OC Political

9:44 AM– We are currently searching for Chris Norby who I am told has a PowerPoint presentation. He arrived for his interview as I was typing this.

9:46 AM– In his opening statement Norby talked about the office of Clerk-Recorder and tried to show his knowledge of the office. As shown in his PowerPoint “Moving forward” is a key focus for him in order to get the office back on track if he is appointed. Budgeting in collaboration with the Orange County Supervisors is something that he will be proactive about if appointed. Civic Center homelessness is another problem that he plans to help tackle.

9:51 AM– He spent a lot of time talking about his plans for homelessness and then finally moved on. He stated that he would plan to keep the branch offices open (Fullerton specifically) if he is appointed. Identity theft is another issue that he plans to focus on, pointing out the amount of private information that is stored by the office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

9:53 AM– Staffing was the next issue and pledged to hire a CPA instead of a political appointee as his assistant. I have to admit Norby is on fire right now and is giving me energy just watching him talk about his plan.

9:55 AM– Funding was next on his PowerPoint presentation and he discussed the Fund 12D issue that has been discussed at previous meetings.

9:56 AM– Building 433 which is sitting vacant (proposed for County archives) is a major issue that Norby brought up, Supervisor Nelson warned him that he is running a bit long but he appears to be speaking faster and not wrapping up. I had trouble keeping up with the last part and all I remember is that Richard Nixon, violins, and Brea-Olinda High School were all mentioned.

9:59 AM– At future job interviews I will never bring a PowerPoint after watching this interview. Norby gave a great verbal presentation that was very distracting due to the PowerPoint.

10:00 AM– Supervisor Nguyen asked about his experience. Norby answered that this is not a “silo agency “as it does deal with other County offices. As a Supervisor he worked with the office of County Clerk-Recorder despite not having actually worked there.

10:02 AM– On a follow-up question Norby stated that he will run for re-election if he is appointed. Norby did clarify that he will not run if he is not appointed.

10:04 AM– Norby is answering a lot of questions before they are asked by stating he will opt out of his pension if he is appointed.

10:05 AM– Supervisor Spitzer asked about whether or not it is fair to have a caretaker appointed to the office. Norby answered that the Orange County Board of Supervisors have the obligation to appoint somebody who is not in the office as a caretaker.

10:07 AM– Supervisor Nelson asked the technology question. Norby responded that the technology in place is sufficient and he has an understanding of it through his tenure serving as an elected official.

10:10 AM– Supervisor Moorlach asked his series of questions:

1) Are you receiving a public pension?

I missed his answer on this one.

2) What is your highest level of education?

Norby answered that he has a Master’s degree from Cal State Fullerton.

3) Have you been involved in litigation with the County of Orange?

He answered no.

4) Have you ever been subject to any political investigation?

He answered that the FPPC did investigate him but he was cleared of the charges.

5) Have you run for office before? If so, how many times and for what offices?

Norby stated that he has run for public office a dozen times with an approximate record of 10-2.

6) Do you believe that the office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder needs satellite offices?

He stated that a lot of “soccer moms” might need to use the satellite offices which is why he supports them.

10:13 AM– Norby stated that he plans to keep an open line of communication between his office and the Supervisors if he is appointed, in response to a question asked by Supervisor Bates.

10:15 AM– Norby stated that his stance on marriage was, “Quit while you’re ahead” or “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again.” Once the question was clarified he stated that he will discuss this with the Supervisors.

10:19 AM– In reference to previous contracts (Brandman) Norby discussed not handing down contracts to outside consultants if appointed.

10:20 AM– During his closing statement he talked about his focus on records, tackling bigger issues, and why he is the best choice.