Emanuel Patrascu

Name: Emanuel Patrascu

Age: 29

Birthplace: Bucharest, Romania

How long have you lived in Laguna Beach? Four years

Occupation: small business owner, district representative for Sen. Tom Harman

Education: bachelor’s degree in business administration, master’s degree in political science

Previously elected or appointed positions: none

Community organizations you belong to: board member, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
Back to School (provides backpacks, school supplies, shoes and clothes to 100 low-income children in Laguna Beach), Chamber Government Affairs Committee member, member, Surfrider Foundation

What is the most critical issue now in Laguna Beach?

Getting the local economy back on track is one of my highest priorities. According to the Chamber of Commerce, the business vacancy rate is some parts of Laguna is as high as 30%. The poor local economy is hurting our ability to balance our budget, hurting tourism and harming the quality of life we are accustomed to enjoying.

How would you resolve that issue?

Not all of Laguna Beach’s budget problems can be attributed to the global economic situation. The city’s onerous regulatory burdens and start-up fees are cost-prohibitive for small businesses. In this struggling economy we must focus on the needs of Laguna Beach’s small business community. Local governments ought to provide incentives for businesses to grow with over-due regulatory relief. As a small business owner myself, I know that private enterprise, not the government, creates jobs. We all know it is small business owners, not appointed commissioners, who know best how to operate a small business.

Government policies and priorities make the difference to families, businesses and government at all levels. Government has an obligation to act responsibly and fairly when it comes to spending, budget deficits, tax and fiscal policy.

Unfortunately, too many small businesses in Laguna Beach are struggling. Our community is reeling from the pain of closing stores and ultimately the end of small business owners’ dreams. If we do not act now, we will be putting the future of Laguna Beach on hold, changing it forever.

One of my top priorities will be to promote policies that create jobs and economic opportunity. I will work with business and community leaders throughout the region to achieve that goal.

What qualities would you like to see in a new city manager?

The city faces a financial crisis. Laguna’s budget is projected to have a deficit for the foreseeable future. Additionally, salaries and benefits for city employees require about70% of the budget’s General Fund and that percentage is quickly increasing. The ideal candidate would have experience balancing budgets and experience with government accountability to ensure that municipal programs give the taxpayer a high rate of return.

Any new city manager should have experience in balancing budgets. We should hire a city manager who has previous experience in righting upside down budgets.

The three incumbents have all signed each others’ nomination papers; why do you think the incumbents are all supporting each other?

There are very small differences between the three incumbents. On the most controversial issues, such as the homeless shelter and raising your property taxes, they voted the same. By signing each others’ nomination papers the incumbents are trying to protect themselves from being challenged on their positions. The answer is simple: The incumbents are more concerned about re-election than discussing the issues that affect Laguna Beach’s future.

What qualities do you bring to the table?

I will bring a fresh voice and a new perspective to City Hall. I know the challenges that are being face by local entrepreneurs. I have a history and a record of fighting against tax increases and government waste. I am an expert on state water policy and I have history of fighting for clean water, clean beaches and a clean environment.

Laguna Beach will finally have a tax fighter at the table, an advocate for the common good, and good steward of our precious coastline.