CHARITY WATCH : Trust Reinstated

William Aramony, the controversial longtime president of the national United Way of America, has resigned in the wake of questions about his $390,000 annual salary, $73,000 in other benefits and compensation, expensive travel and his giving jobs to friends and family members. His retirement should remove the stigma from the 2,200 independent and locally run United Ways, which raise millions of dollars to help millions of Americans.

His resignation--not a moment too soon--saves the Greater Los Angeles chapter from having to make the tough but prudent decision made by the Orange County and Ventura County chapters: to withhold dues pending answers about Aramony’s lavish lifestyle.

Unlike Aramony’s operation, which worked much like the umbrella headquarters of a trade association, the United Way of Greater Los Angeles has stringent safeguards to guarantee that 83 cents of every dollar received goes to help men, women and children who live here. The remainder goes to fund-raising and administration and to run several major charitable programs. Only half of 1% of the money collected goes to pay dues to the national umbrella association.

Herbert Carter, a prominent educator, becomes the new Los Angeles chapter president on Monday. His expertise will be welcome and needed as the chapter seeks to move beyond the national controversy.

Aramony’s resignation should rebuild the public trust, a charity’s most valuable commodity. Local United Ways--and the people they help--should not be punished.