Fighting for taxpayers — one dollar at a time.
Your money. Your right to know.
⭐ About Dr. Liza Peña
👋 I’m Dr. Liza Peña, a lifelong resident of Webb County, proudly serving Laredo and Webb County as a Texas State Guard Specialist.
I’m not in this for politics — I’m in this to serve our people, defend our values, and deliver results that matter.
Like many in our community, I’ve seen what happens when elected officials ignore the people: wasted taxpayer money, lack of accountability, and public offices treated like part-time jobs.
I’m stepping up to change that.
My Story
I come from humble beginnings. My mother was a migrant worker who picked crops as a teenager and later became a nurse. My father worked outdoors as a blue-collar worker under the South Texas sun. Their hard work instilled in me a deep respect for every dollar earned and the importance of serving the community with integrity and discipline.
I bring both discipline and compassion to this work — grounded in education, service, and integrity.
🎓 Education & Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (B.A.)
- Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
- Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
- Master of Accountancy (CPA Specialization) — In Progress
💂 Service
- Texas State Guard Specialist (SPC)
Why I’m Running
This campaign is about putting Webb County first — not special interests, not party insiders, and not political games.
I’m running a focused, accountable campaign powered by supporters who believe Webb County deserves leadership that shows up, works hard, and protects the public’s money.
⭐ Professional Qualifications & Financial Expertise
Dr. Peña holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Advanced Accounting and a Payroll Certification from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.
She also serves in the Texas State Guard and has conducted specialized research in Accounting Management Theory, providing the financial discipline and analytical rigor necessary to safeguard Webb County’s funds.
Academic & Research Background
Her doctoral research focused on how complex organizations use management accounting systems to:
- Track financial activity
- Strengthen internal controls
- Support strategic decision-making
- Ensure full transparency
This advanced training equips Dr. Peña to modernize and protect Webb County’s financial operations.
⭐ How This Expertise Benefits Webb County as Treasurer
Dr. Peña’s experience allows her to:
- Track every dollar under the Treasurer’s custody with precision
- Collaborate with county auditors to review and monitor all 74 county accounts
- Strengthen internal controls and modernize financial reporting
- Increase transparency through clear, accessible public dashboards and reports
- Oversee payroll for more than 1,500 county employees accurately and on time
- Promote accountability through evidence-based financial management
⭐ Expertise Summary
“My doctoral research focused on Accounting Management Theory — how large organizations track financial activity, strengthen internal controls, and ensure transparency.
I will bring that same level of accountability to Webb County — monitoring every account under my custody, tracking every vendor payment, and safeguarding every taxpayer dollar.”
⭐ Academic Highlight
Dissertation:
The Role of Management Accounting in Hospital Management Support
Northcentral University (2018)
This research demonstrates Dr. Peña’s ability to manage complex financial systems with accuracy, accountability, and efficiency.
⭐ Voter-Friendly Summary
Advanced accounting + strict oversight = protection of your taxpayer dollars.
⭐ My Promise to Webb County
“As your next County Treasurer, I will use my advanced accounting and auditing expertise to safeguard Webb County’s finances — ensuring every dollar under my custody is tracked, protected, and transparently reported.”
📊 Dr. Liza Peña’s Platform for Webb County Treasurer
Your money should never be a mystery. As County Treasurer, I will ensure:
Webb County deserves disciplined financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and lawful oversight grounded in fiduciary responsibility. As County Treasurer, I will operate strictly within statutory authority while modernizing financial practices to meet the professional standards already adopted by leading Texas local governments.
1. Full Transparency 🔍
Implementation Plan
- Organize and present already-public county financial data into clear, easy-to-understand summaries.
- Use existing county financial reports and exports to create visual summaries and trend analyses.
- Display aggregate information on vendor payments, departmental spending, payroll totals (non-confidential), and budget line items within the Treasurer’s custody.
- Use commonly accepted reporting tools to improve clarity and accessibility.
Purpose
Increase public understanding of county finances and discourage waste or favoritism through lawful transparency.
Texas & Local Government Precedent
Counties and cities across Texas already provide modern financial transparency tools, including searchable check registers and public dashboards. Examples include:
- Travis County
- Collin County
- Harris County
- Tarrant County
- City of Austin
- City of Fort Worth
Webb County can implement similar transparency practices within the Treasurer’s statutory authority.
Timeline
Begin within 30 days of taking office.
Initial public summaries available within 60–90 days.
Legal Authority
Texas Local Government Code §114
Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552)
2. 100-Day Financial Review & Accountability 🔎
Implementation Plan
- Coordinate with the County Auditor to review financial activity within the Treasurer’s custody.
- Examine check registers and vendor payment activity processed through the Treasurer’s office.
