County Charter: a Sucker’s Bet

Over the years, the word sucker has taken on many colloquial, slang connotations in America’s multifaceted vernaculars. Fad phrase-bites such as “Never give a sucker an even break,” “sucker punch,” etc., all denote ominous occurrences one might encounter by not paying enough attention.

As the March 26 primary election draws near, Orange County voters will hear strong arguments for and against the concept that our county should become a “charter county.” The so-called “home rule provisions” of the proposed charter will give strong control and power to a few entrenched bureaucrats and their political allies, the county Board of Supervisors.

Will we voters be fooled and allow ourselves to become suckers by the same people who failed to prevent the most devastating municipal bankruptcy in the history of the United States?

Simply put, these people want the power to further levy new taxes. Orange County is currently governed by constitutional and general law provisions as delineated by the State of California. Under charter county rule that could all change. Should we give the decision-making power to the government body who has already failed us?

The recent defeat of Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase, was a strong voice of the voters. Losing our voice at this juncture would be a quantum leap backward.

THOMAS P. LOGAN

Huntington Beach