A Chance to Re-Energize and Rethink : O.C. Voters Can Look Forward to New Leaders, Even a New Form of Government

Supervisor William G. Steiner’s announcement that he will not seek reelection offers Orange County a chance to open the political system wider and debate the course of county government. Both actions would be welcome at any time; after the bankruptcy, they take on special urgency.

The collapse of county finances a year ago stained all five county supervisors who were then in office. Thomas F. Riley and Harriett M. Wieder stepped down as supervisors in January when their terms expired. Gaddi H. Vasquez resigned his seat two months ago. Roger R. Stanton said he will not run again. Now Steiner has followed suit, and has not ruled out leaving office before his term expires at the end of 1998.

Steiner’s announcement should energize those who have complained that Orange County government is a closed system, dominated by an old-boys’ network. It need not be that way. There is plenty of time for candidates to organize and seek funds.

As the supervisors were leaving office, the county’s Charter Commission was debating possible overhauls of county government. The commission’s recommendations are to be considered by the supervisors, who can put them before the voters next year.

The Charter Commission considered whether to reform county government, and whether to switch from a county governed by general state laws to one ruled by a charter, a series of bylaws aimed at the specific situation in Orange County. There are arguments in favor of both approaches, and different counties in California have chosen different forms of government.

But debate is needed on issues such as term limits for supervisors, changing some posts, including auditor-controller and treasurer-tax collector, from elective to appointed, and increasing the power of the county’s chief executive officer.

Steiner was an effective advocate for children before and during his term as supervisor, but the bankruptcy angered voters and effectively swept him out as it did the other supervisors. Still, residents should not lose the opportunities provided by the Charter Commission discussion, next year’s election to choose successors to Vasquez and Stanton, and a later election to choose a replacement for Steiner. All should provide ample chances to discuss issues facing the county.