STARK COUNTY WILL NOT LOSE MONEY ON IN ALLEGED THEFT THAT CAME TO LIGHT ON APRIL 01, 2009?

The SCPR has learned from a person in a position to know that Stark County may not lose any money from the loss detected by auditors in late March, early April 2009 from the Stark County treasury.

Treasurer Gary D. Zeigler fired his chief deputy at the time, Vince Frustaci, saying that he believed  Frustaci had stolen the missing money.

 

During the campaign to retain the Stark County commissioner "imposed" sales/use tax (December, 2008), the "Vote No Increased Taxes Committee" in its fall, 2009 campaign seemed to take it as esablished fact that Stark County would lose money from the alleged theft as one of several reasons Stark Countians should vote "not]" to retain the tax.

Apparently, whatever amount of money was lost might be covered entirely by bonds carried and paid for by commissioners on officials such as Zeigler.

It has been nearly 9 months since the story broke on April 01, 2009.

The SCPR understanding is that the investigation is being conducted by federal officials because there is a banking aspect to it. 

One has to believe that the results of the investigation will be forthcoming in short order.

The discussion of how much Stark County will be out-of-pocket could be a indicator that there is definition as to the actual amount of money involved. 

It seems reasonable to believe that whom is to be charged is just around the corner.

HEALY'S SIDE OF BREAKDOWN IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANTON PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTER ASS'N

As a lawyer, yours truly knows that there is always "two sides" to a lawsuit.

And the same play true with life in general.

Such is the case with the Canton Professional Firefighters Association (CPFFA) and the Healy administration flap over who is right and who is wrong in the fight to win the public relations battle.

The SCPR has presented CPFFA side of thing on this blog (CLICK HERE) to refresh on the CPFFA position.

Today, the SCPR presents the Healy version of events:

TRAVIS SECREST EXPLAINS WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE THE STARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

UPDATE:  12/29/09

Monique Moore (president of the Stark County Young Republicans) as weighed in on the SCPR's discussion about the relationship between the YRs and the Stark County Republican Party with the following 

"We have enjoyed and benefited from the support of Chairman Matthews and continue to look for ways to enhance his County Party.  We were able to win some hard fought local elections this year as a foundation for 2010.  Chairman Matthews was instrumental in those successes.  The SCYR leadership is a strong supporter of Chairman Matthews and understands that a unified County Republican Party is essential to victory in 2010 and beyond."

ORIGINAL POST

Yesterday, the SCPR wrote a blog on the goings on within the Stark County Republican Parfty between Stark's "regular" party people headed up by Jeff Matthews and Stark's Young Republicans which is lead by Monique Moore.

 

The SCPR wrote that the YRs were trying a "friendly takeover" of the Stark County Republican Party.

Friendly?

Maybe not.

Here is the core of an email from Travis Secrest to The Report that reveals some of the "inside" stuff going on out in the Fulton Road party headquarters confines.

 

Martin,

Good afternoon. I hope you had a great holiday and that you are ready for 2010.

I read your blog this morning regarding the Stark County Young Republicans, and I wanted to comment on a few points.

First, a little history. The Stark YR group that is in place now was started in late spring of 2008. Just getting started, they were primarily focused on supporting the young candidates on the ballot. Those candidates were Todd Snitchler, Jason Wise, Jeff Nickels and myself. They raised a little money for us and that was about all they did.

For just getting started, I was somewhat pleased, but still concerned with their direction. I was an active member and worked to bring on new members. The larger the group, the more we are able to spread the message of what it means to be a Republican in Stark County.

However, once 2009 rolled around, the mission of the group started to stray from supporting local young Republicans to trying to trump the local party and claim a power grab. The group took on new leadership, against the will of the charter members, and all of a sudden, they were picking and choosing which candidate to support, and what candidates not to support.

What was their reason for supporting one candidate over another? One easy response...Money. The  Stark YR's have become a business tool for the group leadership.

As an active member of the Republican Party, you can understand my frustration. I regularly attend their meetings and help plan events, and it is clear that their main objective is to grab more power and more money. They don't believe in the Republican creed, just their own personal gain.

The party needs to come together, stand up for what we believe in, and WIN!  We cannot have one group thinking they can do better and undermining everything that the leadership of the party does/says.

Chairmen Matthews has been very supportive of the Stark YR's but does not receive any sort of courtesy, or help, in return.  Socializing and having drinks is good to a point, but when it is time to get busy and help candidates, the Stark YRs disappear.

