DISCUSSION: WHO - AT THE REP - WROTE THIS STRANGE EDITORIAL?

A "helter-skelter" type of thinking when writing an editorial?

Well, maybe not "helter-skelter," but "would you believe" (a la Maxwell Smart "out-of-sync." thinking?

Yes, "out-of-sync." That's it.

Whomever on The Rep's Editorial Board wrote (on April 1st - "April fools day?) Interest in state probe will be keen was stretching it quite a bit to link the theft allegation probe to a possible ballot initiative to repeal the sales/tax increase imposed by Stark County commissioners to support a reconfiguration of Stark's fragmented 9-1-1 system into a an efficient/effective countywide system.

The Repository made link:

An investigation of possible theft in the Stark County treasurer’s office might well fuel interest in the petition drive to repeal county commissioners’ imposition of a 0.5 percent sales tax, even though there’s no connection. (emphasis added)

This is weird. So says the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR)

Weird or not, the link is now made.

Then, get this line:

For the sake of beneficiaries of the tax, including Stark Countians who will be helped by consolidation of the 911 dispatch centers, we hope the investigation wraps up before any vote on the sales tax comes to pass.

If the repeal issue makes it to the ballot and is passed, The Rep's Editorial Board, with this editorial, bears a large share of the blame.

If you are for the sales/use tax imposition, why would you tortuously put together an apples and oranges example of thinking.

The only thing that The Report can say about this editorial and its bizarre linkage is that the writer's only consolation is that he/she merely beat the petition circulating group to the punch.

The Report, who supports the Bosley initiative, fully expected disjointed connections to be made by the repeal's proponents.

But a Repository editor? Wow!

DISCUSSION: "THE BLAME GAME" HAS BEGUN?

How come it took this long?

Yes, the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR) has learned that "The Blame Game" has begun.

A Stark County based official has told The Report that Republican Mary Taylor (of nearby City of Green - Summit County) and Ohio's auditor has started pointing her finger at Stark County treasurer for not providing enough oversight of Vince Frustaci, Zeigler's chief deputy.

Mary Taylor is the only elected Republican holding statewide office in Columbus (except for the Ohio Supreme Court which is staffed by seven Republican justices - including, of course, the chief justice)

One of the things Taylor can and likely is doing (in the opinion of The Report). is using her office as a political weapon against Democrats (not in an exclusionary to Republican officeholders sense) both at local levels of government as as her office fans out across Ohio and at the state level. The Report suspects that a Democrat would do the same thing for the Democratic party. It is all part of the political game playing that goes on between elected Republicans and Democrats.

In this day and age, the general public is highly cynical of the motives of most "high powered" politicians of whichever political party.

So when it comes to government accountability, you and I are left to choose our political poison.

Who do you believe in a finger-pointing contest which is apparently underway in the Frustaci investigation?

On the one hand, Zeigler tries to pass off Frutaci as a person who qualified on his merits to be hired nine years ago. And this may be. But, The Report, being as knowledgeable of how politics works as yours truly is; is more than a tad skeptical of Zeigler protestations.

Even if the Frustaci hire was essentially a hiring as a consequence of his political connections, how does that make Zeigler responsible for what he alleged to have done - if the allegations are proven?

The argument that appeals to The Report is that relationships become so chummy and cozy because of the frequent outside-of-work political camaraderie environment contacts, that due diligence standards ("trust, but verify") get relaxed and a ripe opportunity for troubles comes into being.

Did this kind of relationship develop between Zeigler and Frustaci? Was Zeigler taken advantage of? Did he create the conditions to be taken advantage of?

The Report believes that Zeigler set himself up to be had by buying too much into "good ol boy political buddy" world.

If so, Zeigler will bear some, if not most, of the responsibility, if the Frustaci allegations are proven to be true.

On the other hand, The Report understands that Mary Taylor, the Ohio auditor, has been checking the Stark County books for a little over two years now (Taylor took office in January, 2007). And up to now, no problem. How come?

