Lots of Experience on Ballot
Aside from the prominent races for district attorney and county supervisor on the March 5 ballot, which we discussed in previous editorials, there are several other contests for county government and school board posts. Although they generally don’t draw the interest they deserve, seats on the county Board of Education and for the countywide posts of clerk-recorder, assessor and public administrator are important and merit serious consideration by voters.
The decision by incumbent Clerk-Recorder Gary Granville to retire has attracted five candidates seeking the open seat. The most qualified and deserving of election is Tom Daly, current mayor of Anaheim.
Daly not only has city government experience but understands the workings of county and regional government. He also is familiar with the needs and operations of the clerk’s office and the importance of security and the timely handling of documents. He plans to increase Internet service and work to make public demographic data readily available. Daly has Granville’s support and we too think he is best able to provide the professionalism and leadership needed to continue the office’s efficient operation.
The public administrator post also is open because William Baker, director of the county Community Services Agency, is not running for reelection. Baker, who wears three hats, will remain in the agency as director and public guardian, positions that are appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
The elected administrator is responsible for handling the estates of residents who die without a will and have no heirs or anyone willing to administer their estates. Of the four candidates seeking the post, Vicki Landrus is by far the most qualified and logical to replace Baker, who has endorsed her. Landrus, a 20-year veteran in county government, is the assistant public administrator and has the necessary ability and experience.
We also support the candidacy of incumbent Assessor Webster J. Guillory. The management and technical skills he has demonstrated in his first term make him worthy of reelection.
Also on the ballot are two races for the county Board of Education. Unlike local school boards, the countywide Department of Education, governed by the school board, furnishes many support services for the local districts. It also provides schooling and programs for severely handicapped children, wards of the court and youngsters with discipline problems who are in custody in county juvenile facilities.
Elizabeth “Liz” Dorn Parker, representing Area 5, and Del Clark, representing Area 2, are seeking reelection to the school board. They both deserve new terms.
Parker, the board’s senior member, is running for her sixth term. When first elected at age 22, she was the youngest elected countywide official in Orange County. In her 20 years of service, Parker has distinguished herself as an educational leader, not only on the local level but statewide.
She is past president of the state organization of county school boards and has been active in programs for drug abuse education, child care, teacher retention, outdoor science programs and efforts to reduce school dropouts. She is one of the most experienced and able board members in the county.
Clark, an appointed incumbent, is a retired teacher and former member and president of the school board in Los Alamitos. Clark works well with the other board members and understands the role of the board in providing services to the local districts and serving as a focal point in educational issues.
On the ballot but unopposed for reelection are incumbent supervisors Jim Silva and Thomas W. Wilson, Auditor David Sundstrom, Sheriff-Coroner Michael S. Carona, Treasurer-Tax Collector John M.W. Moorlach and county Superintendent of Schools William H. Habermehl.
In the contested offices, voters should mark their ballots for Tom Daly as clerk-recorder, Vicki Landrus as public administrator, Webster J. Guillory as assessor and Elizabeth Parker and Del Clark for the county Board of Education.