Candidate Ann Marie Kay’s campaign, and her boyfriend, Ed Steinfeld, should be ashamed for attempting to smear much respected City Clerk, Lisette Chel-Walker, a 37-year city employee, with an impeccable record of honesty, transparency and professionalism. Besides questioning her integrity, Steinfeld falsely claimed that our City Clerk has a duty to review the substance of Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) filings, which she does not. The City Clerk is simply the repository for FPPC forms, so the public can view the filings. The FPPC is responsible for enforcement of violations of the Political Reform Act and FPPC reporting and disclosure requirements. The City Clerk does not review or “police” these forms for accuracy. Shame on Steinfeld, and by association Ann Marie Kay for suggesting otherwise. Shame on them both for attempting to also smear her opponent, Mariann Tracy.
If you know Lisette, you know that she goes above and beyond as our City Clerk, responding to emails and phone calls outside of regular City Hall work hours, and on weekends, just to be timely and responsive to residents. She is the epitome of a truly dedicated public servant, completely non-partisan in the fulfillment of her duties. They don’t make them like her any more. She is a delightful and wonderful person, greets you with a smile and makes you feel welcome at City Hall. For Ann Marie Kay and Steinfeld to attempt to smear her is reprehensible – they couldn’t hold a candle to her professionalism and integrity. Ironically, it is Ann Marie who is partisan and in bed with Village Laguna, which has notoriously politicized (terrorized) this town for years. She accuses opponent Mariann Tracy and our City Clerk Lissette Chel-Walker of being partisan, but the reality is Ann Marie has the partisan agenda of Village Laguna, to act as their City Hall spy. Mariann Tracy has no agenda other than to serve the residents.
Looking at minutia details, Village Laguna recently turned in eight amendments to their financial reporting forms, correcting their own errors. Was Village Laguna intentionally deceptive, like they accused Mariann Tracy? Or is it simply these forms are a bit confusing, and innocent errors will occur, with nominal impact.
Our City Clerk endorses Marian Tracy, a strong endorsement. She knows what the job entails, the attention to detail, and non-partisanship required. We need someone impartial, professional and well qualified. Marian Tracy is right for City Clerk.
Jennifer Welsh Zeiter, Laguna Beach