It was Stark County auditor Kim Perez and Zeigler himself who spotted the trouble with the account in question after being called by the county treasury's banker.

Because Democrats control Stark County, The Report believes that Republican Taylor has the standard added incentive political motivation (as described above) to ferret out Democratic wrongdoing. How did she miss this one?

The Columbus-centered Republican pols are not going to be happy with this screw-up, Mary!

The Stark County based-official referred to above, speculates that it is one of two things (sort of an "either/or" thinking model that people like to use in trying to make sense of a situation) that accounts for the Taylor failure to pick up on the missing money for the two years her office has been inspecting Stark County treasury's books.

One would be that somehow one of Taylor's subordinates was in on the whole scheme.

Hum? Not something The Report believes is the case.

The Report's source on the whole Frustaci saga hss all along been suggesting to The Report that a bank employee may have facilitated the missing money situation. Zeigler himself may have inadvertently given credibility to this possibility in telling The Report on Wednesday that there may be a federal aspect to this case because of the banking factor.

Were there three individuals in on the whole set up? For two years?

In 2009, The Report is shocked by very little. But if it turns out that the source's take is borne out; yours truly will be astonished.

The other source conjecture is that the Ohio auditor's operation is inept. At least on the Stark County watch.

Inept? What would such portend for the finances for the entire state of Ohio?

If the official is correct on either premise, doesn't Mary Taylor deserve blame just the same as Stark Countian Gary Zeigler?

If both are to blame, who is left to protect the public's interest?

THE ANSWER: No one. That's why Stark County is missing "a lot of money!"

When politics and/or political relationships enter the picture, then all safeguards get neutered. If one has an alarm, but the alarm gets disarmed; what good is the alarm in the first place?

And all that is left is? You've got it: FINGER-POINTING.

DISCUSSION: HAVE STARK COUNTY'S POLITICAL PARTIES GOTTEN OUT-OF-HAND?

The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR) apologizes to those public officials and/or politicos who do not have a "place of honor" on The Report's graphic for the discussion about The Report's belief that there is a rampant use of Stark County (including municipalities, villages and townships) departments of government to provide employment (present and past) to those who work the political hustings for their benefactors, the benefactor's political friends in need or the Republican and Democratic party organizations.

The topic is especially relevant now with the troubles in the Stark County treasurer's office. Treasurer Zeigler denies that Vince Frustaci became a county employee some 9 years ago because of his political connections.

Well, pardon The Report's skepticism!

So, let's start at the base question.

Why is it a bad thing for a local government official to hire (or have a fellow local government official hire - in case of relatives) political friends and family for government jobs?

First, these are public jobs paid for by taxpayer monies and should be open for one and all.

The Report knows of situations in Stark County in which virtually whole families are employed in local/state (within Stark County) government. Some have two or three public sector jobs.

Wow!

From The Report's standpoint this political reality is unconscionable at any time, but especially so when Stark has a 10.4% (Canton 11.5%) unemployment rate.

Second, how does one supervise "one's political friend" who "voluntarily" does political extras beyond the call of a given job's duty?

The Report has heard numerous accounts of folks who have gotten employed through the "political avenue" only to be found wanting in having the essential skills.

Does anyone remember Elizabeth Ray and Ohio Congressman Wayne Hays? If not here is a link to familiarize yourself.

Third, these employees grow too comfortable in their jobs. They stagnate, work over (i.e. "put them through unnecessary exercises) members of the general public who question their job performance and all too often assume a "my way or the highway" type of attitude. These folks become so ensconced and ho-hum about their jobs that when problems arise that require mental acuity to solve; they are without a clue.

When government employees cannot solve the problems of government, who do the leaders call in? You've got it. They call in consultants.

Who pays for the consultants?

Bingo!

You and I. We pay for the inept political appointee and we pay for the fix. Isn't that special?