One thing that I would like to point out about Chairman Matthews: He inherited a ticket, and a national anti-Republican movement. We got him, and he got us.  I would never blame Jeff Matthews for the losses we suffered in 2008. The blame is on me. The blame is on Larry Dordea. The blame is on John Hagan. The blame is on Jason Wise. The blame is on Kirk Schuring. WE were the candidates. It is our job to work hard every day and WIN. The Chairman can't do that for us.

There is nothing that the Stark County Republican Party under the leadership of either Jeff Matthews or Curt Braden could have done to change the losses of 2008.  Obviously the party has a function, however, their function is not enough to change the outcome of an election. Long since forgotten are the days of the political machines....well, in Stark County at least.

Chairman Matthews wants to win with a passion, and he is working hard to win in 2010.  This is why I believe you are going to see a strong ticket in 2010 from the Republican Party.

I don't want you to think that I am just sending this e-mail to you today to stand in front of Jeff Matthews. That is not the case. I am sending this e-mail because I do not believe in what the Stark County Young Republicans are trying to do. If they are tired of loosing, which your blog refers to, then they are going about it the wrong way. Who is their alternative chairman? Who is their chosen son/daughter to take the reigns of the Republican Party, raise the money, recruit the candidates and win elections? I want what is best for the Stark County Republican Party. I believe in Jeff Matthews and his ability to win.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Again, I hope you have a great start to 2010 this week!

A MAJOR SHIFT TAKING PLACE IN THE STARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY?

The SCPR has reason to believe that a power shift is occurring within the Stark County Republican Party.

You might liken the shift to a "friendly corporate takeover."

Under former chairman Curt Braden and current chairman Jeff Matthews (whom some Republicans say are clones of one another) the Stark Republican Party is largely moribund.

In ganging up with the chairmen of the Medina County and Wayne County Republican chairmen, Stark chairman Jeff Matthews has lined up with an old school politician in Jim Renacci of Wadsworth (a former mayor of Wadsworth) in an attempt to deny the youthful and vigorous Matt Miller of Ashland County his shot at becoming congressman for the 16th congressional district; young Republicans are chaffing.

Some  Stark Republicans believe that Miller is the future of Republicanism in the 16th district which includes Stark County.

Matthews incurred the wrath of some Stark Republicans in failing to rally behind former Stark Countian Phil Kiko (now living in the Washington, DC area) of the prominent auctioneer Kiko family of Canton who was interested in taking on Democrat John  Boccieri come November, 2010.

The SCPR believes that Matthews made a serious misstep in joining the "endorse Renacci" move.

Here is a link to a SCPR blog that deals with various Republican candidates including Kiko (CLICK HERE).

The SCPR believes there is a gentlemanly/lady-like "behind the scenes tussle" taking place among Stark Republicans over control of the Stark GOP. The SCPR is told that Young Republicans are the heart and soul of the Stark Republican Party and have made great inroads into the leadership of the Party and that Matthews is on the brink of losing control.

The YRs are sick and tired of losing countywide and municipal elections.  Under Matthews and Braden, the Stark GOP had lost all its seats in Canton (until Mark Butterworth upset Democrat Karl "Butch" Kraus this past November)  and all but one in Massillon.  Only in Alliance are Republicans competitive and that is due to the leadership of the likes of Alan Andreani and Larry Dordea from their perch in the Alliance Republican Club.

A new breed of Republican as evidenced by the likes of Scott Haws (newly elected trustee in Plain Township), Butterworth (newly elected councilman in Canton's 8th Ward), and Jamie Walters (a Jackson trustee who has filed to challenge in the Stark County commissioners race for a seat currently held by Democrat Todd Bosley).

The SCPR believes that Matt Miller might well upset the chairmen's (Medina, Stark & Wayne with Ashland voting "no") endorsed congressional candidate Renacci.  If Miller prevails, there will be apparent unity, but unity will not be the reality.

Once the election is over, look for significant change in the leadership of the Stark Republican Party.   Win or lose, look for Miller et al (the youth movement) to take steps to replace the Matthew types within the Stark GOP with younger leadership.

IN ANNOUCING HE FILED PETITONS TO RUN FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, JAMIE WALTERS "ASSUMES" A VICTORY OVER FELLOW-REPUBLICAN STEVE CURTICIAN?

UPDATE:  12/26/2009 AT 3:00 PM

EMAIL FROM STEVE CURTICIAN

 

Mr. Olson,

Am I still the most arrogant, over the top, holier than God self promoting candidate. I think this shows the inexperience of Jamie's life in the real world. He may be a trustee, but I will say this again and probably many more times, never underestimate the resolve of an ex Marine Desert Storm veteran. 

