O.C.’s Policy Paralysis
We are in boom times in Orange County, but there is an uneasiness over the Hall of Administration, the seat of county government. It parallels some of the restiveness on the national political stage, arising from a feeling that even when the economy is good, government can be unresponsive and indebted to special interests. The current leadership of the Board of Supervisors has much to do with this perception. Although there are no seriously contested races for the board this March, the current election for two seats offers time for stock-taking.
Confidence in county government received a modest but favorable bounce a few years out of the bankruptcy, but today you do not have to look far to find unhappiness with the way county government is operating. The county has recovered from its dire fiscal problems, but never has the relationship between the Board of Supervisors and the central and southern cities of Orange County been more strained. As new municipalities have come into being, the cities increasingly are important as planning agents and as regional decision-makers. People are more likely to feel a connection with their mayor than with their supervisor.
This division has been aggravated by the civil war over the future of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Rather than moving to bridge this divide, the governing majority of three on the board has hardened its position. This majority’s public presence is a curious mixture of ineffectiveness and arrogance.
The debate over El Toro has diverted the board from the attention it needs to focus on other issues. The board is in a kind of policy paralysis as a result. Were it not for the watchdog role played by incumbent Todd Spitzer, and to some extent by colleague Tom Wilson, the current leadership would seem capable of stumbling quite easily on any number of fronts.
The county’s housing crisis grows more ominous each quarter. Even in flush times, people cannot afford to live in the place that boasts such low unemployment. A new state Finance Department report finds Orange County exporting residents. The numbers are small, but for the long term the trend is alarming. The board should be doing more to address the crisis.
The Health Care Agency for too long was left to drift with a revolving door at the management level. The problems at the animal shelter this winter were an indication of the degree to which things went off track. The board is in a fog over tobacco settlement money. The county’s medical community recognizes this quandary and is taking matters in its own hands by proposing a ballot initiative for November.
On jails, one of the few key areas in county life where supervisors can make a difference, two leading members appeared more as obstacles than as facilitators in efforts by the sheriff and the cities to reach a compromise on a site for expansion.
Most on the board were AWOL on the problems of the 91 Express Lanes, while the Riverside County supervisors and some other elected officials led the way. The board as a group can’t even seem to get its act together on the televising of meetings, an item that ought to be routine.
The current chairman, Charles V. Smith, is running again in the 1st District, and has done some good things, such as helping in the reopening of one of the two nonprofit health care clinics that closed for lack of funds. But after one term and too long in the chairman’s seat, Smith communicates little sense of relish for his task.
He has matched this listless leadership with a rigid “we-know-best” attitude on the large public works projects, El Toro and the jail siting. It’s a peculiar and dangerous combination that makes his hold on the gavel especially problematic for the county.
Smith’s opponent, Eleazar Elizondo, is very inexperienced and unfortunately is not ready. But he does represent a new generation from the Latino community coming of age within the district. The county would benefit from greater participation in government by members of all ethnic groups.
In the 3rd District, incumbent Spitzer is unopposed for a second term. Spitzer began as a squeaky wheel, but has matured on the job in his first term. He is knowledgeable on a wide range of policy matters, and has done a service by demanding answers. His style might not be right for all times, but for this time and this board, he is a bit of fresh air.
In general, we hope for much more from the board as a group. The public should expect and demand it.