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.