YOUNGSTOWN CDA Williams' severance awaits OK

The package includes unused sick and vacation time.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The city is giving mayoral candidate Jay Williams a five-figure going-away present.
Williams resigned April 22 as the city's Community Development Agency director to run for Youngstown mayor. Federal law doesn't permit those holding civil service appointed positions, such as CDA director, to run for partisan elected seats, such as Youngstown mayor.
The city's board of control is expected Thursday to approve Williams' severance package of $11,681.46.
Williams, who held the job for nearly five years, made $32.0248 an hour, or $1,280.99 a week.
Most of Williams' severance package is $6,058.78 for unused sick time, and $5,100.99 for unused vacation time.
Campaign competition
Williams is among six candidates running in the November general election for mayor.
Williams found out Monday about the amount of his severance package from a reporter with The Vindicator.
When asked if he would use the severance money to fund his campaign, Williams said, "I haven't given it too much thought. I'm not as employed as I once was. Living expenses need to be paid, and my savings needs to be bolstered. But if it goes into the campaign, it will be documented" on candidate finance reports.
Williams is going to need money to compete with state Sen. Robert F. Hagan, who won the May 3 Democratic primary.
Hagan raised and spent more than the six other candidates in the Democratic primary, according to finance reports filed with the Mahoning County Board of Elections for financial activity through April 13. Post-primary reports for candidates must be filed by June 10.
Williams said he will hold a fund-raiser next month.
He recently opened his campaign headquarters in the City Centre One building in an office last used by Police Chief Robert Bush, who finished second in the May 3 Democratic primary.
skolnick@vindy.com