I look forward to the challenge in May, but even more so, the relentlessnes of your expecting more out of stark counties elected officials and hopefuls.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year sir

Sincerely,

Steve Curtician

ORIGINAL POST

In his press release of earlier this week, Jackson trustee James N. (calls himself "Jamie") Walters tees off on sitting commissioner Todd Bosley as arrogantly (the SCPR's word) disregarding the people in voting in new taxes.

Walters' focusing on Bosley presents two problems for him.

First, he does have to win the Republican primary on May 4, 2010.  Walters seems to think his name identity (implicit in his not addressing differences with Steve Curtician)  with Stark County voters countywide will carry him to victory in the primary.

Assuming anything in politics is not very smart.  Walters just needs to ask Allen Schulman about that.  Years ago Schulman lost a congressional primary to a relatively unknown Democrat opponent because Schulman was focusing on Republican Ralph Regula.

In ignoring Curtician, isn't Walters demonstrating the same characteristic (arrogance) that he criticizes Bosley for:  Why would Stark Countians want to exchange one arrogant politician for another?

Second, Walters assumes he will be running against Bosley.  Such is not a safe assumption.

Bosley told the SCPR this past Wednesday that he is still mulling over a run for state representative in the 50th Ohio House district.

In assuming that Bosley will be the Democratic standard bearer as commissioner candidate may be incorrect.

Does Walters know the adage:  "He who assumes is open to being tabbed

"ass-u- [or] me."

Hmm?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! CANTON MAYOR WILLIAM J. HEALY, II; NORTH CANTON COUNCIL PRESIDENT REVOLDT AND STARK COUNTY PROSECUTOR JOHN FERRERO - AWARDEES OF THE "COVETED" SCPR "ANNUAL 'LUMP OF COAL' AWARD!

You might say that Canton mayor William J. Healy, II is the "bah-humbug" SCPR "Lump of Coal" Award.

Healy is a man who cannot work with anyone who differs in any significant way with him.  On January 26, 2009, Healy fired his chief-of-staff and service director Thomas Bernabei.  Later in the year, he rid himself of safety directory Thomas Nesbitt (who left "voluntarily"), but who had publicly been on the outs with Healy.

Morover, he has been in fracases with de facto Canton City Council head Bill Smuckler, Council president Allen Schulman, Councilwoman Mary Cirelli, Councilman Greg Hawk, Canton police chief Dean McKimm, the Canton Professional Firefighters Association, the Canton Police Patrolmen's Association and a whoe host of other.

Healy, singlehandedly has ruined the lot of Christmases in 2009 and therefore is at the top of the SCPR list of "Lump of Coal" awardees with a special desigination of being the "bah humbug" award winner.

Sadly, this Christmas, the entire city of Canton is under a cloud of despair because of the deficient, even harmful "leadership" (using the term loosely) of  Mayor Healy.

Healy could do a lot to lift the spirits of Cantonians by starting 2010 with a precious gift to Cantonians:  a resignation!

Daryl Revoldt is one Stark County's most talented economic development people.  But he is no "civil libertarian."

A hallmark of our American democracy is to afford citizens their constitutional rights.  Foremost among those rights, is the right to free speech.  Revoldt, president of North Canton City Council has found that right troublesome and denied it to North Canton citizen Chuck Osborne in late November, 2009.

Osborne, as he is wont to do, wanted to bring to the attention of Council his belief that Mayor David Held and some of his administrators were remiss (to put it kindly) in allowing street sweepings to be dumped on "rented" land next to a city site up on Freedom Avenue in Jackson Township.

But Revoldt said NO!

Why?

Because Revoldt wanted to protect Held and his fellow city councilpersons from themselves.  Revoldt feared that these North Canton's government officials did not have the wisdom and self-discipline to restrain themselves in making "unwise" statements (from a potential liability standpoint in terms of Stark County Health Department/Ohio EPA fines).

Daryl, listen up.  Suppressing free speech is not an appropriate way to deal with your problem.  Get a grip on North Canton's government.

The SCPR has been to many local government meetings where citizens get up at "public speaks" sessions and make very serious charges on officials.  What is almost always the officials' response?  "Mum is the word!"

Hopefully, Revoldt, who otherwise appears to be an effective government official, will have learned his lesson.

But time will tell.

In some ways Stark County prosecutor John Ferrero should have topped the 2009 SCPR "Lump of Coal" list.

His failure to stop a bad Marlboro Township generated process short of prosecution should be very worrisome to all Stark Countians; especially those of us involved in Stark County politics.

