Davis’ Budget Costly to Orange County

Gov. Gray Davis’ eagerly awaited first budget has been released with much excitement but little else. Those expecting it to mirror the promises of his campaign and State of the State address are justifiably disappointed. One of the most unfortunate aspects is that it completely reneges on several substantial bipartisan agreements that were made to local governments last year by former Gov. Pete Wilson and the Legislature. Not only does Davis nullify these in his budget, but he abandons his campaign promise to provide reliable funding sources for local government.

Davis begins his term by encouraging the consolidation of taxing and spending authority into the state at the expense of cities and counties. This is not healthy for our political environment. Each level of government has its role. However, we should strive to see that the level of government closest to the people be as responsible as possible for the delivery of services. In doing this, we make government more accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.

Davis simply ignores the law requiring the state to reimburse local governments for flood-control projects in several entities including Orange County, which is owed $23 million. Orange County already has begun projects in anticipation of the money required by state law. This broken promise may cause the devaluation of property and make it difficult for homeowners to obtain flood insurance in the future.

The governor’s office also has proposed legislation that reduces the state’s share of trial court funding in Orange County by $2.1 million. This will hamper the ability of the district attorney’s office to bring criminals to a swift and sure sentence. Criminals allowed bail would be in our communities for extended periods while their cases languish awaiting an available courtroom.

Although Davis does propose permanent extension of the popular COPS program (Citizens Option for Public Safety), he wants to impose requirements on cities and police chiefs on how they can spend the money. So while the one hand preaches about ending mandates on local government, the other is busy creating another mandate.

Overall, Davis’ proposed cuts will cost Orange County as much as $27 million in the coming fiscal year. A loss of this magnitude could force the county to reduce the number of deputy district attorneys and deputy sheriffs, or require Orange County cities to postpone or cancel municipal improvements.

If the governor intends to restore local governments to fiscal health, his first budget certainly contradicts his early promises and only serves to postpone the day that local government fiscal problems are alleviated. This budget was supposed to reflect a “new era” in state government and one of increased expectations. Unfortunately, what this budget provides is more cause for local governments to continue to mistrust the state at a time when Davis speaks of “state and local partnerships.” Surely he can do better than this.