WARREN Ministers form group to tackle concerns

The Warren-Trumbull Urban League president is welcoming the new group.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Local pastors have formed an organization to address community concerns dealing with police brutality, housing issues and educational needs.
Dr. A.T. Wade, a Baptist minister, and two other pastors are planning to have a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday to announce their plans for dealing with these issues.
"The Baptist Minister Laity Conference has decided that it is time for the black churches in the community to get together, pool our resources and take a stand on these issues," the Rev. Mr. Wade said.
"We are concerned about these issues and we want to share our vision for the future," Mr. Wade said.
Tom Conley, a member of the Warren Coalition -- an organization consisting of three minority leaders, says he welcomes the new group.
"I absolutely support them," said Conley, also president of the Warren-Trumbull Urban League.
The Warren Coalition has held several meetings since July, when allegations of excessive force and possible illegal strip-searches by police came to light.
Seeking a change
The coalition has also asked the city administration for change in police leadership. The group has been critical of Chief John Mandopoulos' behavior outside a local black nightclub and his failure to discipline officers.
Former Mayor Hank Angelo recommended that Mandopoulos be suspended for 10 days for actions by him and officer Manny Nites on May 24 outside 77 Soul, a U.S. Route 422 nightclub, and based upon allegations that he intimidated a television reporter.
The civil service commission upheld the discipline.
The Rev. Frank Hearns is also a member of the newly formed pastors organization, and also a member of the city's civil service commission. He could not be reached.
sinkovich@vindy.com