Mandel praises local communities, districts for embracing spending transparentcy effort

YOUNGSTOWN

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel lauded city and Mathews school officials as state leaders for participating in his initiative to put public spending online.

Both school districts are the second in their respective counties to sign on to Mandel’s OhioCheckbook.com. South Range was the first in Mahoning County, and Newton Falls was Trumbull’s first.

Mandel also recognized Austintown and Milton townships in Mahoning and Howland, Liberty and Bazetta townships in Trumbull County.

Of the 3,962 local governments and school districts across the state, about 10 percent, or 397, have decided to participate.

Mandel said he’s pushing to have all entities participate “because I believe taxpayers have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent.”

It allows citizens to hold elected officials accountable, he said.

Youngstown City Schools Treasurer James Reinhard said the school district is proud to be part of Mandel’s program.

“We agree with the concept of having transparency, that everything we do should be out there,” he said.

The city school board voted last week to be part of Mandel’s program.

Read more about the program in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.