Editorial
Don’t expect Mayor Thomas to step down
Mayor Thomas’ arrest and arraignment on criminal charges has shocked and rattled Mount Vernonites like never before. Many are demanding that he step down as mayor but his supporters are encouraging him to continue serving.
When you read the charges lodged against him, they strike readers as appalling, since they explain that he systematically looted his campaign funds for personal use.
Until now, Mayor Thomas has exhibited confidence that he will beat the charges in court. His behavior is one of defiance and certainty that he will be vindicated when the ‘smoke clears.’ He did an excellent job during his State of the City address and did not show signs of strain or appeared to be nervous. If anything, he carried himself and spoke like he was going to govern for the remainder of his term.
So, why did the mayor expend the campaign funds in what appears to be in an unconcerned fashion – acting as if the funds were intended for his personal use?
The mayor is contending that he had every legal right to use the funds for personal reasons. He claims that the allegations are merely accusations with no supporting evidence. He goes on to state that the allegations are claims of a technical nature relating to Election Law, campaign finance and ethics disclosures.
According to Mayor Thomas, the funds in question, paid to his personal account, were legal and justified, and spent by him on the advice of counsel, as compensation for his own campaign duties.
Unless the mayor decides to step down, which is still a possibility, he will wind up going to trial in White Plains in a fight against the state and the feds. If he loses, the outcome will not be pretty, since not only will he be forced to step down from his high paying job as mayor, but he will also face jail time.
As of the writing of this editorial, the mayor has publicly stated that he intends to continue governing as mayor. And if he intends to fight the charges in court, he will be taking a big gamble going up against the government. But, you never know, he feels extremely confident he can beat the charges and the possibility is always there.
Joe Parisi
Editor
Don’t expect Mayor Thomas to step down
Mayor Thomas’ arrest and arraignment on criminal charges has shocked and rattled Mount Vernonites like never before. Many are demanding that he step down as mayor but his supporters are encouraging him to continue serving.
When you read the charges lodged against him, they strike readers as appalling, since they explain that he systematically looted his campaign funds for personal use.
Until now, Mayor Thomas has exhibited confidence that he will beat the charges in court. His behavior is one of defiance and certainty that he will be vindicated when the ‘smoke clears.’ He did an excellent job during his State of the City address and did not show signs of strain or appeared to be nervous. If anything, he carried himself and spoke like he was going to govern for the remainder of his term.
So, why did the mayor expend the campaign funds in what appears to be in an unconcerned fashion – acting as if the funds were intended for his personal use?
The mayor is contending that he had every legal right to use the funds for personal reasons. He claims that the allegations are merely accusations with no supporting evidence. He goes on to state that the allegations are claims of a technical nature relating to Election Law, campaign finance and ethics disclosures.
According to Mayor Thomas, the funds in question, paid to his personal account, were legal and justified, and spent by him on the advice of counsel, as compensation for his own campaign duties.
Unless the mayor decides to step down, which is still a possibility, he will wind up going to trial in White Plains in a fight against the state and the feds. If he loses, the outcome will not be pretty, since not only will he be forced to step down from his high paying job as mayor, but he will also face jail time.
As of the writing of this editorial, the mayor has publicly stated that he intends to continue governing as mayor. And if he intends to fight the charges in court, he will be taking a big gamble going up against the government. But, you never know, he feels extremely confident he can beat the charges and the possibility is always there.
Joe Parisi
Editor
