O.C. FINANCIAL CRISIS : VOICES

“It’s tragic to have such a successful career end this way.”

Seal Beach City Manager Jerry L. Bankston

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“When you make a mistake like that, you must step down. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the way it should be.”

Bill Mello, director of the Huntington Beach Citizens Bureau of Investigation, a local watchdog group

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“It’s kind of scary to find out that it was a one-man show here. No one is a guru who can predict the rise or fall of interest rates.”

Ron Hendrickson, co-chair of the Newport Taxpayers Alliance in Newport Beach

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“’ (Citron was) playing with the people’s money.”

Ron Jackson of Huntington Beach, as he paid his property tax bill at the county treasurer-tax collector’s office.

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“If Citron is responsible, I don’t know why he didn’t stay around to clean up the mess.”

Orange City Manager David F. Dixon

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“As long as I’m not charged for (the losses), it’s OK. If they increase my taxes because they lost money, I’ll fight them.”

Nohline Lecuyer, 38, of Anaheim, as she paid her property taxes

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“If we hold on, there will be no loss of principal--that’s the best we know at this point.”

La Habra City Manager Lee Risner

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“Bob Citron is an incredibly competent administrator and he has been for as long as any of us can remember. It’s a difficult job. He’s done it well over the years. That’s why they call it investments. You win some investments and you lose some investments.”

Santa Ana City Manager David N. Ream

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“A run on the pool would certainly cause disaster for everyone.”

David Bass, director of administrative services for Lake Forest