Fiscal Responsibility and New Public Library on Candidates' Minds

With the election less than a month away, the race between four candidates vying for two vacant Manhattan Beach City Council seats is likely to get more intense.

How intense remains to be seen, but in the first of three forums, candidates Amy Howorth, David Lesser, Kathleeen Paralusz and Viet Ngo voiced their positions on topics such as infrastructure and small business.

Howorth, a seven-year member of the Manhattan Beach School Board, didn't shy away from using her school board experience as a selling point for her candidacy. In her closing statement, she noted the tough decisions she has had to make about school budget cuts and her resilience in handing out pink slips to school staff; even her own child's teacher.

But Howorth's nod to fiscal responsibility was not the only one, as each candidate related their own story and plan for ensuring a balanced budget and government expenses that would not be a waste of public funds. “It is a matter of doing it in a smart way,” Howorth said.

She also talked about the difficulties some businesses have faced with organized events. She said that events like the six-man volleyball tournament and Halloween celebrations are a revenue source for many, but also a hinderance to others, requiring City Council's attention.

David Lesser, a lawyer, aimed his fiscal comments at the new public library in the works, voicing his cautious support pending a scrutinizing look at the details of any plan that would nearly double the size of the current facility. He advocated “making sure core functions of government work” before tackling any extra improvements or expansions.

Lesser talked about the duty of public officials to be transparent with the public, stating that he will pledge his council wages to charity if he is elected.

Kathleen Paralusz, a lawyer, spoke about public disclosure, infrastructure needs and the possibility of a new public library. She called for better use of school assets to help fund education and a closer look at environmental steps that could be cost neutral or save the city money. She said that her budgeting experience, gained as a  consultant, emphasizes a line by line attention to expenditures that will ensure a trim and efficient working government.

Paralusz detailed specifics in the proposed public library building plans, such as the specific type of glass proposed, that could save money on operation costs. She said an improved library will benefit the school district and the local community and noted the high use of the current facility.

Viet Ngo, a hard-lined opponent of the seated council and a political maverick, spoke directly to the issues he consistently voices at city council meetings. He said that he believes that Manhattan Beach property owners are being overcharged by $600,000 for the construction of the new library.

Video coverage of this forum is on MB Patch and video coverage of the Thursday night forum will be published soon.

The final candidate forum will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Community's O'Donnell Hall, 1400 Deegan Place.

The election takes place on Tuesday, March 8.