- Identify high-risk payment patterns or unusual financial trends.
- Publish plain-language summary reports to improve public understanding.
Purpose
Establish a clear baseline for fiscal accountability within the Treasurer’s statutory role and identify risks before they escalate.
Texas City Precedent
Cities such as Austin, Fort Worth, and Midlothian maintain structured financial reporting portals and public transparency systems. Structured financial review and accessible reporting are standard components of modern Texas local governance.
Timeline
Day 1 through Day 100.
Legal Authority
Texas Local Government Code §§114.003–114.004
3. Protecting Taxpayer Money 🛡️
Implementation Plan
- Enforce strong internal controls, including dual authorization and regular reconciliations.
- Ensure proper segregation of duties within Treasurer-controlled financial processes.
- Track funds using established county financial systems and reporting tools.
- Conduct routine internal process reviews to reduce financial risk.
Purpose
Prevent fraud, errors, and waste within Treasurer operations before problems occur.
Texas Governance Standards
Major Texas cities such as Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston maintain formal internal control frameworks and financial oversight systems designed to safeguard public funds. Strong internal controls are standard best practice in responsible local government.
Timeline
Begin immediately.
Fully implemented within six months.
Legal Authority
Texas Local Government Code §§113–115
4. Serve the People — Not Politics 🤝
Implementation Plan
- Make independent, data-driven financial decisions grounded in law and within the Treasurer’s legal authority.
- Maintain open communication and clear reporting practices.
- Uphold fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers above political pressure.
Purpose
Ensure the Treasurer’s office serves residents — not political agendas.
Professional Governance Precedent
Cities such as Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio operate under governance and ethics frameworks that separate financial stewardship from political influence. Webb County deserves the same professional standard.
Timeline
Ongoing throughout the term.
Legal Authority
Texas Constitution, Article V
Texas Local Government Code §114
5. Countywide Financial Oversight 💰
Implementation Plan
- Monitor all county bank and investment accounts under the Treasurer’s custody.
- Track transactions for accuracy in coordination with the County Auditor and established county controls.
- Oversee vendor payment processing conducted through the Treasurer’s office.
- Maintain accurate cash management records and reconciliations.
Purpose
Maintain transparency, reduce financial risk, and ensure accuracy within statutory authority.
Oversight Standards in Texas Cities
Major Texas cities including Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio maintain structured treasury oversight and financial monitoring systems to safeguard public funds. Webb County should meet the same professional standard.
Timeline
Begin immediately.
Full account inventory within 120 days.
Legal Authority
Texas Local Government Code §113.022
6. Payroll Accuracy & Compliance 💼
Implementation Plan
- Oversee county payroll processing as assigned by county structure and policy.
- Verify deductions for taxes, retirement, insurance, child support, and court-ordered payments.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance using established county payroll systems.
- Conduct periodic payroll process reviews to reduce errors.
Purpose
Protect county employees, prevent payroll errors, and maintain full legal compliance.
Payroll Standards in Texas Cities
Cities such as Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio maintain structured payroll oversight systems with compliance safeguards. Accurate and timely payroll is a foundational component of responsible financial management.
Timeline
Immediate oversight.
Full payroll system review within 60 days.
Legal Authority
Texas Local Government Code §§113–115
Applicable federal and state payroll laws
7. Investments & Risk Management 📊
Implementation Plan
- Monitor county cash and investments under Treasurer oversight.
- Invest only in legally approved instruments under the Public Funds Investment Act (PFIA).
- Maintain compliance with formal investment policy requirements.
- Provide regular compliance and performance summaries.
Purpose
Protect principal while responsibly managing public funds, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and lawful return.
Investment Oversight in Texas Cities
Major Texas cities including Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio operate under formal investment policies aligned with the Public Funds Investment Act. Conservative investment strategies and statutory compliance are standard practices in responsible local government.
Timeline
Immediate oversight with ongoing quarterly reviews.
Legal Authority
Texas Government Code Chapter 2256
(Public Funds Investment Act)
8. My Promise 🔍
Implementation Plan
Apply these standards consistently throughout my term with professionalism, fiduciary responsibility, and strict adherence to statutory authority.
Purpose
Ensure Webb County funds are transparent, protected, and professionally managed.
Governance Standards in Texas Cities
Leading Texas cities operate under formal financial governance structures that safeguard public funds and reinforce public trust. These standards commonly include:
- PFIA-compliant adopted investment policies
- Independent Internal Audit functions
- Audit or Finance Committees overseeing financial reporting
- Publicly issued Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports (ACFRs)
- Formal ethics and conflict-of-interest policies
- Documented internal control frameworks aligned with Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices
- Fraud prevention and whistleblower protections
Cities such as Austin, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio publicly publish these policies and financial reports, demonstrating disciplined fiduciary oversight and statutory compliance.
