He said it

“I think this will just take us another step closer to closure on this

issue, and to my vindication,”

April 2001, when the district attorney’s office seized materials from

his home and office.

“The charges are ridiculous.”

November 2000, in response to a residents group’s attempt to oust him

from office.

“You’re never happy when everybody doesn’t love you. But that’s life.

. . . I’m proud of everything I’ve done in public and private life and

look forward to my next campaign. I was born to campaign, and I think

when this is all over I’ll be vindicated but not happy about it.”

October 2000, when residents began petitioning for his removal from

the council.

“Every time the city attorney made a recommendation to me on what I

should vote on or not vote on or to transfer an asset or not transfer an

asset, I complied with all those requests. So I know in my heart there

was no conflict of interest.”

August 2000, Garofalo said.

“What idiot would vote knowing that he’s potentially violating the

state law if he doesn’t have to vote? I know I’m not stupid. I know in my

heart I didn’t do anything wrong.”

August of 2000, during an appearance on KOCE

“His job is to take all [the Independent’s] allegations and prove to

the world I’m innocent. That is his job.”

July 2000, regarding his attorney Steven Churchwell

“It is with mixed emotions that I report to you, as of today, that I

have completely divested myself of any responsibilities for any of the

publishing businesses that I have built up over the past decade.”June

2000, on his alleged sale of his business

“I have reported everything accurately to all the agencies I have to

report to from a regulatory standpoint. These issues and others,

proclaimed by local and regional tabloids, are part of the process of the

constant personal and hateful attack on my character. I live and breathe

by the instructions of my city attorney and the opinions of the FPPC

[Fair Political Practices Commission].”

May 2000, a public statement

“As soon as the plans [for St. Augustine] were made public, I decided

that I would like to live there. I called the builder’s office monthly,

very early in the year that phase one was made available. When it was my

turn, I selected the lot that I most wanted. It was available. I

proceeded with the purchase.”

June 2000, in a statement to the Independent

“It was all his money from the first day. It was all cash. He did a

cash transaction to buy the house with a certified check.He paid me $1

after the transaction. Why can’t you believe that?”

June 2000, on the subsequent sale of the St. Augustine home

“I have never lied about that [sale of St. Augustine home] issue or

any other regardless of that plea.”

January 2002, on the subsequent sale of the St. Augustine home