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