It’s time to end the battle

It’s finally over.

Likely, no one is more pleased to be done with it than Wayne and

Faye Baglin.

The jury has spoken, and the words are “not guilty.”

Wayne Baglin was accused of violating state law prohibiting

elected officials from having a financial interest in any contract

made by them in their official capacity, or by any entity of which

they are members. Baglin received a $36,000 commission by negotiating

a real estate deal with Laguna Beach on behalf of clients, even

though he was a city councilman at the time.

There have been years of speculation, months of testimony and

accusations, and now we know. He’ll keep his license, stay out of

jail and be able to hold public office.

Baglin has been acquitted of wrong doing in the land deal he

brokered between his clients and the city.

Many will still say he shouldn’t have taken the commission, others

will say this proves he’s always been an upstanding leader, but

regardless, it’s over.

But wait, there’s more!

Though Councilman Steve Dicterow believes the process strengthened

the bonds between council members, there is talk now about Baglin

suing the city and calls for City Manager Ken Frank’s resignation ...

. Oh, this doesn’t look good.

It’s hard to imagine how this will be at all beneficial to the

city.

If Frank did anything unethical, it would be best if he weren’t

around, but that is all rumor and supposition.

It doesn’t look like Frank or City Atty. Phillip Kohn did anything

wrong, though Baglin and his supporters would likely disagree.

Frank and Kohn concur that Baglin was given the information needed

to make an informed decision. Councilwoman Cheryl Kinsman said she

brought up eminent domain in the meeting to ensure Baglin understood

the property was not being purchased under eminent domain.

It’s hard to say what everyone involved was thinking, and it will

be hard to prove they harmed Baglin. It sounds like another

opportunity to thrust the city into a long, nasty battle that will

cost plenty and likely gain nothing for anyone.

Our suggestion is to take a cue from the Baglin jury and put this

thing to rest.