Special Credentials Weighed for Those Seeking 2 O.C. Jobs

Under proposed regulations inspired by the county’s bankruptcy, candidates for county treasurer-tax collector and auditor-controller would have to meet minimum education and professional standards.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the changes over the next few weeks--just as the county marks the third anniversary of the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.

Under current election rules, candidates for treasurer-tax collector and auditor-controller are not required to meet any special qualifications even though both jobs deal with highly technical financial matters.

In the wake of the county’s December 1994 financial collapse, then-Treasurer Robert L. Citron and Auditor-Controller Steve E. Lewis faced heavy criticism--not to mention criminal and civil prosecutions--for their actions.

The proposed regulations would require candidates for treasurer to be a certified public accountant, hold a degree in public or business administration, or have at least three years of experience as a government financial manager.

Auditor-controller candidates would be required to have similar auditing experience in the public sector, hold degrees in public or business administration or possess a state auditing license.

“The idea is to have at least some training for those seeking these elected offices,” said Orange County Counsel Laurence M. Watson. “Right now, in theory, anyone can run for these offices regardless of their experience or qualifications.”

Watson said the Board of Supervisors will be asked to vote on the changes now so that they can take effect during the 1998 county elections.

“I think this raises the bar,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman William G. Steiner, who expressed support for the proposal. “It makes sense to do this.”

The treasurer-tax collector is responsible for managing the investments of county agencies, as well as local school districts. The auditor-controller handles the county’s cash, though some of the office’s auditing responsibilities were transferred to a new internal auditor after the bankruptcy.

Some county officials and activists suggested in the wake of the bankruptcy that both jobs become appointed, as opposed to elected positions, to ensure that qualified people hold those offices. But a ballot measure that would have made the switch was rejected by voters in 1995.

Citron, whose risky investment practices cost the county $1.64 billion in trading losses and triggered the bankruptcy, pleaded guilty to six felony counts of misusing public funds and violating state securities laws. He served 220 days in a jail work-release program.

Lewis still faces civil misconduct charges for allegedly failing to prevent the bankruptcy. The auditor, whose term ends next year, faced a maximum punishment of removal from office if convicted. He is not expected to seek reelection.