ORANGE COUNTY IN BANKRUPTCY : Measure R Backers Meet a Skeptical Public at Forum

Supporters of Measure R met with a largely skeptical audience Thursday night during a forum on the proposed half-cent sales tax increase.

A panel of speakers including state Sen. Rob Hurtt (R-Garden Grove) and UC Irvine political science professor Mark Petracca debated the merits of Measure R, which would hike the county sales tax from 7.75% to 8.25% for 10 years and raise about $135 million annually.

Measure R backers said the tax was needed to make upcoming debt payments and guide the county out of its financial crisis. They predicted cutbacks in schools, law enforcement and other services if Measure R fails.

“If we pass this, we can go into the 21st Century,” said banker Gerald Barrone, who has volunteered his services to the county during the bankruptcy.

But anti-tax speakers blasted Measure R as unnecessary and harmful to the economy.

“There are a lot of other options out there,” but the county officials don’t want to consider them, Petracca said.

Supervisor Roger R. Stanton, who attended the forum, complained in an interview that some Measure R backers were using “scare stories instead of intelligent points” in the campaign. He also urged county officials to prepare a contingency plan if Measure R fails June 27.

Stanton said he plans to take a position on Measure R before the election.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors in March placed Measure R on the ballot at the urging of County Chief Executive Officer William J. Popejoy.

Supervisors Marian Bergeson and William G. Steiner have said they will vote for the measure, while Supervisor Jim Silva said he probably will oppose it. Supervisors Gaddi H. Vasquez and Roger R. Stanton have yet to take public stands on the proposed tax increase.