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What were you doing when you were seven years old? Chances are you were relishing your youth. Not so for Hieu Nguyen. He was rushing to the airport, with his family, trying to escape from a war-torn Vietnam. They made it to the airport, only to see the tarmac blown up by the communist army. They spent the night there and the next day the U.S. government airlifted them out in helicopters. Hieu’s mother got left behind for ten years. His uncle was tortured in prison for six years.
Hieu ended up in El Centro and eventually his aunt moved the family to Orange County. He grew up in Santa Ana and met his wife at Saddleback High School, where he also befriended a fellow named Sal Tinajero. Today Hieu is a candidate for the office of Orange County Clerk-Recorder. He just might be the most qualified candidate for that office – that no one knows a thing about.
I met with Hieu today and asked him why he was running – against no less than Supervisor Chris Norby. It turns out that Hieu knows quite a bit about the Clerk-Recorder’s office. He served as a Deputy Clerk-Recorder for the past two Clerk-Recorders, before he got a promotion to serve as Assistant Clerk to the Board of Supervisors. He spent 12 and a half years in the Clerk-Recorder’s office.
Hieu was hired by Gary Granville and in 1997 they installed the first electronic recording system at a County office. Granville later died and was replaced by Tom Daly. While Granville focused on innovations, Daly focused on customer service.
Hieu says he thinks he can continue to innovate – but that as a fiscal conservative he also wants to do more to cut costs at the Clerk-Recorder’s office. I asked him why the Clerk-Recorder doesn’t make more use of the Internet. Hieu says he will definitely look for more ways to make his office accessible to the public.
And of course I had to ask what Hieu’s relationship is with Assemblyman Van Tran and Supervisor Janet Nguyen. He says he admires them both.
We also spoke about the antagonism that both Van Tran and Janet Nguyen have had for Latinos. Hieu doesn’t have a bone to pick with Latinos – in fact he married a Latina. His father was an American GI, so his kids are quite the ethnic mix.
Finally, I asked Hieu how he planned to raise money. He is talking to some high-powered consultants – and I am happy to report that none of the corrupt GOP consultants that we loathe so much here at the Orange Juice are involved. Hieu is confident that he will succeed in raising money. His first fundraiser is coming up on May 15.
You can’t help but like Hieu. He is a dedicated and experienced county administrator. His opponent, Norby, is simply a horrible fit for the Clerk-Recorder’s office. And Norby is working with the downright evil John Lewis. Sorry Chris! I don’t support anyone associated with John Lewis. Hieu Nguyen has my support.
In case you are wondering, Hieu is a Republican, but he does not seem to be a Talibani-type. And, as he noted, the Clerk-Recorder’s office is not a political office. So why not elect a guy who can do the job, instead of a recycled politician? Makes sense to me!
Hieu’s supporters include the aforementioned Santa Ana Councilman Sal Tinajero, as well as La Habra Councilman Tim Shaw and labor activist Max Madrid. He says he will be publicizing more of his backers at his May 15 event. His supporters include both Democrats and Republicans – and that is a good start.
what a puff piece.
#1,
Ah, the Lewis machine has emerged…that didn’t take long!
Its nice to see that this young man is running for the Clerk-Recorder Office. He is just a normal individual who is qualified to do this job. I wish Mr. Nguyen the best and I will be supporting him.
Whatever, Art. I’m not part of any “machine” and this post is still a big wet kiss of a puff piece. And Red County already broke this story a few days ago, which you’re too petty to note.
4,
I read that Red Klownty hackery. I actually met with Hieu, Jerbal didn’t.
Jerbal is in with Lewis – so expect him to promote Norby.
I have worked with Hieu at the Clerk-Recorder’s office and can attest to his qualifications that make him the best candidate for Clerk-Recorder. He has the knowledge, experience and commitment to public service that the office deserves. I do not feel Supv Norby is qualified to be Clerk Recorder and he is just looking for a place to land after term limits forces him to leave the Supervisor position.
We are so happy that Hieu Nguyen is running for the Clerk-Recorder. He is a great guy who will do a great job. We will encourage our friends and family to vote for Hieu.
Article says Hieu was promoted to Assistant Clerk of the Board. I thought that position was held by Susan Novak, the lady that frequently sits in the Clerk of Board position at the Supervisors’ meeting. Can someone clarify?
To my knowledge Norby has never had a management level job – unless someone considers the Supervisor job a form of management, which to me is a stretch.
Susan Novak is Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board!
I had worked with Hieu for over 8 years at the Clerk Recorder’s office. He knows the office inside out and his people skill is great along with the managment skill. He will be the best candicate to take over the office.
Hieu is the most upstanding citizen I know in Orange County.