Editor,
Recently, “meet the candidate” gatherings were held throughout Laguna Beach. I attended a few to hear the thoughts of candidates running for city council, and also to understand why our long-time incumbent city treasurer is being challenged in the upcoming election.
I learned that our treasurer, Laura Parisi, currently manages our city’s $90 million to $100 million portfolio and about 105 investments. Ms. Parisi, a CPA, is also certified by the California Municipal Treasurer’s Association. In addition, those attending the “meet the treasurer” gathering learned that the City of Laguna Beach investment policy received the “Certificate of Excellence” in 2014 from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada. Ms. Parisi also chairs the League of California Cities’ revenue and taxation committee, tracks city funds and audits the transient occupancy tax collected from Laguna Beach hotels.
Ms. Parisi is formerly a private sector chief financial officer and corporate controller. She also is a college graduate. In short, she’s a seasoned finance professional.
In contrast, the other candidate challenging Parisi for city treasurer is a bookkeeper. While the challenger performs bookkeeping for a few local merchants, and also (admirably) is a volunteer for some non-profit groups, it is not applicable work to city treasurer. There’s also no evidence online or in campaign mailings of the challenger holding a college degree or certified public accountant (CPA) certification. Bookkeeping, lack of higher education and non-profit volunteering, do not translate to the treasury job in one of Orange County’s premier cities.
When completing the mail-in ballot or going to the polls in November, Laguna Beach voters shouldn’t tear down the high bar of professional education and experience set by our 17-year treasurer, Ms. Parisi. Please vote for the highly-qualified Ms. Parisi to keep our city monies and city investments protected for us, the Laguna Beach tax-payers.
Elaine Beno, Laguna Beach
Laura Parisi is the most qualified person for City Treasurer. She is a professional who guards the City’s investments like a hawk, & has increased those investments over time. She should get your vote.