FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2000
Contact: Barbara Brown
(714) 834-3110
Orange County Releases
Opinion Survey on Budget Priorities
(Santa Ana) –
The Board of Supervisors today released results of a survey
that measured public opinion about the county’s key
issues, said Charles V. Smith, Chairman of the Board and
First District Supervisor.
The 750-person sample expressed optimism about the status
of the county, but overwhelmingly recognized bankruptcy
debt as a significant issue. They ranked the top three
countywide issues as crime, traffic and growth.
When asked about spending priorities for the tobacco settlement
funds, those surveyed supported a balanced plan that addressed
health, safety, and debt reduction. Nearly 80 percent
want public input on plans for tobacco fund spending.
Those surveyed also wanted to see safeguards to ensure
that tobacco funds are spent properly, and they want accountability
for results. Nearly 70 percent were in favor of the Board
of Supervisors’ retaining some flexibility in implementing
a spending plan, rather than being bound by an inflexible
formula.
"As we saw in this morning’s budget hearings,
there are major countywide issues competing for the limited
available dollars," said Smith. "With the tobacco
litigation funds now becoming available to us, it’s
important that the Board have this public input into our
deliberations. I’m encouraged to see that the majority
of people understand the impact that bankruptcy debt has
on the County budget and that they support the Board in
seeking a fair and balanced spending plan."
Legal