Yesterday Chriss Street went on the offensive against those who have challenged his ethics and ability to focus on his job as Orange County Treasurer/Tax Collector. By offensive I mean he threw the book at them.
The book was a three inch binder answering what Street claims to be every question that’s out there about his performance as Treasurer. I’m still looking through the book, so I will have to reserve judgment on that. Street made it clear, that he believes he has done nothing wrong, that he is innocent of the allegations made both in federal lawsuits and ongoing criminal investigations. Street says he intends to stay and continue to do the job the voters elected him to do.
As a county worker, I do remember the impact that the 1994 county bankruptcy had on the public confidence in our investment pool; the impact it had on county employee jobs and the services delivered by those workers; and the continued impact on public services because of the payment of those debts. It has taken years for the county to recover and regain its credit worthiness and investor trust.
That trust and confidence is threatened now by a public official so arrogant that he believes that even in spite of all we know currently, and what we will likely learn from the coming months of investigations, that we should continue to trust him.
You know you’re in trouble when even your friends dump you. Street’s closest ally, Supervisor John Moorlach, appointed him as Assistant Treasurer in January 2006. Street used that clear statement of confidence from Moorlach, along with his endorsement to ride into the Treasurer’s job in a decisive victory.
In his short time as Treasurer, Street has shown his true colors, and arrogance. He make it clear in retirement board meetings that he is always right, and dismisses any objection from his board colleagues.
Today, Orange County Employee’s Association General Manager Nick Berardino has called on the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, the Lincoln Club, labor unions, and the general public, to fund and support a non-partisan recall of Chriss Street if he does not step down.
Chriss, Like the scandal plagued Karl Rove and Alberto Gonzales, it’s time for you to go. Do the honorable thing and resign. Do not be another Harald Martin and sit there till you’re shown the door by the voters.
Sorry Chriss, we just don’t trust you.
Can’t say I could ever trust someone who spells his Chris with a double “s” at the end.
Does that strike anyone else as odd?