Countywide : Supervisors OK ‘Motor Voter’ Funding

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday grudgingly approved funding to implement the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, but not before criticizing the so-called “motor voter” law as unneeded and a glaring example of costly federal mandates.

Officials said Orange County might have to spend more than $1 million over several years to comply fully with the law, which is expected to increase overall election workloads by as much as 20%.

“This is a good example of a well-intentioned federal program having an impact on the local level,” Supervisor William G. Steiner said, noting that the county is in no position to fund new federal projects as it tries to dig itself out of bankruptcy.

The act is intended to make it easier for people to participate in elections by giving them the opportunity to register at an assortment of government buildings, from the Department of Motor Vehicles offices to federal and state welfare centers.

California counties are required to offer voter registration services at locations that provide food stamps, Medi-Cal and other social services.

Also on Tuesday, the supervisors decided to pay as much as $50,000 for the legal services of former County Counsel Terry C. Andrus.

County officials plan to retain Andrus on an as-needed basis, mostly to handle cases he worked on during his years as the county’s top staff attorney.

Andrus resigned earlier this year amid criticism for not informing supervisors about an April, 1994, meeting he attended with Securities and Exchange Commission officials who were examining the county’s finances months before the Dec. 6 bankruptcy filing. He now works at the law firm of Rourke, Woodruff and Spradlin.

On Tuesday, supervisors praised Andrus’ expertise and years of loyal service to the county.

“We need his background and experience,” Supervisor Jim Silva said, lauding Andrus for volunteering his services to the county after he left office.