Charter Proposal Skirts Real Need

* As a 40-something, moderate Republican, homemaker and part-time marketing consultant--who has had little time for community involvement for most of my adult life--volunteering in my children’s schools led me to look into what “runs” government. The truth is, if more of us don’t step forward and get involved, we deserve what we get!

Case in point: The Orange County bankruptcy provided Orange County leadership and citizens with a marvelous opportunity to reinvent the way our government operates.

There may never be another time (in our lifetimes) when we have the attention of the citizens of Orange County, the motivation and the possible community leadership to make a change.

But guess what, guys? We’re blowing it big time.

Supervisor Marian Bergeson had a good idea that led to the formation of the Orange County Charter Commission. These 21 diligent, well-meaning people have come up with a watered-down charter plan (to be voted upon by citizens in March of 1996) that does little to change the status quo. (But it’s no surprise. Any PTA member can tell you that a 21-man committee will never agree on anything, and you’ll end up doing nothing.)

If our supervisors do not put before voters a charter plan that truly makes a difference, it will be another waste of time, money and opportunity.

While the proposed charter provides the opportunity to privatize services, sets a two-term limit for board members and other things, it doesn’t do what makes the most sense: either eliminate the Board of Supervisors or make them a part-time, lower-paid and -perked “advisory” board.

In fact, it gives them greater power, by allowing the board, instead of the governor, to appoint persons to fill vacancies on their board.

ELIZABETH THOMAS

Irvine