Mailbag: Keeping new council candidate honest

For decades our national political discourse has been disturbing to say the least. Fortunately, for the most part, Laguna has avoided this kind of nonsense.

In fact, the three City Council incumbents seeking reelection have actually signed each other’s nomination papers, despite the fact that they have widely varying political backgrounds and beliefs. Through mutual respect, they know that at least each enters the debate honestly with an open mind and a willingness to listen to all sides. Having already been through innumerable challenges together, they readily acknowledge each other’s commitment to do what they believe is right for the city of Laguna Beach and its citizenry.

This is why I find the recent e-mail blast from candidate Emanuel Patrascu so disturbing. His “Emanuel on the Issues” seems to embrace the prevailing “Let Truth and Facts be Damned” political trend of making baseless claims. His e-mail (along with his website and candidate statement) asserts: “All of the (LB City Council) incumbents voted to increase our property taxes by 11%. … which will set property taxes at the highest rate in Orange County...”

To quote the inimitable John McEnroe: You cannot be serious! I’m confident that most Laguna taxpayers understand that raising property taxes is not even within the legal purview of our council members. The only way for property taxes to be increased is by the county tax assessor or by Laguna Beach voters in a general election. Perhaps Patrascu refers to the modest cost of living increases approved for trash and sewer fees, which though historically billed by the county as a relatively small line item on our tax bills, are not a part of the property taxes themselves. The candidate either knows this, which renders his false accusation inexcusable. Or he doesn’t know it, which calls his qualifications into question.

The reader can verify Laguna’s relatively low base Property Tax rates online.

This cornerstone of candidate Patrascu’s platform is utter political fabrication, and it is disheartening to see this kind of thing occur in Laguna’s elections. The real locals recognize that we won’t always agree. But Laguna is a small pond, so we try to show respect and common courtesy to the other inhabitants. After all, open-mindedness, honesty and tolerance are integral parts of our history and what makes Laguna so special.

Obviously, we face serious challenges, both locally and nationally. But while we’ll always have differences of opinion, if we cannot lay down the blunt weapons of political rhetoric and start pulling the rope in the same direction, we stand little chance of getting back on course. Patrascu, if this misinformation tactic is indicative of how you plan on running your campaign, please … let go of the rope.

MARK CHRISTY

Laguna Beach

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Many are missing Ruby the dog

For the last 11 years it has been my privilege to escort a most charming little pup around our fair village. Ruby was one special pup. When she died on Aug. 6 we all lost. In the weeks since, I have been overwhelmed at both the sympathy I have received and the number of people who knew her, many of whom I do not know. I would like to thank all who have expressed their love of this special little grrrl. She is missed.

Scott Alan

Laguna Beach