The Beat Goes On - What a Welcome Mat for Ralph Meacham

by Louie b. Free | 349 entries

Published: Wed. March 4, 2015 at 5:58p.m.

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The front page of today's Vindicator shows incoming, highly qualified Mahoning County auditor, Ralph Meacham, newcomer to politics,at his office door. Mr. Meacham was sworn in as auditor late,Tuesday afternoon. I say 'highly qualified' as Mr. Meacham shared with me when he was in-studio, prior to the general election, an incredible resume. Mr.Meacham is a certified public accountant who's, over 30 years of experience includes serving as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources at Butler Wick Corporation,Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations for Packer Thomas, Chief Financial Officer for some football team from Pittsburgh (oh, yeah, the Steelers) plus received his MBA in banking and finance from Case Western Reserve University. I believe what is missing from Mr.Meacham's resume,a reason so many voted for him: no experience in politics,specifically, Mahoning County politics. Sadly, Mr.Meacham's introduction has begun.

Peter Milliken, phenomenal investigative reporter,TRULY in a class of HIS OWN, requested information from the auditor's office regarding raises given by Atty Mike Sciortino as he was leaving office. "... a goodbye present at tax payer's expense".

It is my understanding that something was at the very least inadvertently, at worst intentionally hidden from auditor Ralph Meacham, therefore hidden from Peter Milliken, hence, hidden from us, well, WAS hidden from us.

I'm told that approximately $28,000.(twenty-eight thousand dollars) was "covered up", oh, that's $28,000 in bonuses. Now, I'm not certain how the public sector receives bonuses. I certainly understand that if General Motors has a profitable year and chooses to bonus workers, they can do it, but, public sector, salaried workers? I know that many in the auditor's office are wonderful, hard working employees who show up every day and work for us!....but, bonuses? If all is on the up and up, why were they hidden? Hmmmmm????

THIS IS WHY IT IS SO VERY DIFFICULT TO GET GOOD, QUALIFIED PEOPLE TO STEP US AND INTO MAHONING COUNTY POLITICS.

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