FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: James Campbell
August 8, 2000
714.834.3110
Board Gives Voters
a Choice in November
(Santa Ana) –
Supervisor Chuck Smith today supported a ballot measure
that offers an option to Measure H, a proposal that commits
all future tobacco litigation proceeds to healthcare,
tobacco use prevention and public safety. “Initiative
G will work because it’s simply good government,”
said Smith, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.The Board
this morning approved placement of Measure G on the November
ballot.
Created by Treasurer-Tax Collector John Moorlach, Measure
G will allocate tobacco proceeds to these categories,
but will also help pay down bankruptcy debt that now costs
the County approximately $100 million each year.
“Without the obligation of these high debt payments,
more of the County’s budget could be opened up to
meet our other pressing obligations,” said Smith.
“By taking a serious approach to retiring bankruptcy
debt, Measure G will help ensure a healthy economic future
for the County.
“I want to thank Treasurer Moorlach for bringing
forward this well thought out plan. I also want
to thank Supervisor Cynthia P. Coad for her ongoing involvement
in and support for this issue. Supervisor Jim Silva’s
support, as a staunch fiscal conservative, also reinforces
the good economic sense of Measure G. The Orange
County Taxpayers Association and many individuals should
also be commended for their efforts to make sure the voters
have a choice in November,” said Smith.
“By sticking to this fiscally conservative approach,
the County will be able to reduce its debt and tend to
other needs such as overcrowded facilities, urban runoff,
the pressing need for more low-income housing and unmet
healthcare needs,” he said.
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