Ginther to donate lobbyist funds to charity
Days after local lobbyist John Raphael agreed to plead guilty in connection with the red light camera bribery scandal, Columbus City Council President Andy Ginther says that he’ll donate money that he accepted from Raphael to charity.
Court records show that Raphael asked the red light camera company Redflex for contributions to campaign funds for Mayor Michael Coleman and Andy Ginther (now a candidate for mayor). At the time, Redflex had contracts with the city. A $20,000 contribution from Redflex was later donated to the Ohio Democratic Party and then routed to the Ginther campaign. Ginther and Coleman both denied connections to those activities. Following the announcement of Raphael’s plea agreement, Ginther claimed vindication.
Ginther’s campaign now says that to avoid the appearance of impropriety, they will donate money that they received from Raphael to charity. (jj)
(photo credit: Andy Ginther)
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