Editor,
There is an important reason that Laguna Beach elects its treasurer rather than having the City Council or city manager hire one.
This is so that the treasurer represents the interests of the residents and maintains independence from the rest of the city government. Effectively, it is a watchdog role serving as a check on power of the other branches of city government while watching over the finances of the city.
Laura Parisi, our current city treasurer running for re-election, has been very effective in this role. As a C.P.A., she is trained to evaluate whether financial statements are accurate and complete as well as determining whether the city is in compliance with various reporting requirements. She can therefore provide a “heads-up” as to any potential issues prior to and apart from the annual audit.
By being a C.P.A., Ms. Parisi has saved the city money as she has performed additional work for the city outside the scope of treasurer, which she was uniquely qualified to perform at rates significantly lower than those charged by C.P.A. consulting firms.
As mentioned in previously published letters, Ms. Parisi has also saved residents money directly via her work with various bonds (both in identifying resident overpayments and in refinancing bonds).
Please join me in re-electing our highly capable and effective city treasurer, Laura Parisi.
Margaret Hanson, Laguna Beach
The author is the current deputy treasurer.
