Less than 24 hours after Treasurer/Tax Collector Chris Street called a Press Conference to defend his actions I attended another Press Conference held at the Santa Ana office of the Orange County Employees Association OCEA. Following is the entire statement of Nick Bernardino, General Manager and representative of the OCEA responsible for the 13,000 county union membership. Nick read this document prior to taking questions from the media.
“There are occasions when the interests of those who normally find themselves on the opposite side of issues suddenly coincide. Such as occasion has presented itself over the past weeks and months here in Orange County. Therefore, today the OCEA is calling on all proponents of good government in OC to establish a joint Committee for the Recall of Chris Street as OC Treasurer-tax Collector.
OCEA makes this appeal to begin the recall of Chris Street in a completely nonpartisan manner. We are calling on Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian Parties of OC, all OC elected officials, the Lincoln Club of OC, the New Majority, labor, and all others who believe, as we do, that integrity in government wears no party label, and that the residents of OC deserve and demand public servants whose personal conduct in and out of office is beyond reproach. We will be relying on such people and organizations to work with us to establish, manage, and execute the recall effort.
Calling for the recall of an elected official is no small matter. OCEA recognizes the seriousness of taking this action. OCEA has never in it history called for or supported the recall of an elected official, and it does so now with great reluctance.
Unfortunately, OCEA now believes that Chris Street’s ability to properly and effectively fulfill his duties as the elected Treasurer-Tax Collector of our County has been irreparably damaged.
As of today, it has been reported that Mr. Street is or has been the subject of recent investigations by:
the U.S. Attorney’s Office
the OC District Attorney
the Department of Labor, and
the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp.
Mr. Street has been accused of engaging in bidding irregularities since assuming office.
Mr. Street claims that these are merely accusations and investigations. We would simply respond that the number and seriousness of the accusations and investigations against him have now been escalated to the point that the trust and confidence voters placed in him cannot be regained, and that he cannot effectively carry out the obligations of his office.
OCEA previously called on Mr. Street to resign and that call has been echoed throughout the County since it was made. It will still be in everyone’s best interest, including Mr. Street’s, if he would take that action. But if Mr. Street refuses to act in the best interests of the residents (of) OC, the OCEA calls on all proponents of good government, regardless of their political affiliation, to establish a committee to recall Chris Street as OC Treasurer-Tax Collector.”
Not wishing to misstate any of his comments I apologize for this lengthy reprint.
At this point Nick took questions from several reporters starting with “how much money is OCEA planning to spend on the recall campaign?” Nick responded that he wants all of the parties listed in his press release to partner in this effort. “It must be bi-partisan.” He added we “will certainly pay our share to make this happen.”
Another question related to the fact that we are dealing with accusations at this time. He responded that the “problem is multiple investigations with a cloud overhead.” There are rumblings that some public participants may press to “get the money out of there right now.”
He stated that the first step in the Recall effort is to form an executive committee made up of the various political parties, labor the business community and some faith based organizations.
As to the recall specifics he said they expect it will take 160,000 valid signatures and will probably need to get 190,000 signatures to cover any rejects. Matt Cunningham asked what election they were shooting for, including a Special Election, but at this time it is much too early to provide that answer.
Nick said that at this point it is uncertain if the Executive committee will use volunteer or paid signature gatherers for the campaign.
When asked about feedback from any of the groups he mentioned Nick responded that he has “no commitments from any group yet.” He wants this to be “a public effort” and suggested drafting a list of questions for taking a poll of the voters. “We are prepared to do our own poll” while pointing out that he wants it to be scientific.
It “is not a question of innocence or guilt. Is he (Treasurer Street) in a position to run the Treasury while that (the investigation) is existing.” He later commented that “a lot is about image–we are still in the bankruptcy recovery.”
When questioned as to whether or not this had anything to do with the current pension debate he responded by saying that the “public employee pension goes on without Mr. Street. That goes on forever.”
