Huizar Tied to Most Explosive of 3 Ticking Time Bombs in City Hall

Although Councilmember José Huizar has not been charged with any wrongdoing in the aftermath of allegations by his former deputy chief of staff, Francine Godoy, that she faced gender-based discrimination, harassment and retaliation because of her "refusal to engage in sex" with him, the scandal is clearly the most volatile of three time bombs ticking in City Hall, according to Los Angeles Downtown News.

Since the Los Angeles Times broke the story Aug. 12 and Huizar’s office issued a brief but vigorous denial, there have been a number of unanswered questions. The most obvious one is whether Godoy will file a lawsuit. And related to that is the further question of whether—and how—details will be revealed in public, “or will there be a quick settlement in which money is paid under the condition that no one talks?” asks Downtown News editor John Regardie.

Other less obvious questions also persist. “Did Huizar and Godoy ever have a romantic relationship?” writes Regardie in his weekly column Tuesday, adding: “If so, were furry handcuffs involved? How about Jell-O?”

Click here to read the full column.