Webb County deserves the same structured governance, professional safeguards, and commitment to financial accountability — within the Treasurer’s legal authority.
Timeline
From Day One and throughout the term.
Legal Authority
Texas Constitution
Texas Local Government Code §114
My Commitment to Webb County
As your County Treasurer, I will track every dollar under my custody, strengthen internal controls, protect taxpayer funds, ensure payroll accuracy, manage investments responsibly, and make county finances as transparent as the law allows — because this office works for the people, not politics.
🗓️First 100 Days Plan Weeks 1–2: Internal Financial Review
Weeks 1–2: Internal Financial Review 🔍
What I Will Do
- Review county accounts and financial processes within the Treasurer’s custody, including internal controls.
- Review payroll processing procedures to ensure accuracy and legal compliance.
- Begin evaluating vendor payment activity processed through the Treasurer’s office to identify inefficiencies, duplication, or potential waste.
Purpose
Establish a clear understanding of current financial operations within the Treasurer’s statutory authority and identify early financial risks.
Weeks 3–4: Countywide Financial Review Coordination 🔎
What I Will Do
- Work in coordination with the County Auditor to review vendor payment activity and recent financial records processed through the Treasurer’s office.
- Identify top vendors, recurring payment trends, and spending patterns.
- Flag potential waste, duplication, or irregularities for review through appropriate county oversight channels.
Purpose
Support fiscal accountability while respecting statutory roles and established oversight processes.
Month 2: Financial Transparency Reporting 💻
What I Will Do
- Publish clear, public-facing financial summaries using already-public county data.
- Display aggregate information on vendor payments, departmental spending, payroll totals (non-confidential), and budget line items within the Treasurer’s custody.
- Provide regular financial updates in compliance with Texas public information law.
Purpose
Make county financial information easier to understand, accessible to the public, and aligned with modern transparency standards used across Texas local governments.
Month 3: Strengthen Internal Controls 🛡️
What I Will Do
- Review and update internal procedures within the Treasurer’s office to improve accuracy, consistency, and accountability.
- Review investment practices to ensure proper balance of safety, liquidity, and return in full compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act.
- Strengthen verification and error-prevention measures across accounts and payroll processes.
Purpose
Reduce financial risk, prevent errors, and protect taxpayer funds through disciplined internal safeguards.
Month 4: Public Accountability Report 📝
What I Will Do
- Publish a First 100 Days Financial Accountability Report.
- Present a summary of findings and recommended improvements for transparency and oversight within Treasurer authority.
- Outline next steps for continued monitoring, reporting, and responsible financial management.
Purpose
Ensure the public has a clear understanding of county financial operations and the path forward.
My Promise 🔍
As your County Treasurer, I will track every dollar under my custody, protect taxpayer funds, strengthen internal controls, ensure payroll accuracy, and make county finances as transparent as the law allows.
I will uphold ethical decision-making, clear reporting, and professional financial stewardship — because this office works for the people, not special interests.
Open books. Clear reporting. Responsible stewardship.
WHAT I WILL DELIVER
🗂 Monthly Vendor Payment Summaries
Clear, easy-to-understand summaries of vendor payment activity processed through the Treasurer’s Office — presented consistently and in compliance with Texas public information law.
📊 A Budget You Can Understand
Transparent financial reporting. No unnecessary complexity. County financial information presented clearly, responsibly, and as the law allows.
💼 Professional Financial Management — Not Politics
Decisions grounded in advanced accounting expertise, strong internal controls, and disciplined oversight within the legal authority of the Treasurer’s Office.
⏰ A Full-Time Treasurer Who Works for You
Active oversight. Hands-on management. Continuous attention to Webb County’s financial operations — because this office demands leadership, not just a title.
📞 A Treasurer Who Answers to You
Accessible communication. Clear explanations. Professional responsiveness regarding financial activity handled through the Treasurer’s Office — without political favoritism.
“You want to know what your money is being spent on? Vote for me. I will audit it. I will track it. I will protect every dollar under the Treasurer’s custody.” 🔍
Dr. Liza Pena
Who I Am & What I Represent
Hooded by my chair — celebrating my Doctorate in Business Administration, Advanced Accounting.
The three stripes on my doctoral gown symbolize the highest level of academic achievement.
Among the 1–2% of U.S. adults with a doctorate—and under 1% worldwide—as a Latina minority woman.
My Doctorate in Business Administration with a specialization in Advanced Accounting
Service in the Texas State Guard
“Dr. Liza Peña — Intelligence, Scholarship, Authorship. A Unique Breed.”