THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE:

Huntington Beach Rep. Dana Rohrabacher likened Myanmar’s ruling military junta to “Nazi criminals” Wednesday, after condemning the country’s leaders in a Tuesday-night speech for their attempts to quash pro-democracy demonstrations.

The eyes of the world have been on Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, for about nine days as protesters, including monks, have pushed for democracy.

According to news reports, police have beaten and arrested protesters and at least one man was killed when they opened fire Wednesday.

Rohrabacher said he’s been a major opponent of Myanmar’s government even as other U.S. officials have advocated working with the country in the hope its leaders would become more progressive.

President Bush announced tougher economic sanctions against Myanmar leaders at the United Nations Tuesday. Rohrabacher called on Bush to “counter with some action something that would be done to make them pay the price, or his lofty words will never be taken seriously.”

The country’s rulers should have any foreign bank accounts frozen and dossiers should be compiled on them, Rohrabacher said, so they realize, “They’re going to be hunted down like Nazi war criminals once their reign of terror is over.” However, he doesn’t advocate military intervention.

“The Burmese are going to have to pay a price in order to have their freedom just like anybody else,” he said. “World opinion isn’t going to affect these generals, but if the Burmese people decide to stand up, we should let them know we’re going to help.”

 68% of county voters think less of treasurer

A two-week media blitz of embattled Orange County Treasurer Chriss Street began petering out when county supervisors opted Sept. 12 not to strip him of his control over county investments. Street is under investigation by county and federal prosecutors and other agencies for several issues, but has denied wrongdoing.

It’s been quiet for a week or so for Street, but lest people begin thinking the issue is over, Orange County Employees Assn. general manager Nick Berardino on Wednesday released a poll of county voters commissioned by the union.

According to the poll, which questioned 512 voters, people think less of Street when they know about several investigations into his conduct, and 58% of those polled said he should be removed from fiscal and investment responsibilities.

The poll was taken by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research and included 50% Republicans, 30% Democrats and 20% independent and Decline to State voters.

Berardino sent the poll and a letter to Supervisor Chris Norby, who chairs the board, urging action against Street.

But Norby said the survey won’t influence the board’s actions. “The poll questions had within them a certain point of view,” he said. “I feel that the board is taking appropriate steps and reacting appropriately.”

Street’s office gave a similar response to the poll.

“Our office will not be commenting on a poll paid for by Nick and the union which employs leading questions and uses suspect methodology,” Street spokesman Keith Rodenhuis said.

Street continued his emphasis on more positive public relations, announcing he’ll unveil the redesigned county tax bill today. A statement from Street’s office said the new bill uses larger fonts to make it easier to read key items like the amount owed and due date. Santa Ana-based Financial Statement Services Inc. helped design the new bills.

“Our office is committed to finding innovative solutions that improve the tax-paying experience of all orange County residents,” Street said in a prepared statement.

 Harman press secretary expecting

And in other news about new arrivals, Huntington Beach state Sen. Tom Harman’s press secretary won’t be delivering any news releases for awhile.

As of Friday, Kelly Garman is on maternity leave expecting her second child, daughter Cate June, who should be born about Oct. 23. Garman also has a 4-year-old son, Luke.

Spending most of her time around lawmakers hasn’t soured Garman on political life, and she said she won’t warn her daughter away from it. “I would most definitely encourage Cate to go into politics if she not only has the desire, but the opportunity to work for the caliber of member that her mom has the great opportunity to work alongside,” she said in an e-mail.

ALICIA ROBINSON may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].