What should have been assessed as a communications problem by Ferrero and Sheriff Tim Swanson (January, 2009), turned into a nightmare for Police Chief Ron Devies and his son Kyle in that the communication problem over transitioning from one computer maintenance caretaker to another turned into 5th degree felony indictments.

Of course, Prosecutor Ferrero would never admit that politics had anything whatsoever to do with the his asking for and obtaining the indictments of the Devies family members, but the SCPR suspects and believes that politics (perhaps and hopefully at the unconscious level) did play a role in Ferrero's decision. 

Ferrero is a former Stark County Democratic Party chairman who has many, many political contacts/friends/enemies throughout Stark County.

What Ferrero should have done when he realized who the players were in this situation, was to bow out and bring in a prosecutor from outside Stark County to make any and all determinations involving any "taint" of having a political factor.

No, Ferrero couldn't do that.

His solution?

Sanitize it by filtering the indictments through a grand jury.

Ferrero must have disdain and contempt for the Stark County public.

Even non-lawyers know the truism:  "a prosecutor can get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich."

The SCPR said from the very beginning that the criminal justice process invoked by Swanson and Ferrero was going nowhere and 5th degree felonies certainly did not merit Ferrero assigning his top criminal division prosecutor Dennis Barr the task of trying the case.

Desperation soon set in for the prosecution.  They were virtually begging Ron and Kyle to accept a plea bargain as a face-saving way out for Ferrero.

Stark Countians owe the Devies' father and son a debt of gratitude.  They would not bend and they forced the prosecution's hand.  To trial, it was to be.

In an almost never heard-of judicial action; after the "chief"  Stark County criminal prosecutor put on his case, Stark County Common Pleas judge Lee Sinclair "directed out" the prosecution.

The SCPR believes most prosecutors would have gotten the message and apologized profusely to the Devies family.  But not John Ferrero.  Apparently, it was "well, you win some and you lose some" attitude.

For his failure and his "apparent" attitude, Ferrero richly deserves his "Lump of Coal" on Christmas Day, 2009.

Moreover, Stark Countians should never forget this chapter of Ferrero's public performance, and, should he choose to run again in 2012; give him a collective heave-ho!

CANTON CITY HALL'S ACRIMONY CUP "RUNNETH OVER;!" COUNCIL PRESIDENT ALLEN SCHULMAN LEADING THE FIGHT TO REIN-IN THE HEALY ADMINISTRATION?

The Stark County Political Report knows that politics is "hand-to-hand" combat.  And the pugilism is in full swing at the moment at Canton City Hall.

Council president Allen Schulman (yesterday) wrote the following comment on an earlier story by the SCPR:

Martin... 

I read with interest your two part commentary on Herman and the Mayor. I trust you now understand my total disgust with the idea of retaining a " communications director"in this time of economic calamity. Moreover, it is my informed view that Herman is a bully and a political hack for the Mayor. Check out the city web site and you will see what I mean. I will continue to call him out.

Allen Schulman 

Schulman's comment was published by the report under "comments" at the bottom of the original story.

But the "I will continue to call him out" part of Schulman's comment deserve special attention.

Why's that?

It means that warfare at City Hall will not be stopping anytime soon.

The SCPR has a report that a nasty exchange took place between Schulman and Healy immediatly after the regular Council meeting on Monday.

It is totally believable that the exchange as reported actually took place, but The Report is in the process of getting the principals (sort of) to respond.

What do you mean by "sort of?"

Well, Mayor Healy will not talk to the SCPR so yours truly asked Herman, Allen Schulman's favorite "bully" and "political hack."

Herman, who was quick to jump in with an email denying that the Healy administration had blocked the SCPR access to city empoyeees, said he was not present at the alleged "verbal" altercation and therefore could not respond.

Hmm?

Let's see.

Herman knows that Healy will not talk with the SCPR and he is Healy's mouthpiece so why doesn't Herman go and get the Mayor's take?

Could it be that the report is totally accurate and Herman can't spin it in a positive way for Hizzoner?

We all know the history of the Schulman/Healy long standing acrimonious relationship that periodically breaks out into the press.

Folks, get used to it.  It is not going to end anytime soon.

By the SCPR calculus, the "hard feelings" between Canton City Council and Mayor Healy's administration (mostly limited to Healy himself and Adam Herman) will continue until the Democratic primary election, 2011?

"The Democratic primary election, 2011?

Yes!

If he lasts that long, that's when Schulman et al will have settled on a candidate to replace Healy as mayor.

The lamentable thing for Cantonians is that for two years they will have to wait until a new administration takes over for Canton to get on the move repairing itself from the damage done the city by Healy (I use the term loosely, folks) "leadership."

If Healy truely cared about Canton, he would resign today!