DEAR EDITOR:

I am deeply concerned about the past actions of Ken MacPherson, who is currently running for Warren City Council at large.

A look at his voting record shows some alarming inconsistencies and a lack of concern for citizens’ welfare.

Over a short three-year period, MacPherson voted against sewer upgrade projects 10 times and voted against police equipment four times. He voted against certifying the AFSCME union contract in 2020 and against the union contract providing pension pickup in 2021.

While claiming to support the fire department, he voted against two new fire trucks in 2021. He also voted against the 2023 city street paving program. In 2022 he voted against providing money to pay for burial expenses of indigent people.

During his 2020 referendum petition, MacPherson paid many individuals to gather signatures for the petition, but there were significant irregularities with the signatures collected by five convicted felons he hired. A complaint was filed with the Ohio Election Commission, which referred two of the individuals to the Trumbull County prosecutor.

Those two individuals, paid by MacPherson, were charged with election fraud, a felony. One of those individuals was responsible for collecting 45 signatures — all forgeries. He pleaded guilty and is now awaiting sentencing. The other felon failed to show up for trial and is being sought by the police. This case raises serious concerns about MacPherson’s judgment and integrity. His decision to hire individuals with such questionable conduct, who forged signatures, is a troubling reflection of his character. As voters, we should think carefully about whether we want someone with his track record representing us in office.

MacPherson also has the distinction of being the only person running for city council in Warren that has been found guilty of violating campaign finance rules by the Ohio Board of Elections. He had to be forced by the board, to disclose his spending in his failed mayoral campaign.

Before casting a vote for MacPherson, we must consider his past actions and the potential implications for our community. Over his last three years in office, he voted “no” on more legislation than the rest of city council combined. This demonstrates an unwillingness to work with others to find solutions.

Integrity and trust are essential in leadership, and MacPherson’s history shows us he lacks the former and doesn’t deserve the latter.

GREG GREATHOUSE

Warren