STRUTHERS Councilman writes check to cover cost of critical letter

STRUTHERS -- Councilman Robert Carcelli, D-at large, was to reimburse the city today for costs associated with the letters he wrote on city stationery.
He said this morning that he would write a check for $44.38 to cover the cost of 254 copies of the letter, the envelopes and one hour of the city clerk's time to prepare them. Carcelli never mailed the letters.
He also said that a contention by Councilman Danny Thomas Jr., D-1st, that the letter amounted to theft in office was "100 percent political."
"To make a statement of theft in office, you better have proof," he said.
In the March 6 letter meant for 1st Ward residents, Carcelli criticizes Thomas, claiming he took credit for projects he did not do in his ward.
Thomas has asked the Mahoning County Board of Elections, the county prosecutor and Struthers Law Director Carol Clemente-Wagner to investigate what he describes as Carcelli's misuse of city property.
Carcelli said he will hand-deliver the letter on his own stationery to 1st Ward residents.