ORANGE COUNTY IN BANKRUPTCY : Leaders of Citizens’ Group Outline Strategy to Defeat Sales Tax Hike

Members of a citizens’ group that is leading the campaign against Measure R outlined their strategy for defeating the proposed half-cent sales tax increase at a meeting Wednesday night attended by about 100 people.

Leaders of the Committees of Correspondence urged the audience to speak out against Measure R at service organizations, community gatherings and schools over the next few weeks.

Committees of Correspondence leaders said they are continuing to receive donations for the campaign and might eventually send mailers and hold rallies.

“We’re going to defeat this,” said group leader Carole Walters. “The people don’t want this tax.”

Television commentator and Measure R foe Hugh Hewitt told the crowd to discuss the tax with friends and neighbors and to write letters to newspapers.

Measure R is supported by several key county officials, including Chief Executive Officer William J. Popejoy and Sheriff Brad Gates, who said the tax is needed to make debt payments due this summer.

The measure, which voters will consider on a special June 27 ballot, would increase the county sales tax from 7.75% to 8.25% and would last for 10 years.