oversight and consistent enforcement are essential to ensuring City decisions are made in the best interests of residents.
Working Together for El Monte's Future
As Treasurer, my responsibility is to provide independent financial oversight and serve as a fiscal safeguard for taxpayers. While the Treasurer does not establish policy, the office plays a vital role in promoting accountability and protecting public resources.
Meaningful reform also requires commitment from the City Council. Stronger ethics standards, responsible budgeting, and resident-focused priorities are achievable when elected officials embrace transparency, accountability, and sound financial management. By working together, we can build a stronger, more financially resilient future for El Monte.
MEET XIAOHU JEFF
My Story
El Monte is more than where I live—it is where my family's American story began. It is the community that shaped our values, strengthened our resilience, and gave us the opportunity to build a better future through hard work, sacrifice, and hope.
After immigrating from China in 1989, my parents chose El Monte as the place to raise our family. They believed in this community. They believed in its schools, its neighborhoods, and in the promise that hard work could create stability, opportunity, and a brighter future for their children.
My parents raised three children on working-class incomes. They taught us the dignity of honest work, the importance of serving our community, and the responsibility to give back.
Education changed the course of my life. With the help of scholarships, I earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Nankai University and a master's degree from UW with studies in Computer Science and Accounting. Those opportunities opened doors that would not have been possible otherwise, and they reinforced my belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed through hard work and education.
In 2022, my neighbors entrusted me with serving on our homeowners association board and helping oversee our community's finances. I have never viewed that responsibility as simply balancing budgets or reviewing spreadsheets. Every financial decision affects real people—working parents carefully managing household expenses, seniors living on fixed incomes, young families trying to buy their first home, and small business owners navigating economic uncertainty.
To me, fiscal stewardship is about protecting opportunity. It means making responsible decisions today so future generations inherit a stronger community tomorrow. It means ensuring El Monte remains a place where young families can put down roots, raise children, build careers, and confidently plan for the future. It means honoring the sacrifices of those who built this city while safeguarding the opportunities it provides for generations still to come.
El Monte should be a city where everyone feels they belong. Whether your family has lived here for generations or you have just recently made El Monte your home, you are part of our community. From longtime residents whose roots run deep, to working families striving to build a better life, to seniors who helped shape this city, every resident deserves a government that serves them with integrity, transparency, and respect.
El Monte gave my family a place to call home. It provided good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a community where we could grow and build our future. It also inspired in me a commitment to public service and to giving back to the city that has given so much to my family.
I believe every family deserves that same opportunity.
I'm running for a stronger and more financially secure El Monte for future generations.
Candidate Statement
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng. I am a Board Member, business owner, and Chief Financial Officer with more than 25 years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, and business management. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Nankai University and a Master of Science degree from the UW, with studies in Computer Science and Accounting. My education and professional experience have provided me with a strong foundation in financial management, strategic planning, and responsible stewardship of public and private resources.
As your City Treasurer, I will work to protect taxpayer dollars, increase transparency, promote responsible financial management, and ensure careful oversight of public funds. I believe residents deserve clear financial reporting, accountable leadership, and a government that serves the public with integrity.
I am committed to open communication, ethical leadership, and long-term fiscal responsibility. Together, we can build a financially strong, transparent, and accountable City government that works for every resident.
1. Background and Qualifications
My name is Xiaohu Jeff Meng, and I am a business owner, Board Member, and Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, and business management. Throughout my career, I have managed financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, financial reporting, and internal controls while ensuring responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Nankai University and a Master of Science degree from the UW, with studies in Computer Science and Accounting. My education has given me strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of accounting principles, financial management, technology, and data analysis.
I currently serve as President and Board Member of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association, where I help oversee budgets, review expenditures, strengthen financial oversight, and promote transparency and accountability.
I also hold a California Real Estate License, providing additional knowledge of property values, local economic conditions, and fiduciary responsibility.
My financial expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to public service have prepared me to serve as City Treasurer with professionalism, integrity, and independence.
2. Community Involvement
I currently serve as President and Board Member of the Rowland Heights Villa Homeowners Association. In this volunteer leadership role, I work closely with fellow board members to oversee the association's finances, review budgets, monitor expenditures, and help ensure responsible management of community resources.
As a business owner, I interact regularly with local residents, customers, and fellow small-business owners. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the financial challenges facing families and businesses, including rising costs, economic uncertainty, and the need for responsible government spending.
I believe effective public service begins with listening, making informed decisions, and managing public resources responsibly. If elected, I will bring those values to the office of City Treasurer.
3. Why I Am Running and My Top Priorities
I am running for City Treasurer because I believe El Monte deserves an independent, experienced, and trustworthy financial watchdog. My goal is to safeguard taxpayer dollars while promoting transparency, accountability, and sound financial management.
My top three priorities are:
1. Protect Public Funds by promoting responsible financial management, careful oversight of investments, and safeguarding taxpayer resources.
2. Increase Transparency and Accountability by providing clear, understandable financial information and encouraging open communication about the City's finances.
3. Strengthen Long-Term Fiscal Responsibility by supporting prudent financial planning, efficient use of public resources, and policies that maintain the City's long-term financial stability while minimizing unnecessary taxes and fees on residents.