Garofalo to make state office run

Where his City Council term ends Dave Garofalo hopes a term in a state

office might begin.

Huntington Beach Councilman Dave Garofalo filed papers for the State

Board of Equalization last week.

The board oversees the state’s tax system and manages tax money that

supports state and local government services and programs such as schools

and colleges, law enforcement, transportation and housing programs,

social welfare programs, criminal justice, hospitals and health care

services.

Garofalo’s City Council term expires next year.

Huntington Beach Mayor Pam Julien Houchen was surprised when she heard

Garofalo would run for state office.

“I thought he might take a break from the limelight when his council

term is up, but he’s always loved the political limelight,” Julien

Houchen said. “If Dave wants to further his political career that’s one

way of doing it.”

Garofalo could not be reached for comment this week.

Garofalo is the subject of a year-and-a-half investigation by the

district attorney for allegedly approving city projects for some

companies that advertised in his publishing ventures.

“People have the right to run for public office, and do what they have

to do, really,” said fellow City Councilman Ralph Bauer. “If he feels he

needs to run, then he should go ahead and run. The public will make the

final decision, and that’s democracy.”