CORRUPTION ACROSS AMERICA PART 2
THE MAYORS EDITION!
345. Welcome back fellow bloggers. I got up today, Dec 24,2023 at 2:AM and felt like writing a Blog. My daughter and her husband who live in England are visiting us for a week. I haven’t seen them in 4 years. Everybody is sleeping right now including my dog Mr. Buster. Only me and my other dog Hanna the Banana are up right now.
“HANNA THE BANANA”
346. Between 1999 and 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) convicted 14,405 officials—7,762 federal officials, 1,971 state officials, and 4,672 local officials—in public corruption cases. Most of these cases resulted in resignation, removal from office, and/or a prison sentence.
When elected officials corruptly abuse the power of their office, they are aggressively investigated, prosecuted, and often convicted.
347. This edition is all about Mayors and I would like to dedicate this to our two mayors. Hopefully one day they could play a larger part of my reports
348.
STORY # 8
Northern Kentucky mayor served with impeachment papers over 'willful neglect' allegations
Story by Paige Barnes, WKRC• Dec 19,2023
PENDLETON COUNTY, Ky. (WKRC) -Falmouth City Council served its mayor with impeachment papers on Tuesday.
The charges are the beginning of an effort to remove Mayor Sebastian Ernst from office. The council brought in an investigative attorney to look into allegations of "willful neglect."After just a year in office, the council's trying to oust Mayor Ernst, accusing him of misconduct.But so far, the mayor said he doesn't plan on backing down. He's defending himself saying he’s done nothing wrong.
During the meeting, Ernst presented his end-of-year financial plan while the council was in a closed session. He said that if he's ousted, at least the council and the public will know he had a vision to improve the city.
Ernst is accused of not allowing an organization to use city property because it “didn't align with his conservative Christian values. "He’s also accused of using his position to benefit his mother and using his personal Facebook as the official account for the mayor. "I can't speak freely anymore," Ernst said as one of the council members went over the charges.
The public hearing is set for Tuesday, January 2 at 12 p.m. People started yelling that they wouldn't be able to make it, which Ernst said is intentional. More than two-thirds of the council voted to oust Mayor Ernst. He can also appeal his charges to the circuit court.
STORY # 9
Strip club paid mayor of Illinois city for years to allow prostitution at the venue, feds say
Story by Minyvonne Burke
The former mayor of Harvey, Illinois, allegedly turned a blind eye to prostitution operating out of a local strip club in exchange for money, a case that resulted in the ex-official's brother being convicted this week for his role in what federal prosecutors said was a years long scheme.
The former mayor, Eric Kellogg, is not named in federal court documents and has not been charged. His brother, Rommell Kellogg, 71, of Harvey, was found guilty Monday on five counts, including conspiracy to commit theft and intimidation and causing the use of facilities in interstate commerce to promote theft and intimidation, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois said in a news release.
A criminal complaint against Rommell Kellogg filed in 2019 stated that he is the brother of the "Mayor of the City of Harvey," a suburb of Chicago. An attorney for Rommell Kellogg confirmed that his client and the former mayor are siblings but declined to comment further.
Eric Kellogg left office in the spring of 2019. He could not be reached for comment Friday.
Eric Kellogg is not mentioned by name in the complaint — it only refers to him as “Individual A” — but he is accused of participating in the shakedown.
The complaint alleged that in 2003, the former mayor demanded that the strip club pay him $3,000 a month in exchange for the city allowing the club to continue to operate. Over the next five years, the payments were made to him, the complaint said.
In either 2007 or 2008, Eric Kellogg allegedly demanded the payments increase to $6,000, according to the complaint. When the club initially refused to pay the increased amount, a Harvey police officer allegedly ordered the business to shut down, according to the complaint.
The Harvey Police Department did not immediately return a request for comment on Friday.
