Dems show Antonini they care

First, a denial from Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras: I did not give that woman a standing ovation. (There are persistent reports that he did.)

Now, an admission from the chairman: Members of the party’s executive committee gave Lisa Antonini a round of applause at the urging of Jaladah Aslam, executive vice president for labor relations. (Betras was already standing when the clapping began.)

Aslam told the 71 Democratic leaders Tuesday that Antonini’s 20-year service to the party deserved to be acknowledged — even though what she did is wrong.

It’s more than wrong, but it would be unrealistic to expect Democrats to shun one of their own — even one who has joined a long list of crooked officeholders. Antonini recently resigned as county treasurer after the federal government revealed that a Youngstown businessman had given her a $3,000 campaign gift, which she did not report. She will plead guilty to the criminal charge, but her sentence will depend on the value of the information she provides about government corruption in the county.

An apology

Antonini, former chairwoman of the Democratic Party, apologized for violating the public’s trust and said she would work to rebuild her life and her reputation once she has paid for her crime. When that time comes, she will find solace with the Democrats.

But for the executive committee members to applaud her during the meeting, rather than privately voice their support, is to confirm the belief of many in the Valley that the party lacks moral grounding. Hence, the roll call of government officials-turned criminals.

However, it would be unfair to single out Democrats for their lack of propriety. Think of all the letters of support that have been written over the years for our fallen angels.

Remember former Trumbull County Commissioner James Tsagaris, who received a tap on the wrist from federal Judge Sara Lioi for not declaring a “loan” from a businessman who wanted to do business with county government?

Tsagaris admitted that he received $36,551 and failed to report the money. Even so, more than a dozen people, many of them members of God’s brigade, wrote letters to the judge urging leniency.

This one from The Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio Jr., pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, stood out:

“Mr. Tsagaris has been a long-standing civic leader known for his integrity and constant commitment in serving the community. His record of honesty and high ethical standards is well known to many.”

Such heartfelt sentiments from a man of the cloth obviously tugged at Judge Lioi’s heartstrings.

Divine intervention also played a major role in Youngstown businessman J.J. Cafaro spitting the prison hook not once, but twice in his brushes with the law.

Guilty plea

In 2002, after he had pleaded guilty to bribing former Congressman James A. Traficant Jr., Cafaro presented letters of support from a Jesuit priest, a radio personality, a labor leader and even a retired Ohio Supreme Court justice.

The Rev. Thomas S. Acker, former president of Wheeling Jesuit University, wrote to U.S. District Court Judge Solomon Oliver Jr. that the now retired vice president of the Cafaro Co. crossed the line because of his selfless devotion to bringing good jobs to the Mahoning Valley.

In other words, J.J. became a crook because he cared so much about his community.

Last year, Cafaro again found himself in trouble with the law, this time for making a false statement concerning a contribution to his daughter, Capri’s, unsuccessful 2004 race for Congress.

Among the letters of support was one from the Rev. Msgr. John DeMarinis, pastor of St. Anthony Church in Youngstown, where the Cafaro family worshipped.

“Over the years, J.J. and Jan (Cafaro’s wife) have been true patrons of their parish,” the priest wrote. “In addition to supporting the church financially, J.J. has supported the other parishioners. Anytime a person was in trouble, time and time again, he was there to lend a hand.”

Against such a backdrop, the applause for Antonini seems relatively benign. But, Democrats would do well to give her a wide berth.