Lawmaker cleared of wrongdoing

The damage is already done and the matter was likely politically motivated, the councilman said.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A police investigation has vindicated a city councilman who was alleged to have mishandled campaign contributions for the proposed 0.5-percent income tax increase.
Police Chief John Mandopoulos said Wednesday the investigation of Councilman Ron E. White Sr., D-4th, is over and allegations are unfounded.
"I'm just glad this thing is over," White said. "I was just trying to help the cause."
On May 8, voters will decide the fate of a proposed 0.5-percent income tax increase. The city has vowed to use the revenue to boost police and fire services depleted when the city made drastic budget cuts last year.
White has said he collected about $130 in checks and cash in the last few weeks that he intended to immediately turn over to campaign chairmen.
Instead, he said he put the money in an envelope at his house and forgot about it, calling it "an honest mistake."
He said he turned the money over to a campaign chairman last week, along with a list of people who contributed and the amounts.
Interviewed donors: Lt. Joe Marhulik said the investigation included interviews with contributors on White's list, including owners of U.S. Sub Shop and Steve's Amoco, both on Youngstown Road. The businesses both contributed $20.
Reports say police also visited Sons of Italy on Harrison Avenue N.E., where White was seen soliciting contributions.
"We followed up on every lead possible," Mandopoulos said. "There is no impropriety that we could find."
He added that the investigation was not politically motivated by police but that it could have been prompted by someone who doesn't want to see White re-elected in May.
Obligation to investigate: The chief went on to say his department had an obligation to look into the matter because rumors could have hurt the city's chance to get the income tax issue passed.
White faces political newcomers Tristan Hand and Robert Holmes III in the May 8 race for 4th Ward councilman.
"The timing of this was inappropriate," White said, explaining he thinks the allegations could have been politically motivated. "The damage is done, but life goes on. Now I have to focus on my race."
White was elected to council in 1998 and serves as chairman for its police and fire committee.