Dollops of Dough From PACs, but What About Public Service?

Your series (“Dollar Politics: PAC Power in Orange County Government”) and subsequent editorial (“PACs Erode O.C.’s Political Credibility,” May 12) on how (political action committees) work in Orange County was very relevant, and very much overdue.

I doubt that any observer of Orange County politics will be surprised at the way things are done; what does surprise one is how little it takes to buy some influence. For a mere $500 to $900, it appears that doors will open, projects will move and our supervisors will nod in approval. I read recently that a high-class hooker charges about $1,000; the reader is left to make the comparison.

Defending their actions by citing the legality of taking dollops of dough from every special interest group in town, the supervisors conveniently forget that they were elected to serve the interests of Orange County citizens, not their own perpetuation.

It might be different if, in exchange for a few special favors, the board brought dynamic leadership and innovative solutions to the myriad problems that beset the county. Regrettably, these fossils haven’t had a fresh idea in years.

DON COULSON, Orange