BREAKING NEWS: OC union boss proposes treasurer recall

Orange County Employees Assn. head Nick Berardino today proposed a bipartisan effort to recall county Treasurer Chriss Street, who is under investigation by county and federal officials for alleged improprieties.

Berardino asked the county Democratic, Republican and Libertarian parties as well as elected officials and political fundraising groups to form a recall committee, but so far it’s not clear who will agree to participate.

Street has been accused, in separate incidents, of mismanaging a corporate bankruptcy trust and trying to circumvent the county’s bidding process for an architectural contract. In a press conference Monday he denied any wrongdoing and told the media he has saved money and improved efficiency and investment returns since he was elected last year.

Although Street has not been officially charged with violating any laws, Berardino said public confidence in the treasurer has been “irreparably damaged.”

“Relying on the possibility that Mr. Street is innocent is an investment that the taxpayers of Orange County can’t afford,” he said.

Republican support will be key to the effort, and county GOP officials appear to be waiting to see whether the board of supervisors takes away Street’s investment powers. The board is scheduled to vote on that issue Sept. 11.

— Alicia Robinson