Time for Supervisors to Show Unity on Tax : Stanton and Silva Err in Vacillating on Recovery Plan

Life is full of uncertainty, but there are moments for a community that are defined by clarity. For Orange County, this is one of those times where the choices never have been clearer. Will we go forward to a bright future or lose what so many have worked so hard to build? For the moment, the decision lies in the hands of the Board of Supervisors.

It is now painfully apparent that the county will not be able to get back on its feet from bankruptcy without new temporary taxation. The supervisors indicated last week that they were about to put a sales tax increase on the ballot in late June, and they will vote on it this week.

In the past two weeks, we have laid out the gap between what money is likely to come in from the sales of assets and privatization and what must be achieved to pay off the bondholders and to preserve critical services.

Experts who have looked at the numbers are in agreement that these are extraordinary times requiring extraordinary measures. The county’s chief executive officer, brought in to manage the crisis, warns of a “financial meltdown.” Many business leaders support taxes as a necessary part of the county’s recovery.

Meanwhile, Wall Street, the state leadership and others who might assist await action.

For the supervisors, there is really no choice about which way to go. Two of the supervisors, Roger R. Stanton and Jim Silva, appeared last week to want to have it both ways. They said they would put the tax increase before voters but would not endorse or support the measure. This attitude is unacceptable and must change.

For any supervisor to vacillate on a recovery plan after having been presented with the stark facts puts the onus on him to come up with an immediate alternative that relies on realistic and verifiable numbers. Absent this, the case for his continuation in office evaporates in view of the enormous stakes for Orange County.

We have resisted calls for resignations on the board in part because we have been mindful of the disruption that would occur during this crucial stage in the county’s recovery. But if the board as a group or anyone on it becomes the obstacle to recovery, then Orange County and the state, which also has a stake, would be much better served by any gubernatorial appointments necessary to get leaders willing to do what needs to be done.

Already, there are calls at the state level to take the crisis out of the hands of the supervisors. The state’s executive and legislative leadership both have emphasized the importance of courageous and decisive local action as a requirement for state assistance.

Most important, Orange County does not have the luxury of time to indulge in denial. The responsible people calling reluctantly for new taxation have provided the supervisors with cover. They can say the experts have looked at the depths of the problem, and that a new temporary sales tax is now necessary. A vote for the sales tax, and encouragement for people to buy locally, can be construed and pitched as an act of hometown patriotism.

With the strong commitment of all the supervisors, let the campaign to rebuild Orange County begin.