MEZZATESTA DOUBLE DIPPING TAXPAYERS - Hampshire Delegate Has High Travel Bill

(03/30/2004)

Jerry Mezzatesta, the education leader of the West Virginia House of Delegates, collects two taxpayer-funded paychecks at the same time, according to school officials in survey of 14 counties. So far, he is the only house member who has extended himself such privilege. Mezzatesta, known for his outbursts and attacks against those who disagree with him, gets about $60,000 a year as a grant writer, and another $24,000 in legislative pay every year. He takes leave from the Hampshire County school Charleston newspapers say state law doesn't authorize the double-payment practice. But neither does the law expressly prohibit it. Mezzatesta has also charged the state over $22,000 for travel expenses, sometimes and amount exceeding his legislative salary. Ethical charges have been filed against the Hampshire delegate over his behavior in a state school board meeting. In a recent public meeting at the state house regarding education, he became angry when a speaker indicated sooner or later issues would be decided in the voting booth. Mezzatesta stormed out of the hearing to seek capitol authorities to have the speaker ejected from the hearing.

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