Delinquent tax issues dog Youngstown 5th Ward candidates

YOUNGSTOWN — Lauren McNally, the Mahoning County Democratic Party’s endorsed candidate for Youngstown’s 5th Ward, is living in the house of her father-in-law, who owes $12,675 in delinquent property taxes.

McNally said she and her husband, Breen, moved to the Wampum Drive home of her father-in-law, Jerome, a former city councilman, a few years ago “for financial reasons, but not to take over any of his bills.”

She said she and her husband are in the process of buying the house.

“We are planning on paying the remainder of the back taxes once the purchase is finalized,” she said.

The county auditor’s office said the last payment on that property was $1,659 on Jan. 11, 2012.

County Democratic Chairman David Betras defended McNally saying, “She’s living in a house she doesn’t own, and you want to hold her responsible because the person who owns it isn’t paying his taxes. She doesn’t own the house. It’s not her fault the taxes aren’t being paid.”

Cynthia McWilson, who lost last week’s party endorsement to McNally 7-5, owes $1,258 in delinquent property taxes on three properties, all on Woodford Avenue, including her home. She is on a payment plan.

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