Former councilwoman is released from prison

By Rod Ohira and Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Staff Writers

Former City Councilwoman Rene Mansho today was released from prison after serving one year for misusing campaign money and city staff.

MANSHO

Kellam said he was aware Mansho's release would attract media attention but said she did not receive special treatment. The warden added he did not know what time Mansho, who has furlough privileges, reported to the prison today. Kellam estimated the release process takes between 15 to 20 minutes and was advised by his watch commander, Lt. Calvin Pagharion, that Mansho was released at 5:40 a.m.

She was an exemplary prisoner and a good influence on other inmates, Kellam said yesterday of Manaho. "She has been a mentor for some of the women."

While she made a mistake, he said, it was good for the other women to see someone of her accomplishments serving time. He said she did not put on airs and performed the same duties as other inmates, such as 240 hours of kitchen work.

Mansho, a former schoolteacher, also tutored inmates and served as co-facilitator for a book club, Kellam said.

In November, Mansho became eligible for a work-furlough program that required her to report to a landscaping job at the prison on weekdays, for which she was paid 25 cents an hour.

More recently she reported to prison only three days a week and began actively job hunting. Kellam said he knows that she has put out feelers with potential employers but "I don't have a clue as to what may be on the horizon for her."

Kellam said the former councilwoman has expressed interest in returning to the prison as a volunteer to work with some of the inmates, once her schedule and probation requirements permit.

The warden said that Mansho looks more relaxed and fit than she did when she came in.

"She did what a lot of us wish we could do," he said. "She quit smoking and lost weight at the same time."