CITY COUNCIL Measure to keep felons from public office OK'd

Council wants the state to finish a road resurfacing project in the city.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- City council unanimously approved seven pieces of legislation, including a resolution asking the Mahoning County Board of Elections to prevent individuals convicted of a felony from running for and holding public office.
That resolution, sponsored by Councilman Daniel R. Yemma, was prompted by the recent revelation and subsequent resignation of Youngstown Councilman Clarence Boles, who had been convicted of aggravated assault and endangering children, both felonies, before being elected to the Youngstown school board and later to council, Yemma said.
"With the resolution, we're asking the board of elections to take the lead in putting into place procedures that prevent convicted felons from running for office," Yemma said. "It's already against the law in the state of Ohio, but there are people who've done it. The councilman in Youngstown is not the first."
As it is, he continued, there are no penalties for felons voted into office. All they do if they are found out is resign. "That's a smear against all of us. It compromises the whole process," he added.
Resurfacing project
Other legislation at Wednesday's council session included a resolution granting consent to the state transportation director to complete resurfacing of state Route 170 between Omar Street and Midlothian Boulevard.
Council also approved an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to advertise for bids and the board of control to enter into a contract for a downtown sidewalk improvement program.
Council's next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 in council chambers.
kubik@vindy.com