Editor:
As your city treasurer I’ve been privileged to serve my fellow citizens for the past 17 years. I’ve never forgotten that I serve at the pleasure of the voters, and that those votes must be earned.
I’m disappointed by the mean-spirited, misleading campaign waged by my challenger in this election, and would like to set the record straight.
Neither my opponent nor her supporters have suggested I’m unqualified, have performed poorly or acted unethically or inappropriately, instead claiming my professional credentials and experience are unnecessary for the job. This betrays a troubling lack of understanding of the responsibilities involved.
The treasurer’s office isn’t a bookkeeping position. The city has a separate finance department, director of finance and bookkeepers to handle routine tasks like paying the bills and keeping the city’s books.
The treasurer, however, is an important steward of the city’s fiscal health, operating within a complex regulatory framework of federal and state laws and an investment policy developed collaboratively by the city manager, department of finance and treasurer, and approved by the City Council. The treasurer provides the check and balance that every government needs and it’s important that they have the advanced education and expertise to administer these complicated responsibilities.
As treasurer I manage the city’s portfolio of $75 to $100 million in investments, depending on the time of year, which generated almost $900,000 in revenue last year. I’ve performed CPA-caliber work for tough projects assigned by the Council. As administrator of Laguna’s assessment districts, I’ve succeeded in saving Laguna taxpayers $1.4 million. These accomplishments reflect the value of my qualifications as an experienced CPA, certified California municipal treasurer and certified fixed income practitioner.
While there have been no complaints about my performance, it’s been claimed the city is paying too much for its treasurer. But of Laguna’s entire $44 million budgeted 2016 payroll, the treasurer’s office including administrative costs, salary and benefits represents only $160,000. The treasurer’s hours and compensation are determined entirely by the Council, which for the past 16 years has rewarded my performance with exceptional performance pay.
This challenging work is different every day, but I always approach it with the goals of efficiency and best practices. I never forget that the ultimate goal is protecting the fiscal assets of Laguna’s citizens and producing excellent results for our city. I’m proud of my track record, and respectfully ask that you honor me with your votes so we may continue this good work together.
Laura Parisi, Laguna Beach
The author is the incumbent treasurer.
Finally!!! The Treasurer herself confirms that this position is costing the citizens of Laguna Beach 160k!!! Maybe Toni Iseman and all the others that have said that I “misrepresented” the costs should read this letter!