Election complaint against Mallory dismissed

A unanimous Ohio Elections Commission dismissed a 5-month-old complaint today against Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory’s campaign committee.

The case centered on whether Service Employees International Union District 1199 coordinated with Mallory for Citizens when it spent $40,389 last year on mail and phone calls supporting him.

Northside resident Sharon Koehler filed the complaint at the behest of Mallory’s opponent, David Pepper. Both are Democrats.

Philip Richter, executive director of the state Elections Commission, said that Koehler told him she wanted to drop the complaint.

Donald Brey, a Columbus attorney representing Mallory’s campaign committee, also pointed out that the Cincinnati Elections Commission is not authorized to refer complaints like Koehler’s to the state commission. Richter said the city commission informed him it would not be a party to the complaint.

Attorneys for Mallory’s campaign and the union denied any coordination.

Pepper said today that he recently had lunch with Mallory, and that dropping this complaint was a part of fencemending going on between he and the mayor.

“Part of getting along well is going to be putting what was a good race behind us,’’ Pepper said. “We’re going to work closely together. To move the region forward, you need a county commission that can really work closely together. Frankly, before the race Mark and I always had a good relationship and we have a good relationship now.’’

In fact, Mallory has endorsed Pepper in his race for a seat on the Hamilton County Commission.
"David is a hard working and enthusiastic public servant. His creativity and attention to detail are needed to help the county address the challenges it faces. The citizens of Hamilton County will be fortunate to have such a passionate advocate on the Board of County Commissioners."
See http://davidpepper.com/endorsements.php

And the Enquirer recently reported this observation from Pepper after Mallory’s first 100 days on the job: "From what I’ve seen, looking from the outside, what I’ve been most impressed by is his work to make real connections in the region. He’s been over the river numerous times, and he’s reaching out. That’s really important."

Everyone wasn't making up today, however.

William Mallory Sr., the mayor's father and an elections commission member, recused from today's 6-0 vote to dismiss, but not before saying: "Sharon Koehler used to be a friend of mine.''