Wieder to Seek Reelection to 3rd Term as Supervisor

Unopposed for a third four-year term, Orange County Supervisor Harriett Wieder announced her 1986 reelection bid on Thursday and pledged much of her $250,000 campaign war chest to cancer research and other charities if no challengers emerge.

Wieder did not specify the organizations to which she would contribute financially.

The former Huntington Beach mayor and one-time aide to former Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty declared that she was seeking reelection because her personal agenda remains “unfinished” and includes efforts to provide “more reasonably priced housing,” toxic waste control and a site for a new county jail.

Wieder offered few specifics except to say that the county must work with cities to create toxic waste collection depots and treatment centers in order to cut down on illegal dumping, such as the incidents this week along Ortega Highway between San Juan Capistrano and the Riverside County border.

Referring to her war chest and present lack of an opponent, Wieder said: “This will enable me and give me the opportunity to help in lots of areas where money makes a difference. If I don’t have a race, then I won’t have to spend anything.”

However, Wieder said she would pay the $3,300 charged by the county registrar of voters to have a statement of her qualifications included with sample ballots mailed to voters. She said she should assume that she is known by voters and the public should see that she is asking for votes.

Other board members have occasionally used small amounts of campaign money ($2,000 or less) for philanthropic purposes, usually by purchasing tickets to charity dinners. Supervisor Ralph Clark also has a $250,000 campaign fund but is not seeking reelection. Clark has not decided what he will do with the money.

Asked about the size of her war chest at a press conference Thursday, Wieder quipped: “I count it every night.”

After stating that nobody was challenging her because she has been “a great elected official,” Wieder acknowledged that her ability as an incumbent to raise funds is probably a key factor.

First elected in 1978, Wieder was also unopposed in 1982. She amassed more than $300,000 in a fund-raising blitz and acknowledged at the time that it was intended to intimidate potential challengers.

Few incumbent board members have been challenged in recent years, primarily because of the high cost ($300,000 or more) involved in waging an effective campaign, according to political activists and campaign managers.

The candidate filing deadline is March 7.