Betras apologizes for text messages to candidate

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras mocked a county commissioner candidate about his appearance, his chances of winning the March 6 primary and used a variety of insults, including expletives, in a series of text messages.

The candidate, Richard "Oz" Ouzounian, provided the text messages from Nov. 15 and Feb. 14 to the media today.

Betras apologized to Ouzounian “for the tone and tenor of the messages. The language I used is unacceptable and I take full responsibility for drafting and sending them.”

When told of Betras’ apology, Ouzounian said he didn’t accept it.

Ouzounian said a Feb. 14 text from Betras is a threat. The text reads: “Let me know who your lawyer is bc [because] lawsuits are forthcoming but only after primary.”

Betras said he sent the text because of his “utter frustration” with Ouzounian, a former employee, for his “continued and unsubstantiated and egregious attacks on my actions and character.”

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com