Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.
Name: Cynthia Romo
Age: 46
Current job title: PACE Marketing and Outreach Regional Director
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: N/A
City where you reside: Cudahy
Campaign website or social media: www.cynthiaromoforcudahy.com
How should the city balance rising costs, paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves, all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, economic development, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Cudahy should take a balanced, long-term approach to fiscal responsibility—one that protects essential services while strengthening the city’s financial foundation. I believe the solution should include a combination of responsible budgeting, economic development, and pursuing new revenue opportunities where appropriate. The city should regularly review spending, identify efficiencies, reduce unnecessary costs, and make sure taxpayer dollars are delivering measurable value. At the same time, we should invest in economic development that creates jobs, supports local businesses, and expands the city’s revenue base without placing an undue burden on working families.
Transparency is also essential. Residents deserve to understand the city’s financial challenges, priorities, and trade-offs. I would support clear public reporting and community engagement around major financial decisions.
Fiscal responsibility does not mean simply cutting services or raising taxes. It means planning ahead, paying down liabilities responsibly, building reserves, and making strategic investments that strengthen Cudahy’s future. Our goal should be a financially stable city that can continue providing the services and opportunities residents depend on.
The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the city do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Transparency starts with making city government easier for residents to understand, access, and participate in. Cudahy residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, how decisions are made, and how those decisions affect their families and neighborhoods.
I would also support stronger opportunities for residents to participate before important decisions are made. That means accessible public meetings, meaningful community outreach, timely responses to resident concerns, and clear explanations of why decisions are being considered.
Transparency should be a continuous practice, not something that happens only when required by law. Public officials have a responsibility to listen, communicate honestly, and be accountable for the decisions they make.
My goal is a city government that residents can trust because they can see how decisions are made, where resources are going, and how their voices are being heard. A stronger connection between residents and City Hall makes Cudahy stronger.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
In my opinion, the biggest need facing Cudahy is ensuring the long-term well-being and stability of working families. When families are struggling with the cost of housing, limited job opportunities, rising costs, or difficulty accessing health care, it affects every aspect of our community.
We need to take a comprehensive approach. First, we should expand connections to health care and community resources so residents can access the services they need close to home. My experience in health care advocacy has shown me how important it is to help people navigate resources and build strong partnerships with local organizations.
We also need to strengthen economic opportunities by supporting local businesses, attracting quality employers, and creating pathways to good-paying jobs and workforce development. Economic stability helps families remain in Cudahy and gives young people opportunities to build their futures here.
Finally, we must continue addressing housing affordability and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them.
My goal is to build a healthier, more economically secure Cudahy where working families can afford to stay, access the care they need, find meaningful opportunities, and give their children a strong foundation for the future.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I believe I would make a good leader because I know Cudahy not just as a city, but as home. I have been a Cudahy resident for more than 40 years. I attended our local schools, chose to stay, and raised my family here. Today, three generations of my family call Cudahy home. That deep connection has given me a genuine understanding of our community and a strong commitment to its future.
I would lead by listening, bringing people together, and making sure residents feel heard and respected. Cudahy is a diverse community, and every neighborhood, family, and generation has a valuable perspective. I would work to ensure City Hall is accessible and responsive to everyone—not just those who are most comfortable speaking up.
My experience in health care advocacy has also taught me the importance of listening to people, building partnerships, and helping communities navigate challenges.
I am deeply committed to Cudahy because I have lived its history, invested in its future, and raised my family here. I want to represent our community with integrity, compassion, transparency, and a commitment to making Cudahy a place where every family has an opportunity to thrive.