New Jail Is Needed, but So Is a Debate : * Supervisors Should Beware a Hasty Sales Tax Vote

Public opinion appears to be shifting on construction of a new jail in Orange County--a welcome change. A recent Times Poll indicated that 49% of those surveyed would vote for a half-cent sales tax increase to build and operate a jail. That number jumped to 60% when people were informed that tens of thousands of people a year are cited and released, or released early, because of a severe lack of cells. That’s a strong indication that a campaign that focuses on educating voters could succeed.

Buoyed by the poll results, Sheriff Brad Gates is pushing the Board of Supervisors to act quickly to schedule an election for May 14. That would save the county money because it would coincide with an expected runoff in the special election being held in the 35th Senate District to fill the seat being vacated by John Seymour, who was appointed U.S. senator.

To coordinate the two elections, however, the board appears likely to act on Tuesday. That may be rushing things. While the jail issue has languished for years before the board, there is still much that must be considered before an election could be held. Most important, there may not be sufficient time to put all the facts before voters--a crucial element of success at the polls. And make no mistake--there must be a full and public debate on the merits of any sales tax proposal.

The board should consider whether it might be better to hold a special election, perhaps later this year. While such an election could cost as much as $900,000--compared to $600,000 on the May 14 ballot--that’s a small amount when compared to what might be gained in terms of public awareness.

Three members of the board have agreed to put a new jail in Gypsum Canyon near Anaheim Hills. A fourth vote is needed from either Board Chairman Gaddi H. Vasquez or Supervisor Don R. Roth to condemn the land. That stalemate has been a convenient hook on which the board hung its indecisiveness. Meanwhile, in that same time, the Times’ survey by Mark Baldassare & Associates indicates that seven in 10 residents give the board “fair” or “poor” ratings on the jail issue.

Roth, assessing the survey, said respondents should have been asked if they would vote to increase sales taxes by 1 cent or more--what he says is needed to build and operate a new $1-billion jail. Instead of grumbling, Roth and the rest of the board would do well to use survey results as a starting place for building public support. Time is wasting; resolve the issue this year.