EDITORIAL

A few eyebrows might have gone up at news that City Councilman Dave

Garofalo is planning to run for the state Board of Equalization when his

council time is up next year. After all, there is that lingering,

year-and-a-half investigation by the district attorney into allegations

that Garofalo approved city projects for companies that advertised in his

publishing ventures.

In April, we called on the district attorney to quit dragging out the

investigation and wrap it up. Nine months was long enough to determine

Garofalo’s innocence or guilt, we said. The public and the city deserved

to get this tangled story into the past. It also was unfair to the

councilman, we said, as it seemed to be pushing the boundaries of what it

means to have a “quick and speedy” trial.

Believe it or not, that was seven months ago. So once again, we say:

End the investigation into Garofalo. Either charge him or don’t. It is

long past time for the city and the councilman to be able to focus on a

clear future.

Garofalo, who has staunchly maintained his innocence, seems to be

pressing ahead with his life. His decision to file the papers needed to

run for the state board -- which oversees and regulates state taxation,

including property taxes -- is evidence of that.

His decision also makes it ever more important that the investigation

conclude. Voters will deserve to know whether he has been charged with a

crime or not.

But at this rate, Garofalo may just be running for office with the

district attorney still riffling through his personal belongings.