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The Orange County Board of Supervisors started the New Year by electing Supervisor Donald P. Wagner as Chairman. Chairman Wagner represents Orange County’s Third District.
“I would like to thank our past Chairman, Supervisor Doug Chaffee, for his leadership over the last year, as we worked together to heal our County through very challenging times,” said Chairman Wagner. “I’m honored to assume the role of Chair. My colleagues and I have a shared vision for a strong, safe, and vibrant Orange County. We will be addressing the issues that matter to all of us, in strong partnership with our community, because Orange County’s best days are ahead of us.”
From the dais, Chairman Wagner outlined important goals to help set the year’s tone with a focus on public safety, financial security, and increased quality of life. The discussion centered around strengthening the partnership with law enforcement to fight fentanyl threats, ensuring sound fiscal spending, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring an open and transparent county government that works for everyone. He believes that Orange County’s quality of life depends on public safety and economic opportunity.
“Government often tries to do too much. But one undisputed role of government is providing robust public safety. We must have zero tolerance for crimes of violence, the scourge of fentanyl, or attacks on our minority communities. We must also enhance public life by preserving our parks and open spaces, protections from fire and other natural dangers, and the freedom to pursue economic opportunity leading to a quality of life each of us determines for ourselves and our families and loved ones.
“As we look ahead to 2023,” Wagner added, “we must also not forget that, while public health challenges remain on many fronts, the public health spending from the federal government that we have enjoyed and from which we have lately benefitted, cannot, will not, and should not continue. This will stress municipal and county budgets across the county. We must be conscious of this significant financial challenge as we budget for the coming year.
Chairman Wagner concluded with the following statements: “We must also be aware of the many mental health challenges facing our community. Children especially have suffered for the last few years. But the problem goes beyond our kids. We see increased calls to our suicide and mental health helplines. Fentanyl deaths have skyrocketed. Veteran unemployment and suicide rates are up. The numbers of our homeless population suffering mental health crises are disturbing. We must get the coming CARE Court right and do so much more” “My colleagues and I embrace the coming challenges. Each of us has asked the public for the honor of serving on this dais and has been rewarded with the community’s confidence. Each of us, I am certain, is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the coming year. We are mutually committed to doing the very best we can as we see our duty to the people of Orange County.”