I find it worth noting that while OCEA called this press conference he said that “we will not be in the forefront ” of the recall effort.
Someone later asked “will you (OCEA) go forward if other groups don’t support you?” Nick admitted that “chances for labor to succeed on their own is not very good.”As we have read one proposal to strip him of the investment portfolio he responded to one reporter saying “if the Board strips his investment power, it would show the Board doesn’t support him.”
He did express a possibility that “some factions may circle the wagons (on Chris’s behalf) citing the Republican Party and the Lincoln Club.”
Near the end of this 40 minute Press Conference someone asked “do you fault (Sup.) John Moorlach for bringing Chris (to this post). Nick responded saying “I wish he hadn’t but I’m glad to see John asking Chris to resign. No one asks a long time friend to resign.”
Gilbert commentary. While I can applaud General Manager Bernardino’s “appeal” and calling on all sides that “integrity in government wears no party label ” I must take us back into OC and CA history to pose the following.
Where was Mr. Bernardino or OCEA’s outrage and support for the Recall of Nativo Lopez?
The same applies to the allegations by John Moorlach to Treasurer-Tax Collector Robert Citron’s precarious investments in and prior to 1994?
What about Governor Davis who was also recalled?
These are three examples for which I believe the OCEA and Mr. Bernardino were silent. I would argue that these abuses, by members of the Democratic Party, were greater than those of Mr. Street.
Now calling for “good government ” is a very refreshing thought indeed and I hope this is day one of a non-partisan effort by the OCEA
Feel free to weigh in on this post.
Should Chris Street be placed on administrative leave until this investigation ends?
If so, who has the power and authority to make that call as he was elected by the voters of OC.
Would you label this a “rush to judgment”?
Are you aware that everyday County banking transactions are more vulnerable to abuse than the investment pool that has been discu
ssed as being removed from his handling if he fails to resign?
Some warn that elected officials use caution not to be hoisted by the same petard.
Note: Sitting next to Register Reporter Peggy Lowe I must commend her for her quick posting of this meeting. The Register recognizes that we live in the fast lane as it relates to news and has their own blogs to get ahead start on their morning edition.
Larry-
Your arguments are rooted in your fundamental mistrust of unions. Referencing Davis and Lopez does not address the main issues.
Street is in charge of a 7 BILLION dollar investment portfolio, and OC has been the LARGEST municipal bankruptcy in American history.
Dont you see why the head of the county employee union would want to head off ANOTHER bankruptcy? Or at the very least avoid investers losing confidence in a Treas/Tax Collector that is under several investigations?
Mr. Berardino was on the front lines of the the last bankruptcy. The people who get hurt the most are not the likes of Moorlach or Street, but rather the hard working county employees.
Check your bias at the door next time… stick to the facts…
Email response:
Larry, here we go muckracking once again.
Anonymous 3:39 p.m.
Let me begin by repeating my prior comment that if Treasurer Street has been involved in doctoring a County Contract he should be removed from office. I am not defending him or his conduct with this post.
As to my bringing a little OC history to this post, especially where one example dealt with the same County Department head, I stand my ground.
Yes, Nick Bernardino was, (to use your words), “on the front lines of the last bankruptcy.” That said where was his outrage against Robert Citron?
I am glad to see that he now sees the light and is trying to take action when he sat on the sidelines in the removal of Citron.
As to the investment pool. While I am concerned about any public money being invested by this department, the focus should go beyond the billion dollar pool as I cited in my post. Keep your eyes on the daily banking transactions which are extensive.
Perhaps Nick can explain his failure to act in 1994.
PS: What makes you think I mistrust unions? Ask Joe Kerr, John Latta, David Thompson or Tony Bedola about their assessment of Larry Gilbert
Beradino’s organization has not done well of recent in political campaigns. Is this about Street, or is it about OCEA taking another swipe at Moorlach? Perhaps both?