Three 2016 candidates for Trumbull sheriff dominate fundraising

Staff report

WARREN

Howland Police Chief Paul Monroe and Sheriff Thomas Altiere are nearly even in the 2016 race for Trumbull County sheriff — at least in campaign money.

They were required to file semi-annual campaign finance reports Friday with the Trumbull County Board of Elections.

Monroe, who has been a police officer in Howland more than 30 years and Howland police chief the last 12, announced his candidacy in May. The spring primary is March 15, 2016.

Monroe turned in a campaign finance report last week indicating he raised $19,045 in contributions and had another $3,000 in “other” contributions from Canfield company Smart Buys Media, which returned a check his campaign had written to it for $3,000.

Altiere, 65, meanwhile, sheriff for 22 years, had intended 2016 to be his last year in office but changed his mind, saying he can’t think of another job that he would rather have than sheriff.

Altiere started the current fundraising period with $1,639 and added $13,660 in contributions and spent $305. He now has $14,994 and in-kind contributions of $3,600 from a donor who provided food, beverages and rent in May.

Joseph O’Grady, retired sergeant with the Warren Police Department who is well known for his development of David Grohl Alley in downtown Warren, declared his candidacy for sheriff last November.

O’Grady raised money earlier than Monroe and Altiere, having $9,836 at the start of the current reporting period. He added $2,639 during the current period.

Read the full story Monday in The VIndicator and on Vindy.com.