ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Recorder’s Office: One More Flare-Up

Problems of morale, efficiency and productivity in the Orange County recorder’s office have been public knowledge for some time. But now an investigation being conducted by county affirmative action officers seems to confirm that the office needs an overhaul.

Recorder Lee Branch, who is on a leave of absence after 15 years in the job, says there is nothing to apologize for concerning his relationship with a woman subordinate, a relationship that has led to staff complaints about alleged favoritism.

Branch, of course, is entitled to a full and fair review of the facts. What can be said now is that, given a previous controversy--which resulted in the Board of Supervisors stripping Branch of responsibility for court records and marriage licenses--there seems to be an abundance of reason for public concern. In 1985 a county government review found more than 150 problems in Branch’s department, including weak supervision in some areas and failure to record documents on time.

In the most recent controversy, a short-term solution may be simply to reassign the subordinate.

However, regarding the position of recorder, an elected official, how can the county guarantee real reform for the long term? The answer lies with voters, who have elected Branch four times despite the complaints against him. In elections next year, they can decide if this latest mess is one too many.