Friday, March 16, 2001
A councilman won't stand still for a colleague's critical letter written on official letterhead.
By PAUL WHEATLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- Councilman Robert Carcelli, D-at large, says he'll reimburse the city for any costs of a letter he wrote on city stationery that criticized a fellow councilman, but was never mailed to anyone.
Danny Thomas Jr., D-1st, the target of Carcelli's dissatisfaction, doesn't care. He has asked city and county officials to investigate.
Carcelli asked the city auditor today for a bill detailing the costs of producing 250 copies of Carcelli's letter and envelopes.
The letter, dated March 6 and meant for 1st Ward residents, criticizes Thomas, claiming he took credit for things he didn't do.
Found letter: Thomas said he found a copy of the letter in city offices and brought it to the attention of the city's attorney, Carol Clemente-Wagner.
She said she advised Carcelli to discuss the letter with city council at its meeting Wednesday since all members names are all listed on the stationery letterhead.
Thomas has asked the Mahoning County Board of Elections, the county prosecutor and Clemente-Wagner to investigate what he considers to be a misuse of city property.
"I'll let the legal people decide if any violations have occurred," Thomas said.
Carcelli said he will hand-deliver letters written on his own stationery to 1st Ward residents.