Candidate Profile: Ann Marie McKay For Laguna Beach City Clerk

Laguna Beach CA

07 October, 2020

3:59 PM

Description

The 2020 election is heating up in Orange County, and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of state representative and senate seats. Closer to home, Patch has asked candidates for city council races to discuss their campaigns, publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near. Running for Laguna Beach City Clerk: Ann Marie McKay Age (as of Election Day) 42 Town/City of Residence Laguna Beach Office Sought Municipal office Where appropriate, add specifics about office sought: i.e., State Senate District 1, State Assembly District 2, Temecula City Council District 1, etc. Laguna Beach City Clerk Party affiliation (not needed in non-partisan races, including county, city and school offices) Family Ed, my life partner of 15 years, my mom Kathie recently moved in with us after the sudden death of my dad, and my ever-evolving pack of misfit "unadoptable" dogs I take in to love and cherish as they should be. Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No Education Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Occupation Law Office Manager (2017-present); Administrative Assistant for City of Laguna Beach (2007-2017); U.S. Air Force officer (2000-2006) Campaign website www.mckay4cityclerk.com Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office N/A The single most pressing issue facing our (state, district, community, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. Transparency. I will leverage my skills in technology to ensure all information is available to the public, as easily accessible as possible. What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? My proven independence and skills in technology. Though I am well-versed in City operations, I have no conflicts of loyalties with those currently in City elected and appointed positions (i.e., the City Manager's office); a review of my website that I personally maintain and the videos I have posted provide a glimpse into the skills I have with technology. If you are a challenger, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency) N/A, but I am concerned with the current City Clerk's lack of neutrality in the current election Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform Grassroots. I am working to be the voice of the people, not those currently in power or with "connections." What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? During 10 years of service as an employee in the Community Development Department for the City of Laguna Beach, I became depended upon by every other Department, known as the "go to" person. During my exemplary service in the Air Force, I successfully managed diverse project teams with people from a variety of ages, races, backgrounds, beliefs, etc.; in my current position as the Office Manager of a successful law firm, I manage the daily responsibilities of the office, including a diverse range of personnel, building issues, and marketing; my experience as a systems administrator for every employer I have had for multiple software systems because of my skills in technology. If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? Build upon the foundation set by our previous City Clerks, to bring the Laguna Beach City Clerk's office into the future, while ensuring transparency is improved and unbiased excellent assistance is provided to everyone. Why should voters trust you? I have always provided equal, exceptional, assistance to everyone, while also standing up for what is right. The City Manager and our elected officials know this. They know I could not be compromised as an employee and certainly would not be as an elected official. I have the experience, talents and independence necessary to serve our community as City Clerk, and to be effective from Day 1, with transparency and unparalleled objectivity. As a candidate for City Clerk, I am not endorsing any candidates in this election, and certainly would not as City Clerk, because I believe strongly in the importance of remaining as neutral as possible in this incredibly important position. I decided to run for this office back in February, and my message has been clear and consistent: the City Clerk's office must be independent and transparency at City Hall must be improved. What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? The City Clerk does not make policy. As City Clerk, I would ensure policies are followed, and any spending and handling of taxpayer dollars is transparent. Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No The best advice ever shared with me was ... Just be yourself, and let people know your accomplishments. What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? An elected official must be independent and must make good decisions. Elected officials should be held to a higher standard when it comes to independence, and transparency. And now more than ever, they should be supremely qualified to hold that office, make decisions bound only by the interest to serve the public, and put the people of this community first. I am that candidate. Do you have any additional questions for your candidate? Respond in comments, orsend to your Patch Editor over email.