Ex-Sylvania mayor faces ethics complaint

1/24/2001

COLUMBUS - An activist has filed a complaint with the Ohio Ethics Commission accusing former Sylvania Mayor Jim Seney of failing to disclose that he received rental income from visiting Common Pleas Court Judge Steve Yarbrough.

David Palmer, a former Maumee resident and frequent critic of the judicial system, submitted copies of checks totalling $1,920 in 1999 from Mr. Yarbrough to Mr. Seney.

In 1999, Mr. Seney worked for the state Department of Development. A Sylvania resident, Mr. Seney rented an apartment in Columbus. He said he allowed Mr. Yarbrough to lodge with him when Mr. Yarbrough was working as a visiting judge in Franklin County and nearby counties.

A financial disclosure statement filed by Mr. Seney covering 1999 did not list any money received for rent or other payments from Mr. Yarbrough.