Popejoy Responds

I would like the opportunity to respond to the Feb. 22 article “Popejoy Won’t Anoint Moorlach,” which I felt was misleading and implied that I had a concern about Mr. (John M.W. ) Moorlach being appointed as the replacement as Orange County’s treasurer-tax collector when Tom Daxon returns to Oklahoma in late March.

This is simply not true. As Orange County’s newly appointed CEO, I feel that it is my responsibility to recommend to the Board (of Supervisors) a process by which the most qualified person available is selected as the new treasurer-tax collector. Prior to the publication of this article, I had never spoken to or met Mr. Moorlach. Additionally, I have no preconceived notions regarding his qualifications for this position, other than he was correct about Robert L. Citron’s investment portfolio.

Orange County residents deserve a well thought-out screening process to select the next treasurer-tax collector. My suggestion to the Board of Supervisors was a means to that end.

WILLIAM J. POPEJOY

Chief Executive Officer

County of Orange