August 18, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Tanzania: Politics: State Government: Crime: Washington Post: Gov. Bob Taft pleaded no contest to charges that he broke state ethics law
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August 18, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Tanzania: Politics: State Government: Crime: Washington Post: Gov. Bob Taft pleaded no contest to charges that he broke state ethics law
Gov. Bob Taft pleaded no contest to charges that he broke state ethics law
"There are no words to express the deep remorse that I feel over the embarrassment that I have caused for my administration and the people of the state of Ohio," Taft said. The governor has fired others over ethics violations. But he said Thursday he would not resign, saying he still can be an effective governor and has much he wants to accomplish. Ohio Governor Robert Taft served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania in the 1960's.
Gov. Bob Taft pleaded no contest to charges that he broke state ethics law
Ohio Governor Enter No Contest Plea
By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
The Associated Press
Thursday, August 18, 2005; 11:59 AM
[Excerpt]
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Bob Taft pleaded no contest Thursday to charges that he broke state ethics law by failing to report golf outings and other gifts. A judge found him guilty and fined him $4,000.
Taft told Franklin County Municipal Judge Mark Froehlich he chose not to plead guilty but was taking responsibility for ethics lapses. His no-contest plea wraps up the case less than 24 hours after Taft became the first Ohio governor charged with a crime.
He was fined the maximum $1,000 for each of four misdemeanor counts. As expected, no jail time was ordered. The charges had carried a maximum sentence of six months on each count.
Taft nodded his head as the charges were read, and his wife, Hope, sat behind him showing no emotion.
The second-term Republican said that as governor he had expected all state workers to follow state ethics laws, adding, "In this instance I have failed to live up to the those high expectations."
The judge ordered him to apologize.
"From the shores of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River, I want them to know that you are sorry for what you have done," Froehlich said.
Taft's voice cracked as he spoke later at a news conference.
"There are no words to express the deep remorse that I feel over the embarrassment that I have caused for my administration and the people of the state of Ohio," Taft said. The governor has fired others over ethics violations. But he said Thursday he would not resign, saying he still can be an effective governor and has much he wants to accomplish.
A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but means the defendant will not fight the charges. After Taft entered the plea, Froehlich found him guilty, a routine step in Ohio in no-contest pleas.
Defense attorney William Meeks said Taft has repaid people for the gifts.
Taft was charged Wednesday with failing to report 52 gifts worth nearly $6,000, including dinners, golf games and professional hockey tickets over four years. Taft earlier had revealed that he failed to report some outings but said the omissions were accidental.
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Story Source: Washington Post
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Tanzania; Politics; State Government; Crime
PCOL21707
44
I note the quotes of RCPV's reacting to the proposals relative to former military members serving in the Peace Corps. Are there no cooments relative to the other side?
I take offense at the obvious orchestrated effort to besmirch the reputation of former members of the military. I also know there was at least one comment on the other side of the issue. Mine.
Could it be that the P.C. isn't P.C.?
Larry Jackson, RCPV, Morocco
You will find opinions on both sides of the issue if you look here.
Best Regards,
Admin1