Rommell Kellogg is accused of working with a co-conspirator, Corey Johnson, in the scheme. Prosecutors said that they conspired to regularly demand and collect payments from the club and threatened "that the city of Harvey would potentially interfere with the club's operations if the payments were not made," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
At one point, Johnson began collecting the money and delivering it to the former mayor, according to the complaint. Johnson, who is the Kellogg's cousin, pleaded guilty last month to a theft charge, prosecutors said. Gal Pissetzky, his attorney, released a statement Friday.
"Mr. Johnson pled guilty to a misdemeanor of receiving government funds. The government’s sentencing recommendation is a sentence of not longer than 6 months, we will see probation," Pissetzky said via email. "We are very pleased with this fair resolution for the case."
Johnson's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 14, according to his attorney.
The scheme was uncovered following a law enforcement search at the business in October 2017 on suspicion of prostitution and tax crimes, according to the complaint. The club's manager began working with law enforcement. The complaint said that authorities instructed the club to stop running prostitution out of its business but continue its dealing with the defendants.
From December 2017 to May 2018, the club allegedly sent payments totaling $37,000, according to the complaint.
Rommell Kellogg faces up to five years in prison for each count. A sentencing date has not been set.
STORY # 10
Lakeside citizens turn to recall
- By Nate Schwartz Country Media
- Oct 25, 2023
A contingent of Lakeside residents turned in a petition to hold recall elections for mayoral and city council positions earlier this month. After a string of perceived mismanagement by city officials, concerned citizens have reportedly exceeded the necessary 176 signatures in preparation for what could be a pivotal period in the future of the city.
Mayor Sherry Kinsey, who ran unopposed, is up for recall if the signatures are verified, along with City Council members Karen Hurn, Kimberly Ritter and Jaci Smith. With the exception of Councilwoman Ritter, who was appointed in February 2023, all city officials being recalled were elected in the last cycle, and are approaching the first anniversary of their instatement this November.
Lakeside is facing a period of economic evolution since the passing of their very lenient ATV ordinances. The town, which allows dune access to those seeking to ride their quads, also allows the all-terrain vehicles on roads within the city limits. This access, which is unparalleled on the Oregon coast, has brought hobbyists into the city, both as visitors and as new potential homeowners, despite ballooning property values in the area. This tourism could be crucial for Lakeside, which is currently one of the only cities in the state without a city property tax. Lakeside’s city revenue is largely generated through visitors via a transient tax on motels, RV parks and AirBnB’s, in addition to sewage processing and the usual kick-backs from liquor and tobacco sales.
In speaking with those taking charge of circulating the petitions, it became clear that the citizens of Lakeside recognize the potential growth the ATV ordinances allow for. Elaine and Michael Armstrong, in addition to other petitioners that were interviewed, were adamant that the recall petition has nothing to do with ATVs or any personal issues with those in charge.
“This has everything to do with the financial health of the town,” both Armstrongs echoed, while outlining their grievances. The main of which revolves around the city’s purchase of a vacant lot in downtown Lakeside.
The property, located in the heart of town at 105 South 8th Street, set the entire recall process in motion. Despite city officials being frank about the financial concerns of the city (some estimate there is only two year’s worth of funds left without generating a new source of revenue), the purchase was made when developers LSP4LIFE LLC, approached City Manager Melissa Bethel with the property. Bethel had previously approached former Mayor James Edwards with a proposal for the property prior to LSP4LIFE acquiring it and beginning to develop the lot. Then valued at an estimated $75,000 dollars, former Mayor Edwards saw the investment as too expensive. Three years later, after LSP4LIFE purchased and did some development work on the property, their conditional use permit for a three-space RV park was denied. Bethel was approached and she then proposed the lot again to the new council.
On March 14, an executive session was held, with seemingly the only purpose being the motion to buy the property. During that meeting, the only member of the crowd was a representative of the selling party.
During this meeting, City Manager Bethel said, “I don’t want to sugar coat this, I mean, you are going to get a harsh reality in the budget time, we all know this,” but continues to confirm “there is some cushion in there to roll over to carry this through.”
The motion passed with a vote of 5-1, with City Councilwoman Smith the only to oppose the measure. The purchase of the property, assessed at $274,000, will run the city $40,000 a year after interest.
