OC candidates back independent review after Do scandal

Orange County supervisor candidates Shaw and Traut said they support independent review of county records after the Andrew Do corruption scandal, according to Voice of OC.

The responses come as Orange County remains under scrutiny from federal prosecutors and auditors two years after Do pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and rerouting millions of dollars in county contracts.

Voice of OC reported that it asked Orange County supervisor candidates whether they would support independent investigators with subpoena power to examine county records for additional wrongdoing involving Andrew Do, vendors or county executives.

County supervisors have begun audits and changes after the scandal, but they have acknowledged they do not have subpoena power, according to Voice of OC. The outlet reported that existing reviews have left questions about the county’s internal operations and whether anyone beyond Do should face accountability.

Shaw, a Fourth District county supervisor candidate, said he supported a wide-ranging independent review. "The Andrew Do scandal seriously damaged public trust in Orange County government. I support a thorough and independent examination of what happened, how it happened and whether anyone else participated in misconduct. The goal should be to follow the facts wherever they lead, recover public funds where possible and identify reforms that prevent this from happening again. I understand that is well underway," Shaw said.

Traut, also a Fourth District county supervisor candidate, said taxpayers need a full accounting. "Taxpayers deserve a complete accounting. I would support truly independent investigators having appropriate subpoena authority, legal safeguards, and access to relevant County records to determine whether additional wrongdoing occurred. Findings should lead to recovery of public funds, disciplinary action or criminal referrals where warranted, and reforms addressing whatever systemic failures are identified," Traut said.

Voice of OC reported that its questionnaire also asked candidates about recovering public money, procurement rules, whistleblower protections and reforms. Shaw said Orange County should keep strong procurement controls, contract oversight, conflict-of-interest protections, auditing and public disclosure, while Traut said continuing audit findings show more work remains.

Voice of OC reported that Fifth District candidates Dixon and Foley were listed in the article, but no substantive responses from them were included in the provided text.