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L. David Patterson, PhD

Hawthorne City Treasurer

Learn about L. David Patterson, PhD’s candidacy and positions on the issues. This guide is built by GoodParty.org, a nonpartisan organization helping you find candidates and elected officials who have turned down partisan and big-money influence.

This candidate took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Why I’m Running for Office

I’m running for Hawthorne City Treasurer because the City deserves experienced, independent financial leadership focused on protecting taxpayer dollars and maximizing every public dollar. I’ve served as Hawthorne City Treasurer, City Councilmember, and Mayor Pro Tem, and I currently serve as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the City of Carson. I know what the Treasurer’s office should do, and I know the difference strong financial management can make. My goal is simple: strengthen oversight, improve investment performance, promote transparency, and make sure Hawthorne’s finances are managed with the professionalism and accountability residents deserve.

These statements come from L. David Patterson, PhD and do not reflect any positions or stances on individual issues held by GoodParty.org.

About Me

I’m a financial professional, public servant, and longtime Hawthorne resident with a career focused on strengthening public finances and serving the community. I previously served as Hawthorne City Treasurer, City Councilmember, and Mayor Pro Tem, and I currently serve as Chief Deputy Treasurer for the City of Carson. My background includes public finance, investments, budgeting, taxation, real estate, and financial oversight. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from USC, a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Business Psychology. I’m running for Hawthorne City Treasurer to bring proven experience, independent financial oversight, and a record of results back to the office.

These statements come from L. David Patterson, PhD and do not reflect any positions or stances on individual issues held by GoodParty.org.

Recent Experience

  • Chief Deputy Treasurer
    City of Carson
    2021-Current
  • City Council Member
    City of Hawthorne
    2020-2024
  • City Treasurer
    City of Hawthorne
    2013-2020

Other Candidates for Hawthorne City Treasurer

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Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Accomplishments During This Term

L. David Patterson, PhD has accomplished the following:
  • Resolved
    Increased City Investment Earnings to Over $500,0002013–2020
    During my service as Hawthorne City Treasurer, I helped improve the City's investment performance, increasing its rate of return by approximately 400%. Annual interest earnings grew from less than $30,000 to more than $500,000, generating additional revenue for the City without raising taxes.
  • Resolved
    Reduced Banking Fees and Saved Taxpayer Dollars2013–2020
    I worked to reduce unnecessary banking expenses by renegotiating the City's banking arrangements, achieving approximately $50,000 in annual savings. These efforts helped ensure more public dollars remained available for essential City services rather than unnecessary financial fees.
  • Resolved
    Strengthened the City's Investment Oversight2013–2020
    I helped establish Hawthorne's first formal investment policy and promoted a disciplined investment strategy focused on safety, liquidity, and competitive returns. These improvements strengthened the City's approach to protecting public funds and managing taxpayer resources responsibly.

These statements come from L. David Patterson, PhD and do not reflect any positions or stances on individual issues held by GoodParty.org.

About Hawthorne City Treasurer

The City Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the city.
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Next election
November 3, 2026
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