“We have to invest in our future” said Mayor Kinsey, “If we can sell or lease that property, we can make a profit for the city. Retail can move in and bring tourism to town.”
Though a commercial evaluation of the lot is on the docket, no official development has been proposed. A concrete plan for the property would go a long way in earning back the trust of the people. If a return on investment could start to materialize on the horizon, citizens may be able to buy into the idea of the purchase as an investment for the community.
In addition to the purchase of the lot, the city is attempting to institute a property tax base. The conflation of these two actions has left a sour taste in the mouths of the citizens, who believe their tax dollars will be going toward funding the purchased property. A tax base has been an ongoing discussion in Lakeside. Citizens are quick to admit that without a consistent revenue stream, the town could be under threat of reincorporating into the county.
“Prior to the property purchase there was a positive consensus in favor of the city property tax, that has now changed,” said Former Mayor Edwards, who counts himself among the petitioners. “This is potentially the most egregious action taken by a city council in Lakeside’s city history.”
It is clear both city officials and the people of Lakeside want what is best for the future of the city. Mark Crouch, chair of the Planning Commission for Lakeside, also supports the recall saying “going around and getting signatures has been one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had in a long time.”
Crouch said the people of Lakeside are passionately engaged in determining the future of their town. And they will have their chance to be heard directly, as Mayor Kinsey plans to host a town hall in the coming weeks.
“We don’t do anything behind closed door, like people may think,” said Mayor Kinsey, “I agreed to represent all of the citizens, not just a special interest group.”
There is common ground to be found if the city can provide a compelling case for why the lot was purchased. As of now, the petitioners only see it as a needless expenditure in hard times, compounded by the other 12 or so issues outlined in the petition. These include grievances ranging from simple failures to adhere to the city charter, to the demotion of Dennis Langley, the long-time public works director and beloved figure among the citizens.
There is a lot the city needs to address, but at the end of the day, the land has been purchased. The future of the town may hang on what is done with that property. There is passionate support for the recall because of the lack of faith in City Hall to make the right choices regarding the lot. It will be up to Mayor Kinsey and the City Council to regain that faith by providing actionable solutions to the citizens. If utilized correctly, the property could bring potential growth to the community.
STORY # 11
Special prosecutor to investigate Columbus mayor accused of improper talks with judge
Story by David Rees
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A special prosecutor has been named to investigate allegations that Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther had an improper conversation with the judge overseeing the city’s Greyhound bus terminal case.
Whitehall City Attorney Brad Nicodemus has been selected to review an alleged call made to Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Stephanie Mingo in October by Ginther, according to Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein. Nicodemus confirmed to NBC4 he was appointed earlier in the day on Thursday and said he yet to outline the investigation’s timeline.
“Nicodemus has agreed to independently review the allegations because of a conflict of interest our office has due to representing the city in the Greyhound case,” Klein’s office said in a statement.
The accusation against Ginther came on Dec. 8 as court proceedings resumed for a lawsuit overseen by Mingo between the City of Columbus, Greyhound Lines and Barons Bus over a terminal on the West Side. Opened in June, nearby residents complained of safety and sanitation concerns.
Klein filed a lawsuit in August against the two groups behind the terminal at 845 N. Wilson Rd., citing multiple code violations. From there, the city wanted a preliminary injunction to declare the bus terminal a public nuisance. If granted, Klein’s office said it would force the property owners to bring the terminal into compliance or face potential closure for a year.
However, the companies behind the terminal said they had an incident on public record where an elected city official had inappropriately contacted Mingo without notifying any other parties in the case. During the hearing on Dec. 8, they named that official as Ginther. Mingo then recused herself on Dec. 11.
“If a party has unclean hands, that alone warrants denial of the injunction,” an attorney for Barons Bus and Greyhound Lines said before a judge. “The mayor, Mayor Ginther, improperly contacted this court without notice to anybody, urging the court to grant this injunction, undermining public confidence in the court system.”
COMMENTS
349. What would the holidays be without a healthy dose of political corruption.
See you on the next blog.
Brian
