It's a packed room here at the Board of Supervisors.

I have yet to speak to anyone who thinks this appointment is in the bag for either Paul Walters or Sandra Hutchens.

Two people put in the their names to speak: Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton and OC Chiefs Association head John Welter. They both urged the Board to appoint Paul Walters.

Once the clerk announced two people would address the Board on this topic, Darrell Nolta put in his name to speak - surprise! - as did Julie Vandermost, who has been leading the lobbying effort for Hutchens.

Chairman Moorlach allowed one last speaker, Alex Vega of Santa Ana, and closed the public comments on this item. Mr. Vega spoke very strongly in support of Paul Walters.

Moorlach stated he would like a straw vote first.

Supervisor Chris Norby nominated Paul Walters and Bill Campbell seconded the motion. voted for Paul Walters. Now Janet Nguyen is reading from a prepared statement, and asked that each Supe cast a written vote at the same time.

Norby just finished a very emphatic address in support of his motion.

Bill Campbell said he wants to dispense with a straw vote and get straight to voting on Norby's motion.

Pat Bates is talking. Sounds like she's going for Hutchens. Yep, she's going for Hutchens.

Going on the assumption that Moorlach is an anti-Walters vote, that puts it in Janet's lap.

While Pat was talking, Janet's chief of staff Andrew Do stepped over the confer with Janet.

Janet and Pat are arguing for a straw vote to narrow it down to one, and then appoint with a unanimous motion.

Moorlach, Bates and Nguyen voted against Norby's motion.

Frankly, I don't buy the reasoning behind this straw vote business.