Garofalo to fight recall initiative

Tariq Malik

HUNTINGTON BEACH - Mayor Dave Garofalo has formally responded to the

attempt by some residents to recall him from office, calling the

allegations “groundless.”

In a written statement submitted to City Clerk Connie Brockway,

Garofalo said the action against him was the result of a “few

mean-spirited politicals, circumventing the legal process vindicating”

him.

“This has been the best year of my life, and the worst year of my

life,” Garofalo said. “I will fight this recall tooth and nail, and feel

I will win in the hearts and minds of the public.”

The mayor’s written statement comes in answer to efforts led by

44-year resident Sandra Cole, who first confronted the mayor with

paperwork announcing the recall effort in October.

Dean Albright, a resident who has taken up Cole’s mission while she is

with family during the holidays, took issue with Garofalo’s statement.

“I believe in a clean and open government, that’s why I’ve gotten

involved here,” Albright said.

Albright maintains that Garofalo’s statement does not answer specific

allegations listed in the intent letter, as well as contains bold-type

and underlined words that fall outside recall election code.

But Brockway disagrees with Albright’s claim and said she cannot

legally edit the mayor’s response, but has forwarded the matter to the

city attorney for advice.

The letter of intent to recall Garofalo from the City Council, coupled

with a petition of support signed by 30 residents, lists 10 claims

against the mayor, including allegations that he profited from a city

contract and voted in favor of advertisers in the Huntington Beach

Conference & Visitors Bureau’s visitors guide.

In his response, Garofalo stated that legal authorities found he “had

a right to make a living” and that a financial audit by the Fair

Political Practices Commission found no evidence of wrongdoing.

That audit, part of a random analysis by the state’s Financial Tax

Board, reviewed the finances of Garofalo, and other council members, from

January 1995 through December 1998, and found the mayor in compliance

with Fair Political Practices Commission guidelines and Political Reform

Act.

“The charges are ridiculous,” Garofalo stated, adding that being

removed from office without a fair hearing would be a “travesty.”

The mayor has served on the City Council for six years, and is being

investigated by the state and county agencies for possible conflicts of

interests surrounding his publishing business, David Garofalo &

Associates.

In 1993, the business began publishing the city’s visitor’s guide, and

Garofalo allegedly profited from advertising revenue. He sold the company

to friend Ed Laird in 1998 but was kept on as a consultant.

The visitor’s bureau has since cancelled the contract with Laird, and

Garofalo now abstains regularly on votes that he may have a conflict of

interest because of his connection with advertisers.

As for the recall process, it has weathered a few snags on the way,

including improperly served paperwork to Garofalo and an incomplete

letter of intent.

Both required the process to start over, but recall supporters are

optimistic.

In the meantime, Brockway said Cole, Albright and their supporters

have until Dec. 7 to submit proof the intent letter was published, as

well as blank sample petition forms they plan to use to rally support for

a special recall election next spring.

Garofalo has consistently said in the past that he looks forward to

the chance to campaign for himself should a special election take place.

“I have put the best of my ability into my role on the council, and

feel I have done nothing wrong,” he added.