Berea—Small business owner and U.S. Navy veteran Mike Dovilla today expressed concern regarding an ethics violation surrounding the former sheriff of Cuyahoga County, who donated to State Rep. Matt Patten’s campaign in 2008.

Dovilla, a candidate for state representative of the 18^th Ohio House District, is calling for accountable, ethical campaign procedures after Gerald McFaul plead guilty on June 7^th to two theft in office charges and a misdemeanor ethics violation. McFaul donated nearly $700 to Patten, four other Democrat candidates, and the House Democratic Caucus.

“With the recent rampant corruption within Cuyahoga County, it is disheartening that dishonest politics continue to occur even after these offenses were brought to light,” Dovilla said. “The people of Ohio do not want this corruption to reach their communities, schools or businesses. They want forthright, accountable leaders who will make the community’s interests a number-one priority.

“Due to the questionable nature of these donations from the former sheriff, I respectfully urge Rep. Patten to donate these funds to charity or other organizations that will benefit our community. This tainted money should have no place in our electoral process.”

Dovilla is a fourth-generation Ohioan and has resided in the 18^th District for more than two decades. He serves as president of the Dovilla Group, a Cleveland-based government relations consulting firm that represents companies and nonprofits on matters that are important to the region. He has specifically worked to renew northeast Ohio’s strength in manufacturing and its future in energy and emerging technologies.