Board should not extend Kerrigan's public employ



The five-member board of Lien Forward Ohio, a program designed to return abandoned real estate in Mahoning County to productive use, is expected to name a full-time executive director on Friday. We reiterate the position we took in March: Patrick V. Kerrigan should not be given the job.
It was difficult enough to accept Kerrigan's appointment as interim director -- he is paid $28 an hour and works 25 to 30 hours a week -- considering his criminal background; it would be an insult added to the injury he has caused this community for him to be returned to the public payroll on a full-time basis.
Board members, including Mahoning County Treasurer John Reardon and Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, cannot be blind to the message Kerrigan's appointment would send, not only to residents of the Mahoning Valley, but to critics around the state and nation. It would simply confirm the belief of many that crime does pay in this region.
There are four finalists for the job -- and only one has a criminal record. As a sitting Youngstown Municipal Court judge, Kerrigan was indicted on eight counts related to kickbacks and bribes. He pleaded guilty to three charges of extortion and was sentenced in March 1998 to 21/2 years in prison. As a result of a plea bargain, he served only 13 months. Five other charges were dismissed.
But it wasn't just his criminal acts that showed him to be undeserving of the public's trust and respect. After he was indicted, he refused to give up his judgeship -- until forced to do so. And even after he pleaded guilty, he continued to receive his salary, arguing that he was entitled to be paid until his sentencing.
His return to the public payroll is unacceptable.
Lucrative business
Indeed, Kerrigan, who is supposed to finish his doctoral degree in public policy this month at Kent State University, has said that can earn more money for work he performs for a law firm. In that case, board members can rest assured that his departure from Lien Forward Ohio, a partnership between Youngstown and Mahoning County governments, won't pose a financial hardship on him.
As for losing his experience, we aren't talking rocket science. The treasurer's lien sales make it possible to transfer liens on property to interested third parties for development. Liens have been transferred to homeowners, businesses, churches and nonprofit groups. Lien Forward Ohio assists third parties by providing financial aid and in-kind services.
The goal is to return 5,000 abandoned parcels to productive condition in the next five years, county Treasurer Reardon has said.
The other three finalists for the executive director's position -- William G. Addington III of Poland, James R. Bolchalk of Boardman and the Rev.Sharon R. Carson of Dalton -- all seem capable of doing the job.
The Mahoning Valley's reputation for government corruption, what with the imprisonment of former Congressman James A. Traficant Jr. and the convictions of a large number of public officials, including judges, does not need to be confirmed. But that's exactly what would happen if Kerrigan were returned to the public payroll.

By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of use.

» Accept
» Learn More