OC Political

10:55 AM– The first of a couple of fun interviews today, In the words of T.O. get you popcorn ready.

11:01 AM– Dick Ackerman talked about the scope of work that is required in the office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder. Efficiency is a key point that he focused in on and he stated that people were calling him when the office opened up because of his qualifications.

11:04 AM– Ackerman talked about his political experience in the Senate along with his experience with other local elected officials including the OC Board of Supervisors. He got a Governor to agree to a bond deal if I understood him correctly (why would he say this???). His local government expertise was quite a lengthy part of the discussion.

11:06 AM– Per questions from Supervisor Nelson he stated that he will seek re-election if he is appointed and he would oppose the idea of a caretaker being appointed. If he is not appointed he says that he will not run for it.

11:07 AM– He did state that he was not planning running for higher office although no verbal commitment was made. Although, he did state that his dream office is being a Supreme Court Justice.

11:08 AM– Supervisor Nguyen asked what specific things that he would do while in office. Ackerman stated that having a CPA/financial person in the office would be a great start. If I didn’t know any better I would say that he collaborated with Chris Norby prior to the meeting. Norby also said that he wanted a CPA in the office.

11:10 AM– Supervisor Spitzer asked the marriage question. Ackerman answered that he has been married for 45 years and opposes gay marriage. He has even been active (up in Sacramento) against a couple of initiatives that dealt with gay marriage. As Clerk-Recorder he does not plan to be active on the issue unless the Board of Supervisors directs him to do so. Spitzer cited Hicks vs. Board of Supervisors as a case to look into.

11:14 AM– He was then asked the technology question by Supervisor Nelson and talked about how he does support advancing technology and will work to stay on top of things.

11:16 AM– Supervisor Bates asked the question about his first 100 days in office. He talked about meeting with some of the folks that are currently working in the office. Expecting huge changes quickly in 100 days is not reasonable in his opinion.

11:18 AM– Supervisor Moorlach asked his series of questions:

1) Are you receiving a public pension?

Ackerman stated that he is not currently receiving a public pension

2) What is your highest level of education?

A J.D. from UC Hastings

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

He was unsure.

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

He mentioned the investigation into the OC Fairgrounds.

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

He has run for office 15 times (14-1 I believe).

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

Finally, he does support the satellite offices being used throughout the County.

11:21 AM– He has made his second college basketball joke during his closing statement. Political experience he feels is a must and he will work closely with the Board of Supervisors.