‘Hello, David’

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- In one of the most elaborate ceremonies ever held for

an incoming mayor, Dave Garofalo took the oath of office at City Hall

Monday night with a marching band, cheerleaders and singers serving as a

backdrop.

Residents Carol Speaker and Jackie Cherewick provided the evening’s

showstopper when they strutted out in black tuxedos singing “Hello

David,” to the tune of “Hello Dolly.”

“It’s so nice to see you here where you belong,” they sang.

“This was the most fantastic performance,” said Huntington Beach City

Atty. Gail Hutton, who has worked in the city for 22 years.

“I’m just so overwhelmed tonight,” Garofalo said before a crowd of 200

family members, friends and supporters.

Garofalo paid for the spectacular with campaign contributions, though he

declined to reveal the amount he spent on the event. Campaign finance law

will require him to detail the costs by Jan. 31.

To help replenish his political coffers, Garofalo supporters are holding

a fund-raising event in his honor at the Waterfront Hilton on Sunday.

Garofalo was reelected last year to a second term, which will be his last

because of term limits. He has said he’ll explore opportunities for

higher office.

As the city’s 60th mayor, Garofalo said he hoped to build consensus among

the town’s sparring factions, some of whom use him as a “part-time

target.”

“I sense some of us are tired of the battle,” he said.

Critics of Garofalo’s controversial tenure on the council -- which began

in 1994 -- say he’s too supportive of development, he doesn’t take enough

care to avoid the appearance of conflicts of interest, and most recently,

he shouldn’t have invested -- with $50,000 in borrowed money -- in

Pacific Liberty Bank. The reason: The developer of the controversial

Wal-Mart project was also an investor.

Their reaction to his “coronation” doesn’t indicate much support will

come during his one-year stint as mayor.

“Is he King George?” asked resident Barbara Boscovich, who opposes plans

to build a Wal-Mart, a project backed by Garofalo.

Monday night’s festivities began with former mayor Peter Green officially

stepping down. The council then elected Garofalo as its new leader, a

position he automatically inherits based on seniority and the number of

votes he garnered in the last election.

His well-wishers erupted with a standing ovation as Garofalo stood,

flashing a wide grin as bright as his scarlet red tie, to accept the

honor.

From the back of the council chambers came the Huntington Beach High

School band, marching down the aisles to the floor in front of the dais.

They were followed by high school cheerleaders who performed a short

routine of jumps and kicks.

Former Planning Commissioner Mark Porter, who has followed City Hall

politics for more than 30 years, said he had never seen such pomp and

circumstance for an incoming mayor.

“But that’s Dave. He’s big on promotion,” he said.

Question:

STRIKE UP THE BAND?

What do you think about the elaborate swearing-in ceremony? Leave your

thoughts on our Readers Hotline at 965-7175, fax us at 965-7174 or send

e-mail to hbindy@latimes.com. Please spell your name and include your

hometown.