Editorial: Time for the Board of Supervisors to Initiate an Investigation of Supervisor Biane

Supervisor Paul Biane

As details of San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane’s run-in with the law while attending a football game in Indiana come to light, it is becoming apparent a cover-up took place.   For five long years Biane hid his dirty little secret from his colleagues and his constituents.  With the four remaining supervisors each affirming their dedication to transparency, initiating an investigation into Biane’s misdeeds  is the right thing to do.

Two years ago county supervisors expressed outrage when then-Assessor Bill Postmus was accused of substance abuse and violation of county policies.  We now learn that one of those very same supervisors has his own issues with substance abuse and violation of county policies.  Unlike Postmus, Supervisor Biane has already been found guilty of the crime and has offered no proof he has complied with county policy in reporting his arrest and subsequent conviction.

But even more disturbing is the fact that Biane refused to take a blood-alcohol test at the time of his arrest.  This speaks volumes and the supervisors should be concerned over Biane’s lack of judgment.

Mexico

Today we learned that Biane’s abuse of the trust vested in him by those who voted for him has been abused again.  During its investigation into Biane’s drunk driving arrest, the Press Enterprise learned that Biane regularly uses his county-owned Yukon Denali to transport his family to their second home in Mexico.  County policy allows an elected official “incidental” personal use of a county-owned vehicle.  We are not convinced that vacationing out of the country is “incidental” use.  Rather it seems to be substantial abuse.

As we said in the beginning, Biane’s abuses need to be investigated.  He deserves a minimum of a censure similarly to that he lead the cause on just two short years ago.  Where is all the indignant condemnation this time around?