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Cop’s uniformed support prompts policy change in Milton Twp.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
MILTON
Photo
A Milton Township police officer’s support for Jim Traficant’s political comeback has led to a new policy at the department.
Police Detective Sgt. Jeffrey J. Lewis has a picture of himself in full uniform standing in front of a police vehicle in front of the township police station posted on a “Meetup” website promoting Traficant’s fundraiser today.
The Vindicator brought the picture to the attention of Police Chief Michael Saltsman and township trustees Tuesday.
In response, they said a memo would be given to Milton officers stating that they are not permitted to have pictures of themselves on websites in uniforms and/or with official police property such as vehicles and the police station.
“There was no malicious intent” by Lewis, said David Tomaino, chairman of the township board of trustees. “There’s no reprimand. If he did it maliciously, that would be a problem. But I can see where [the picture] can be misconstrued” as the township’s endorsement of Traficant.
The township doesn’t endorse political candidates.
Lewis couldn’t be reached Tuesday by The Vindicator to comment.
On the website, Lewis wrote: “I have been a police officer for the past 17 years and have followed Jim since he was sheriff [in the early 1980s]. I actually attended high school with his daughter Liz. I would be happy to post signs, we need him back desperately.”
Traficant is running as an independent candidate in the 17th Congressional District. Milton Township is in the 6th Congressional District.
Tomaino said Lewis agreed to take the picture off his Facebook account and asked those in charge of Traficant’s Meetup page to remove the photo.
Meetup is a social networking website that helps local groups organize in-person meetings.
The Meetup site is called “Jim Traficant’s Campaign for Congress 2010,” and is organized by Shawn Wolfe of Niles.
The site touts Traficant’s campaign kickoff fundraiser at 5 p.m. today at an ITAM Post at 354 E. Calvin St. in Youngstown. Tickets are $20 each.
Traficant was released from federal prison in September 2009 after serving more than seven years for racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion.
He will face U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, seeking his fifth term, and Republican Jim Graham of Cortland in the November general election.