DISCUSSION: RON DEVIES IS DELIGHTED - "ROCKET DOCKET JUDGE" LEE SINCLAIR SETS A "SPEEDY TRIAL" DATE FOR THE DEVIES!

Yesterday, the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR) was as the Stark County commissioners weekly meeting when a press colleague received a text message that Kyle Devies (former computer technical employee of the Marlboro Township trustees) and his dad, Ron Devies, (current township police chief, but on paid administrative leave) were in court.

As it turns out the Devies were indeed in court through their respective attorneys while the Devies cooled their heal downstairs.

What was going on?

Several things.

First, the Devies' attorneys were getting discovery from the Stark County prosecutor's office.

Secondly, they were getting a trial date.

What's the trial date?

April 27, 2009 (unless it is changed as they are proned to do for many judges).

But probably not with Judge V. Lee Sinclair.

The Report has known Lee since the days yours truly and Sinclair (as a partner in Ammerman, Burt) practiced law in Stark County Domestic Relations/Juvenile Court before the likes of Judge W. Don Reader and Judge J.R. Milligan.

You see, Judge Sinclair is known as "the rocket docket judge." On talking with Judge Sinclair's baliff this morning (Larry Leslie), The Report learned that Cleveland attorneys appearing before the judge come away "shocked" when given trial dates. For in Cleveland, it can take two or three years for a trial date to roll around.

Not only Sinclair, but all Stark County judges push to move trials along. No offense to the other Stark judges, but Sinclair "stands heads and shoulders" in moving cases along.

Remember, "justice delayed, is justice denied."

While The Report is impressed with Starks common pleas bench, the same cannot be said for Sheriff Tim Swanson and Prosecutor John Ferrero.

Between the two of them and "their processes," it took "a month of Sundays" to get this matter to court where the Devies will have an opportunity to clear their names.

TRACKING OUR LEGISLATORS SERIES: REP STEPHEN SLESNICK'S ANSWER ON HB 3. IS IT CONSITUTIONAL?

A STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR) "thank you" for Democrat Stephen Slesnick (52nd - Ohio House) for responding to The Report's question on the constitutionality of a Slesnick-sponsored legislative initiative, to wit: Prevention of Foreclosures Act.

Here is Representative Slesnick's response:

In response to your question regarding HB3, if passed into law, will provide a finite moratorium on foreclosures. It is similar to what Minnesota and Ohio did during the 1930s. The US Supreme Court said that these laws didn't violate the Constitution because, among other reasons, they formally declared an economic emergency/crisis (as we do), and the moratorium is limited in duration (as in our bill). The Federal and Ohio courts have upheld these laws is the past.

/s/Stephen Slesnick

Here is a link for a competitive argument on the constitutionality question: CLICK HERE.

Having read both sides of the argument, what do you think?

DISCUSSION: STARK CO TREASURER'S CHIEF DEPUTY "FRUSTACI" FIRED - TAXPAYER MONEY MISSING!

UPDATE: 04/02/2009 AT 7:45 A.M.

From the results of an interview with Stark County treasurer Gary Zeigler this afternoon together with information gained from a source last evening, The Report believes the following is a sensible picture of how Chief Deputy Frustaci (earning about $50,000 per year) came to be fired by Zeigler.

On Tuesday (March 31st), The Report believes that Zeigler got a phone call from an area bank (Zeigler refused to identify the bank) informing the treasurer (Zeigler did not say so) that all was not right with the treasurer's bank account in terms of the interest factor. A SCPR source (not Zeigler) has told Report that it was interest that has been drained off the county account in question and not capital funds)

With this information, The Report believes Zeigler did some internal checking and confirmed to himself that there was a problem with the office account balance and satisfied himself that Frustaci was the Stark treasury employee who worked the account. Then, The Report believes Zeigler immediately initiated action to bring in the state auditor (Mary Taylor), Stark County Sheriff Tim Swanson and Stark County Prosecutor John Ferrrero to investigate.

