Editor’s Note: This questionnaire is part of an ongoing series publishing candidates’ opinions on how they would run the government if they were elected county supervisor. All questionnaires are archived on the Voice of OC Elections Page.
For the past two years, Orange County has been under constant investigation from a mix of federal prosecutors and auditors amid the fallout from the scandal involving former Supervisor Andrew Do, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and rerouting millions of dollars worth of county contracts.
But those audits haven’t revealed all that much about the county’s inner workings, with two other supervisors sharing concerns that no one beyond Do has been held accountable.
Supervisors have initiated their own audits and reforms, but acknowledge they are without subpoena power and largely centered on cleaning up the county’s contract policies.
We asked candidates for county supervisor what they think of the investigations and whether they should be taken a step further.
Would you support independent investigators with subpoena power reviewing county records to determine if there was any additional wrongdoing by Andrew Do, vendors or other county executives?
Dixon, Fifth District: Yes. The public deserves a full accounting of what happened and whether anyone else was involved in wrongdoing. Recent audits have raised serious questions that should not be ignored. I would support an independent investigation with the authority to obtain the records needed to follow the facts wherever they lead. However, subpoena power should be subject to clear rules and independent oversight to prevent its misuse for political purposes. If additional wrongdoing occurred, the local law enforcement authorities should be notified and those responsible should be held accountable by local law enforcement.
Foley, Fifth District: This is already in process through our County Counsel and DA.
Shaw, Fourth District: 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.
Traut, Fourth District: 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.
Do you think the county is doing enough to investigate past misconduct and prevent future improper activity?
Dixon, Fifth District: Not yet. The county has taken important steps, including audits and changes to contracting procedures, but recent findings show there is still more work to do. We need to determine the full extent of what happened, recover taxpayer dollars where possible and fix the weaknesses that allowed questionable spending to go unchecked so it cannot happen again. County employees also need to know they can report wrongdoing without
fear of retaliation via a whistleblower process. Rebuilding public trust means getting the full story and putting safeguards in place so the same problems are not repeated.
Foley, Fifth District: Our investigations continue. We can always do more. As Supervisor, in September 2023, I introduced ethics reforms that were long prevented by former Supervisor Andrew Do and his allies on the Board. I supported the independent investigation and forensic audits into the County’s practices and contracts. The trail always leads back to Do’s office.
Shaw, Fourth District: The standard should not simply be whether the county has taken some corrective action. The question is whether the safeguards are strong enough to prevent a recurrence. Orange County should always have strong procurement controls, contract oversight, conflict-of-interest protections, auditing and public disclosure. Employees must also have a safe and effective way to report suspected wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. Restoring public trust will require sustained transparency and accountability.
Traut, Fourth District: The County has taken important steps, but continuing audit findings show there is more work to do. I want independent follow-up investigations, aggressive recovery of misspent funds, stronger procurement and contracting controls, protection for employees who raise concerns, regular auditing, and public tracking of whether recommendations have actually been implemented.
Noah Biesiada is a Voice of OC reporter. Contact him at nbiesiada@voiceofoc.org.
