Struthers mayor: BCI probes computer issues

A former 3rd Ward
councilman and United Autoworkers official is the city’s new safety-service director.

By WILLIAM K. ALCORN

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

STRUTHERS — The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation is investigating “issues” with some computers in the city’s administration building, according to Mayor Terry P. Stocker.

The mayor Wednesday revealed what he described as an “ongoing” BCI investigation to city council members.

Stocker said BCII, which is a division of the Ohio attorney general’s office, came into the city Tuesday.

In an interview in his office, Stocker said he would not reveal details about the computer problems, on advice from BCII. But, he said, the issues are “impeding our effectiveness in running the city.”

Also Wednesday, Councilman at-large Michael Patrick again raised the issue of committee appointments that he first broached at a special council meeting Jan. 2 called by council President Anthony Protopapa Jr. to announce his committee appointments.

Patrick was unsuccessful Jan. 2 in getting motions passed: One to have council approve the committee appointments; and another to that would have enabled him to propose his own committee appointments.

Wednesday, Patrick said it had been past practice of council to approve committee appointments. He noted in the minutes of the Jan. 3, 2006, meeting that council voted to accept the committees as they were appointed.

However, Law Director Carol Clemente Wagner said council’s rules give the president of council sole authority to name committee members, and does not give council authority to approve or disapprove of them.

Patrick asked the president of council if he would consider the changes Patrick had proposed. Protopapa thanked Patrick for his input, but said the committee appointments would stand as he set them.

Among council’s action Wednesday was passing an ordinance to retain Antoinette L. Constantino as clerk of council for the period of Jan. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2009. Her salary is $27,300.

Stocker named his appointments to key positions in his administration.

Edward H. Wildes, a former 3rd Ward councilman from 1984 to 1988 and an official with United Autoworkers Local 1714 at the fabricating plant at Lordstown General Motors, is the city’s new safety-service director.

As a UAW representative, Wildes said he was involved in negotiating many contracts. He served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1965 to 1967; and coached youth football, baseball and basketball in Struthers. He was also head freshman football coach at Struthers and a varsity assistant for several years.

Other appointees are: James Bertrando, tax commissioner; Linda Morell, deputy tax clerk; Paul Depinto, building maintenance; Dan Sepesy, litter and recycling coordinator; Anthony Campana, park caretaker; Marilyn Amadio, police secretary; and Janet Gentile, mayor’s secretary.

alcorn@vindy.com