Orange County candidates differ on future of discretionary funds

Candidates for Orange County supervisor offered differing approaches to dwindling discretionary accounts, with proposals ranging from ending individual spending authority to keeping the funds with stronger safeguards, according to Voice of OC.

The responses give voters in the Fourth and Fifth districts a view of how candidates would handle taxpayer-funded grants after the Andrew Do scandal. Suggested safeguards included open applications, independent professional review, conflict checks and audits, Voice of OC reported.

The accounts originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but spending continued after lockdowns ended, according to Voice of OC. Supervisors have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to selected nonprofits, community organizations and district events as the funds have dwindled.

Voice of OC reported that former Supervisor Andrew Do illegally used funds to benefit a nonprofit that employed his daughter and went to prison for those crimes. The case brought greater scrutiny and disclosure to discretionary spending.

Shaw, a Fourth District candidate, said increasing the accounts would rank below other priorities because of the county’s financial difficulties. Shaw would consider forgoing the funds if the county budget remained out of balance, according to the published responses.

Traut, also running in the Fourth District, opposed allowing supervisors to direct public money on their own. Traut favored handling allocations through the county’s regular budget procedures or a grant program with transparent rules, Voice of OC reported.

Dixon, a Fifth District candidate, said discretionary funding could have a role if governed by clear requirements and public disclosure. Dixon identified infrastructure, services for veterans, homelessness and public safety as potential uses.

Foley, also a Fifth District candidate, cited support for food aid, contraceptive services, wildfire response, housing for survivors of domestic violence and programs for children. Voice of OC’s article did not include Dixon’s answer on replenishing the accounts or Foley’s answers on replenishment and whether supervisors should have discretionary budgets.

The questionnaire also highlighted ways to change how awards are made. Public applications, objective selection standards and disclosure were among the proposals aimed at making the allocation process more accountable, according to Voice of OC.