Avilla Out: Throws Support Behind Duque

By Lyn Jensen, Carson Reporter

Karen Avilla, the incumbent treasurer for the City of Carson, abruptly announced Jan. 5 that she was retiring. She was certified to run in the March 3 election but changed her mind. She said she did so at the urging of her family.

“I believe I have done everything possible to improve the Treasurer’s office and keep the City’s funds safe,” she said in a prepared statement.

She threw her support to Eddie Duque who, according to his Linkedin profile, works as a senior analyst in Finance and Management Services for the City of Santa Ana.

“He is uniquely qualified,” Avilla stated.

She added he has more than 16 years of municipal finance management experience, along with degrees from Berkeley and Harvard.

With Avilla out, the race is now between Duque and three other candidates.The candidates provided the following information about themselves and their campaigns:

Eddie Duque

“I am running for City Treasurer of Carson because I believe I can make a difference,” Duque stated in an email. “I am a Certified Public Funds Investment Manager… I have more than 20 years of honorable and verified professional public service.”

Duque has lived in Carson for seven years.

“I am honored to receive her confidence and that she considers me the only qualified candidate,” commented Duque, about Avilla’s endorsement. “I want to continue the good work she has done to bring stability to Carson.”

He promises, if elected, to safeguard the city’s funds, improve operations and create avenues for greater transparency.  His campaign may be contacted at  eddie@voteduque2015.com for details.

Joe Merton

“I want to develop the transparency of the office to the public, to protect financial stability,” Merton said.

He asserted that being a businessman for 20 years provides him with the experience to serve as treasurer.

“I want proper financial management for the city, to look at the city’s portfolio,” he added. “I want to see the best return on investments.”

He’s run for treasurer twice before.

He’s lived in Carson for almost 30 years. Contact joemerton9@gmail.com for details.

Monica Cooper

“I’m qualified with experience in the public and private sector,” Cooper said.  She recently ran for the West Basin Municipal Water District, but didn’t win.

Cooper worked for 22 years with the Franchise Tax Board and has managed a real estate business. She says she’s had to manage a business where she ensured proper handling of public funds.

“I’d like to bring the treasurer’s office forward, make it more visible,” she said when asked about her goals if elected. “Many people in the city don’t know what the treasurer does.  I’d like to be more present, have Webinars.”

She also said she’d like to explore diversifying the city’s portfolio, possibly requesting that investment banks “do something for the community.”

She also commented on Avilla’s sudden retirement.

“Frankly I was very surprised,” she commented. “Maybe something drastic happened or is coming.”

Cooper has lived in Carson since 2009. For details about Cooper and her campaign call (562) 440-8877.

Emilio Ramos Loyola

When asked about his qualifications, Loyola points to his years of public service with Carson’s Parks and Recreation Department. He recently resigned from the job he had for 15 years at the Veterans Sports Complex, so he may focus on his campaign. He’s lived in the neighborhood near Veterans Park since 1980.

He’s also served on several city commissions—planning, environmental, fine arts and historical.  He’s retired from the Navy, where he served as a disbursing clerk.

If elected, he says his priorities will be security first, reformation and modernization of the office’s operations second, and lastly, to apply a strict code of ethics. To volunteer on Loyola’s campaign or for details call (310) 328-1261.