Posted on: Tuesday, April 17, 2001

Mansho pays campaign fine

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

City Council member Rene Mansho has paid the $40,000 she owed in fines to the state Campaign Spending Commission.

Bob Watada, the commission's executive director, said that campaign spending reports indicate the withdrawal of $30,000 from Mansho's campaign funds will leave her with only about $200 in that fund.

Mansho was allowed to pay the $40,000 fine with $30,000 from her campaign funds and $10,000 of her personal assets.

State and city officials had found that Mansho misused her campaign funds, city staff and other resources. The state campaign violations focused on more than $30,000 improperly spent on city travel and on more than $12,000 worth of credit-card charges on meals, entertainment and gifts.

Also Mansho has agreed to reimburse the city $40,000 linked to the use of city staff and resources. The city ethics violations targeted about 12 years of running Mansho's campaign from her city office, using city staff, while on city time.

Watada said Mansho sent two checks to make the payments by the Friday deadline.

"I think she's paid her debt," he said.

Mansho did not respond to requests for comment.

The Campaign Spending Commission is expected to formally end its investigation into Mansho's finances at its meeting this afternoon.