Betras wants tougher law on campaign contributions

Betras wants tougher law on campaign contributions

YOUNGSTOWN — With a $4,000 cash contribution to a Youngstown mayoral candidate coming to light, Mahoning County Democratic Chairman David Betras wants the county’s state legislators to toughen the law making it illegal to give or accept cash contributions over $100.

State law doesn’t permit cash contributions of more than $100, but there is nothing in place to compel a candidate to refund money to a donor who exceeds that limit.

Former Youngstown Mayor Charles Sammarone, a Democrat who is now city council president, gave $4,000 in cash to DeMaine Kitchen, an independent candidate for mayor and his former chief of staff/secretary.

Betras wants state legislators from Mahoning County to introduce a bill to make cash contributions over $100 a first-degree misdemeanor and those found guilty of it to be fined up to $10,000 and be required to forfeit the nomination or the office to which the offender was elected, or both.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com