Editorial: Biane clearly lied to Daily Bulletin reporter; time for him to go

Supervisor Paul Biane

“Oh what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive.”  San Bernardino County Supervisor Paul Biane forgot these wise words from Sir Walter Scott.  Biane, who has been caught up in yet another scandal, has indeed created a tangled web for himself on the eve of an election where he is battling for his political life.

Biane plead guilty to reckless driving in 2006 after being arrested for driving under the influence in 2005.  He refused to take a Breathalyzer test and claims he only had about a couple glasses of wine.  The arresting officer’s description of Biane’s appearance contradicts the supervisor’s claim, describing him as glassy-eyed with slurred speech and unstable on his feet.  A heavy drinker such as Biane would not exhibit such symptoms after only consuming a couple glasses of wine.

Since news of the arrest broke last week, Biane, rather than accepting responsibility, has downplayed the seriousness of his actions to the point of lying.  Biane claimed he did not know that his license was suspended despite the fact it is indicated in his court paperwork.  He then blamed his attorney, stating his attorney told him that his license was not suspended in California.  Any attorney knows that almost every state has reciprocal agreements on such charges, California and Illinois clearly being two of those states.

Initially, Biane’s reaction to revelation that he had been driving a county-owned vehicle for four years on a suspended license was that he would be turning in his vehicle that day, which was one week ago.  The pay period ended last Friday.  Here we are a week later and the vehicle has not been turned in.  Biane’s excuse?  The payroll clerk told his to wait until the end of the pay period.  The pay period has ended.  Last Friday!  Where is the car Paul?

Biane most recently told the media that the pay period ends November 5.  Well, the NEXT pay period does end November 5.  Biane decided to keep the taxpayer-funded, county-owned vehicle an extra two and half weeks after claiming he was going to turn it in, and blames it on the payroll clerk.  Perhaps Paul, you should take responsibility for your own decisions.  By now Paul you should also know you will be caught when you lie to the media.

We all know what is really going on.  Biane  is buying time.  He wants to know the outcome of the election before turning in his county ride.  If he should win re-election, then what will be the excuse?  If he loses on Tuesday, will he really turn the car in by Friday or keep it until the end of his term?  We bet he never turns in the vehicle except to order a newer version if he is re-elected.

Clearly, Supervisor Paul Biane knew he was breaking the law for four long years, except that he feels he is above the law as evidenced by his behavior.  Biane is an arrogant, spoiled, rich boy with a sense of entitlement.  He has lived the last eight years on the public dole with little concern for anyone but himself.  Biane has violated the trust put in him by the voters.  He does not deserve to be in office.

The Board of Supervisors has a responsibility to investigate Biane’s crimes in office.  Driving a county-owned vehicle with a suspended license for four years is not only irresponsible, it is a CRIME.  Censure is no longer an acceptable outcome.  If the voters do not vote him  out of office due to the late nature of this revelation, Biane should be removed from office.