Editorial
For two years, the Huntington Beach City Council has taken a public
image bruising.
The investigation and subsequent felony conviction of Councilman Dave
Garofalo left a dark and foreboding taint on city government that is
going to be hard to shake.
But Saturday, the remaining six council members took a big step toward
changing the public image of the council and restoring the public trust
with the appointment of Grace Winchell to fill the remaining eight months
of Garofalo’s term.
There are several reasons why Winchell is a great choice.
First and foremost is her reputation. Winchell served on the council
with distinction for two terms during the late 1980s and mid-1990s.
The onetime mayor is honest, thoughtful and above reproach and as far
as we know has always served the interests of her constituents, not her
own personal gain, while maintaining her commitment to her staunch
supporters, including members of the Amigos de Bolsa Chica, the Bolsa
Chica Land Trust and Huntington Beach Tomorrow.
Another good reason we see is Winchell’s decision to not run for the
seat in November, the very reason that seemed to hinder longtime Winchell
supporter, Mayor Debbie Cook, from supporting Winchell.
Winchell, who was urged on by friends to submit her name, recognizes
that she is needed now to help heal the council from the Garofalo era.
Nine months from now, that healing will no doubt be well under way and
she can safely step back and let new blood take the spotlight and of
course take over the headaches that come along with public office.
Finally, we are happy to see someone with experience get the nod.
Winchell knows her way around City Hall and knows how to make the system
work for her. And there won’t be a huge learning curve for Winchell, so
she can hit the ground running.
To that end, we welcome her back. It’s nice to know the council has
one more steady hand and trustworthy vote on the dais.
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