Fence Mending, Debate in Order

Last week’s Orange County elections set the stage for what will probably be one of the most expensive congressional races, and for a runoff election for supervisor that could greatly affect the battle over a new airport.

Tuesday’s balloting also meant changes for law enforcement. Anthony J. Rackauckas defeated Wallace J. Wade for district attorney, and the county’s marshal, Mike Carona, was elected as sheriff to replace Brad Gates.

Carona rightly reached out soon after the election to all the sheriff’s deputies who will work for him but who preferred Carona’s opponent, Paul Walters, the Santa Ana police chief.

Carona said his job was to “build a coalition with the people who were against me.” The deputies union pledged to maintain “the same professional and effective service” as under Gates, who chose not to run. That professionalism is what Orange County residents deserve, expect and have received no matter who has held the title of sheriff.

While Carona can prepare to take over in January, races for Congress will not be settled until November. The one guaranteed to gain national attention is the 46th Congressional District rematch between Rep. Loretta Sanchez and Robert K. Dornan.

Sanchez is the county’s lone Democrat to hold an elected statewide or national post. Dornan beat three rivals to win the Republican nomination.

Two years ago Sanchez defeated Dornan by fewer than 1,000 votes. Dornan alleged that he lost because of ballots cast by noncitizens, but investigations by the Orange County district attorney’s office, Congress and the California secretary of state did not produce evidence to support his allegation.

Dornan, who held the district seat for 12 years before Sanchez beat him, should accept the findings of those investigations and not replay his claims about illegal votes. Sanchez, in Congress now for nearly a year and a half, has a record of her own. She and Dornan should compare and contrast their votes and positions. They have promised to meet in at least one public face-to-face debate, which would be welcome.

A full discussion also is needed in the races for county supervisor in the 2nd and 4th districts. A key issue in the 2nd District is likely to be whether to build a civilian airport at El Toro after the Marines leave the base. Dave Sullivan opposes an airport; incumbent Supervisor Jim Silva favors one. Sullivan is on the Huntington Beach City Council, where Silva served before becoming supervisor.

In the 4th District, Anaheim Councilman Lou Lopez and North Orange County Community College District board member Cynthia Coad will compete for the seat being vacated by Supervisor William G. Steiner. Though both support an airport, voters need to hear their views on other issues facing the county, including jails, bankruptcy recovery and social service programs.