lagunabeachindy . com OCTOBER 21 , 2022 21
From : Morris Skenderian , Architect and 53-year resident To : My Fellow Citizens of Laguna Beach –
I have been a resident and practicing architect in the City of Laguna Beach for the last 53 years . In this beautiful and decent community , I have built a business , raised a family , volunteered for many causes , and made countless friends . I have attended numerous public meetings and worked with fellow residents on committees from all walks of life for various causes .
As an architect involved in over 1,000 projects , large and small , I have worked with many of our City Councils , Planning Commissions , Design Review Boards , and a talented and informed City staff .
Over these many years , the names and faces of those Boards have changed , but there has always been one constant : people have been treated in a respectful and equitable way . Regardless of one ’ s background or affiliation , their willingness to communicate and discuss differences while working collaboratively toward solutions has characterized the Laguna Beach community that we all love and enjoy .
However , a spirit of community is a fragile thing , and it should not be taken for granted nor treated recklessly .
Over the last 4 years , the tenor and integrity of our City Council meetings has changed drastically . The Council ' s ability to function in a civil , effective , and respectful manner has been hijacked by the unruly , bullying , and threatening behavior of one member .
At no other time in our history have I witnessed fellow Council members , nor the public treated so disrespectfully . Many residents are thus discouraged from attending nor participating in Council meetings . It ’ s unprecedented and does not reflect who we truly are as a community . It also damages our City ’ s reputation as we attempt to recruit qualified personnel in an already challenging recruitment market .
My motivation in reaching out to you is that I believe this is an extremely critical election which will decide how we govern ourselves during the next 4 years .
As such , I am urging you to use the power of your vote and desire to restore civility back to our governing process to elect the 3 candidates who I believe are the most qualified to serve :
Sue Kempf , Mark Orgill and Alex Rounaghi .
Ad paid by Morris Skenderian ( 1590 S . Coast Highway , Laguna Beach ) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate ’ s committee .