Supervisors Again Delay Vote on Televised Meetings

For the second time in three months, Orange County supervisors Tuesday delayed voting on a pilot plan to televise the board’s meetings.

“We can sit here all day long trying to figure out why not to do it,” said an exasperated Supervisor Todd Spitzer, who favors the proposal.

Instead, the board balked, voting 4 to 1 to put off a decision until its March 30 session.

Supervisor Cynthia Coad said she believes the idea has merit but would like to find out whether more research needs to done.

“What about the Internet?” Coad asked. “I mean, people use computers, and for those who don’t have one, they can go to a library and use one of those. And radio? We should explore putting this out on the radio. Everyone has a radio.”

Board Chairman Charles V. Smith said he remains open to having televised meetings but will not support the idea unless the sessions are broadcast countywide and not just by certain cable companies or aired at a late-night hour on public television KOCE.

“I’m not going to go for it when it’s . . . at 1 a.m.,” Smith said. “I don’t see why these other cable companies can’t find a slot for it.”

More than one speaker criticized the board for “micromanaging” by peppering its staff with questions rather than going ahead with approval.

Patricia Harrigan, a representative of the League of Women Voters, said with exasperation: “Just do it!”