As the only candidate who is not an elected official, Placentia software consultant Richard Faher sought to distinguish himself in the crowded race. He colorfully compared Orange County politics to the pig races he watched as a child at the Orange County Fair.
“They line up the little pigs at the starting gate … just like a bunch of career politicians, special-interest groups, trial lawyers’ associations, lobbyists and public-sector union reps,” Faher said. “When the gate opens, they all try to run … to get the little treat at the end.”
The forum began with a discussion of the economy and what the Board of Supervisors can do to create jobs. Most agreed that over-regulation stifles job growth.
“It’s all about burdensome regulations at the state, county and city [affecting] all of us as small businesses,” said Anaheim Councilman Harry Sidhu, a small-business owner.
Lorri Galloway, an Anaheim councilwoman and nonprofit executive, said she supports the proposed high-speed rail project connecting Anaheim and Los Angeles, as well as other transportation improvements, because they will create jobs directly.
The candidates also were largely in agreement that county employee pensions — which face an unfunded liability of at least $3.1 billion — must be scaled back more to keep the county solvent.
“The programs with retirement should not have non-safety personnel retiring at the age of 55. It’s absurd,” said Fullerton Councilman and attorney Shawn Nelson. “They should also not be guaranteed by the tax payer. They should be defined contribution [similar to a 401K] and retirement at least after 60, if not 65.”
