The Times Endorses . . . : Our picks in both high- and low-profile local races

Tuesday is Election Day--the day of decision for voters still uncertain about who best can represent them in the important local government posts on the ballot.

In a Times poll two week ago, nearly two in three people said they still hadn’t decided who they will vote for in the two top law enforcement races, for district attorney and sheriff; both are open seats after decades of incumbents running for reelection. There are three other important open seats on the ballot.

Many of the races, although vital to local government and the criminal justice system, are low-profile posts such as county school board members, judges and public administrator. Too often residents just stop voting when they get down to those lesser-known candidates.

The Times in recent weeks has interviewed local office seekers and others about the candidates’ qualifications and made recommendations in some nonpartisan races where we feel there is an outstanding candidate most worthy of election. To help voters in making ballot choices, we repeat those endorsements.

Sheriff-Coroner:

Paul M. Walters. Walters is chief of the Santa Ana department, the county’s largest city police agency. He has earned national recognition for his innovative approaches to policing and has the strong backing of the law enforcement community, including the Assn. of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, the men and women he will command if elected.

District Attorney:

Anthony J. Rackauckas Jr. He has the experience as lawyer, prosecutor and judge to do a good job. All things considered, it is time for a change in the district attorney’s office and for new and able leadership from the outside. Rackauckas promises to provide that fresh vision.

County Board of Supervisors:

2nd District: No recommendation at this time.

4th District: No recommendation at this time.

5th District: Tom Wilson. The appointed incumbent has shown that he deserves a full term. He has grown on the job and withstood the fires of the El Toro controversy with his sensible approach and attitude.

County Assessor:

James S. Bone. A property appraiser and certified public accountant, Bone offers the depth of experience to lead the office into a new era.

County Auditor:

David E. Sundstrom. His solid credentials include a master’s degree in business administration, work for a certified public accounting firm, nine years as manager of the audit department at UC Davis and seven years as auditor for the 22-campus Cal State University system. He is the right choice for a fresh start.

Superior Court:

Office 1: Gail A. Andler, incumbent. The former prosecutor is active in juvenile crime prevention programs and working with victims of domestic violence. She receives high marks for her intelligence and fairness from defense attorneys as well as other judges.

Office 9: Stephen Sundvold. He has extensive civil experience as a trial lawyer to go along with his eight years of Municipal Court experience, where voters twice reelected him.

Office 21: John Watson, incumbent. Watson, a jurist since 1989, is endorsed by several law enforcement agencies and minority bar groups and is far more qualified than his challenger.

South Orange County Municipal Court:

Office 1: Ronald P. Kreber, incumbent. The former homicide sergeant and prosecutor is a popular, personable judge who is involved in the community as well as the judicial system.

County Superintendent of Schools:

John F. Dean. In two previous terms, the incumbent has satisfactorily discharged the duties of his post and gone beyond. He essentially has carved out a role as the county’s leading spokesman for public education and its interests. Dean clearly merits another term.

County Board of Education:

Sheila Meyers and Elizabeth Parker. Incumbent Meyers in Trustee Area 2 and incumbent Parker in Trustee Area 5 both have strong grasps of the mission. Each has worked with the superintendent to reduce the dropout rate, to increase spending and to manage the budget. Both are strong advocates for public education and for the special work of the board. They merit reelection.

Public Administrator:

William A. Baker. Baker worked as an accountant and staffer in the county administrative office before becoming public administrator in 1985. He deserves credit for ensuring that outside lawyers were used to protect estates after the bankruptcy. All funds in estates remained intact.