O.C. Supervisors vs. the Ballot Box

Three members of the Board of Supervisors have such a skewed understanding of democracy and the ballot initiative process that the state attorney general, Bill Lockyer, finally felt compelled to rein them in (“Lockyer Role in Measure H Suit Is a First,” Jan. 23). Supervisors Chuck Smith, Jim Silva and Cynthia P. Coad are a disgrace to this county.

The three-strikes law should apply to politicians as well. Smith, Silva and Coad would long be gone. The judge presiding over this case (Orange County vs. Cassidy, read Orange County supervisors vs. the People) should throw the lawsuit out along with the anti-constituent trio of supervisors.

The removal of Smith, Silva and Coad from public office could, finally, bring representative government to Orange County. Special interests have been running this place for far too long.

ACHIM KRAUSS

Foothill Ranch

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By singling out Dr. J. Brennan Cassidy as a defendant on Measure H’s passage, our Board of Supervisors sends a chilling message of intimidation to all of us.

I am wondering what, if any, beneficial services we are actually getting back for our money. The president of the United States does not have the authority to raise his own pay, yet our county supervisors do this routinely and lavishly in the face of ever-shrinking responsibilities without a quark of public hearing.

A significant majority of Orange Countians rightfully voted for using the tobacco money toward health care, but our supervisors perceive this as an usurpation of their authority when it was actually their failing stewardship that had prompted the initiative in the first place.

If the Filipinos could peacefully kick out their inept president, why can’t we bestow the same fate to our county government by passing another initiative to make our county government more efficient and responsive?

In the meanwhile, Lockyer should go one step further by seeking a cease-and-desist order against the board on spending even one more dollar of our tax money toward intimidating the citizenry.

DR. JOHN T. CHIU

Newport Beach

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Recently elected Chairwoman Cynthia Coad stated, “As far as Measure F is concerned, for all intents and purposes, it’s dead.” (“Board Votes Coad Into Lead Seat,” Jan. 10.) Apparently 67% of the people who foot the bill for that nice little 10% raise she just voted for herself committed a grievous error when they voted yes for that initiative.

Now the board is initiating a lawsuit to challenge Measure H, because the people of Orange County didn’t vote the way they wanted.

Who is going to take the reins from these overzealous individuals and remind them that this country is based on the principle of majority rules? How dare they invalidate the will of the people because their pocketbooks won’t benefit from the outcome. How infuriating that these arrogant, self-righteous politicians are more concerned with pleasing their financial backers than providing a safe and healthy environment for their children and grandchildren to flourish.

The next time the board votes themselves another undeserved raise, I think I’ll call my lawyer.

KERRI AMODIO

Lake Forest