Chel seeks city clerk job

Deputy City Clerk Lisette Chel announced this week that she will run for city clerk.

"I have served as deputy city clerk since 2008, under the guidance of Martha Anderson," Chel said. "I believe my experience will benefit the community, and I am excited to announce my candidacy."

As an elected official, the city clerk is independent and responsible only to the people of Laguna Beach, not to the council or the city administration. Her current post is appointed.

"The city clerk's job is varied and needs an experienced hand at the helm to meet regulatory requirements established by law," Chel said. "Public documents and city records are entrusted to us. We oversee and preserve the integrity of elections, which requires familiarity with the election laws."

The city clerk's office also provides administrative and support services to the City Council and staff in other departments. The city clerk attends all council meetings and records the proceedings.

"I am experienced in providing the superior level of customer service introduced in the office by City Councilwoman Verna Rollinger and carried on by Martha Anderson," Chel said. "I am committed to serving all the citizens of Laguna Beach in a friendly and courteous manner with the intent to create a citizen-friendly and transparent government.

"Although one of my main goals is to make public records more accessible and user-friendly to the public, my primary motive for running for city clerk is that I love working with the public and I enjoy what I do."

Chel previously worked for 25 years in the Laguna Beach Police Department before being appointed deputy city clerk.

She has lived in Laguna Beach for 33 years.

"This is where I met my husband, Curtis Walker, a retired American Airlines captain, and raised my daughter, Marlise," Chel said.

The election is Nov. 6.

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