By the way, John Fererro walked into the treasurer's office as yours truly and an Alliance Review reporter were talking with Zeigler. Zeigler excused himself and walked off with Ferrero.

As part of the discussion with Zeigler, (because a federal bank account is a subject of the investigation), he did indicate that there is an possible federal aspect to this matter.

The Report's non-Zeigler source says that as this matter was breaking, Frustaci was either contacted or was contacted (while he was on vacation) a treasurer's office employee and learned of Auditor Taylor's crew contacting the office asking for certain records whereupon Frustaci allegedly told the office contact that nothing was to be given to Taylor until he returned to handle the matter.

How long has the problem been in process? The Report's source (not Zeigler) says upwards of two years.

What could have been the motivation for all of this to have happened? The Report's source (not Zeigler) offers that it is known that Frustaci likes to gamble and the speculation is that covering gambling debts might be a possible motivation, IF it is established that Frustaci is responsible for the money being missing.

Other interesting developments from the The Report/Zeigler conversation include the following:

Frustaci will not be replaced. Zeigler will expand the hours of a couple of employees to make up for the missing employee unit.

Frustaci was a nine year employee who has an accounting degree.

Zeigler has been county treasurer 10 years.

Zeigler denied that Frustaci was hired because of political connections. Zeigler said that the only pre-employment contact with Frustaci prior to hired was seeing him on a golf course.

Treasurer employees including Frustaci are bonded in the amount of $250,000.

Zeigler said he was devastated by the unfolding of the missing funds saga and was working hard to redeem the situation and make sure it never happens again.

-----ORIGINAL REPORT BELOW-----

The STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report) has learned that there is possibly $200,000 or missing in Stark County treasury funds.

Today, The Repository reports that Chief Deputy Vince Frustaci has been fired by Treasurer Gary Zeigler in connection with the missing funds.

In the political community, Frustaci was known to be a "political appointee" and critics of his appointment by Zeigler questioned his utility beyond being a political asset.

The Report notes that Frustaci has been known to write letters to the editor of The Rep lauding the efforts of various county officials including his boss Gary Zeigler.

DISCUSSION: A GOOD IDEA GOING BUST?

It appears that Canton Mayor Healy's Stark County Mayors Association is on the brink of folding or at least hibernating like a bear until times turn better. The group met in January, but there were no meetings in February and March.

Why so?

Because the Association has no money? So is the explanation that the STARK COUNTY POLITICAL REPORT (The Report/SCPR) got from of one the Stark mayors participating in the group. The Report did ask Mayor Healy for a statement on the effort through Canton's communications director Adam Herman. The request has not be responded to as of the writing of this blog.

Modeled after the Summit County Mayors Association (which appears to be a vibrant, functioning economic development collaborative - e.g. sent some members on a 14 day trip to India the first two weeks of February, 2009), the Healy initiative lies dormant, at best, because of the lack of funds.

The Report's contact says that the Stark group needs about $20,000 to get up and running, but with the economic downturn in full swing; city councils of the member cities are not likely to agree to ante up membership fees.

What would the $20,000 be used for? Most likely to hire a director (apparently, part time) and fund some economic development seeding trips, perhaps like the Summit County trip to India.

The Report applauded Healy for the effort when it was announced and stands by our support for the idea.

What bothers The Report is a suspicion that very little forethought and concrete planning was put into forming this group. Was this a desperation diversionary move (i.e. the positive publicity) by a mayor in the midst of a fight for his political life?

Healy owes the Stark County public more information on the details of the structure, finances and mission of the Stark County Mayor Association.

If this information is not forthcoming in short order and have a convincing tone to it that this will be a viable organization, then Cantonians and Stark Countians will be likely to conclude that they have been gamed by Mayor William J. Healy, II of the city of Canton for political survival reasons.

But it wouldn't be the first time that Mayor Healy has outfoxed himself.