MEZZ FACES NEW ETHICS INVESTIGATION

(08/07/2004)

The West Virginia Ethics Commission is reopening its investigation of House Education Chairman Jerry Mezzatesta. Mezzatesta's boss, House Speaker Bob Kiss has started his own investigation and at least three school boards have called for his removal, including Kanawha County. The Kanawha County Prosecutor's office is also investigating Mezzatesta for possible criminal violations. The Ethics Commission's re-opened case is based on a statement given by a colleague at the Hampshire County school system. Also involved in the case is a letter which was issued on stationary which did not exist at the time it was used. Nancy Hill, who directs special education for Hampshire County Schools, where Mezzatesta is an administrator, says he requested state funds for the county schools in October 2003. Mezzatesta promised not to seek state funds for the school system when he took the administrative job in 1998. He is accused of double-dipping or conflict-of-interest, being paid as a delegate and seeking money for his employer, Hampshire County Schools. The Ethics Commission has said twice there is nothing wrong. Mezzatesta has repeatedly said he has sought no state funds.

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