We see no signs of a decline in ratings of local public services after the county's financial crisis. In fact, most residents give excellent or good evaluations to their parks, police, public libraries and streets and roads. Police and public school ratings are higher today than in the 1991 survey, and more are willing to pay higher taxes to improve local schools. The lingering effects of the bankruptcy are seen in ratings of county government. Few are confident in the county government's ability to solve problems, and many still think the county wastes tax money.
City government is viewed more favorably.
Many feel city and county officials pay some attention to what the people think, but few feel they are highly responsive. Consumer confidence has rebounded strongly in Orange County. Overall ratings are above the national average and in a highly positive range that has not been seen for several years. There is a strong sense that the U.S. economy will perform well both in the short term and the long run. Many see their own economic conditions improving and expect to be even better off next year.