Editor:
Having served as Laguna Beach’s city treasurer for 18 years, I can confirm that the duties and responsibilities of the position have grown significantly. With the growth that we enjoy, comes increased responsibility for the office of the Laguna Beach treasurer.
Laura Parisi has managed these increases very well with few resources. According to her personnel action form, she has 25 hours per week at a monthly salary of $6,450 ($77,400 annually) to complete the investing, banking and assessment district administration responsibilities. Councils have voted to give her exceptional performance pay this year and for many prior years. She receives the same benefits as other management employees at the director level.
The misrepresentations by her opponent were misleading as was the 2016 report by Mr. Flannery that ignored the critical role of the treasurer to serve as an internal control for our money. This point was sadly proven in an incidence of embezzlement that occurred only a couple of months later in one of the three cities cited that had a nominal role for the elected treasurer.
Because this is an elected position, it is very important that the city treasurer have the knowledge and experience to carry on the duties of the office without interference from others. If an inexperienced person were to be elected, they would need to rely on the city manager for advice and the independence, so critical to this position and the checks and balances, would be lost.
Laura Parisi has the experience, excellent qualifications, and takes her duties extremely seriously.
I urge you to vote for her.
Susan Morse, Laguna Beach
The author is a retired city treasurer in Laguna Beach
