Supportive letters urge that McNally, Sciortino be forgiven

Letters from friends and family members of Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally and ex-Mahoning County Auditor Michael V. Sciortino describe the two as good people who should be forgiven for their mistakes.

“I can attest to the fact that [McNally] is an honorable man, public leader, father and husband,” wrote Thomas M. Humphries, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber’s president and chief executive office. “His efforts have always been for the right reasons: to serve his family and the community.”

McNally submitted six letters and Sciortino 16 to Judge Janet R. Burnside of Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. The judge sentenced both of them today to a year of probation for their involvement in the Oakhill Renaissance Place scandal.

McNally pleaded guilty to four misdemeanors while Sciortino took a plea deal to one felony and one misdemeanor.

McNally’s father, John A. McNally III, an attorney for 44 years, wrote that he advised his son that it was legal to fax the county’s confidential officer to buy the Oakhill Renaissance Place in 2006.

His son pleaded guilty to charges related to sending that letter to a Cleveland law firm.

“I still think that advice was right, but that may be irrelevant,” his father wrote the judge.

Youngstown Law Director Martin Hume, hired by McNally, wrote “that any improper conduct would be extremely out of character for he mayor and is certainly unlikely to recur.”

Karen M. Sciortino, the former auditor’s wife of 22 years, wrote she has “witnessed a transformation in Michael’s personality. He has let go of his anger and resentment and has found acceptance and inner peace since politics is no longer the driving force. He has humbled himself by taking a job in our community that is significantly below his qualifications, but he works hard every day serving patrons [at Dunkin’ Donuts] with dignity and grace.”

During today’s sentencing, Sciortino said he had a drinking problem, but his indictment on May 14, 2014, was the day he became sober.

His wife, in her letter, wrote: “On his own recourse, he sought help and after two years, he remains sober. He now helps others who are struggling with alcoholism.”

Sciortino “has always exhibited a willingness to go beyond the norm to help others, and in particular, the members of our congregation,” wrote the Rev. Msgr. Kenneth E. Miller of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Austintown.