CLEVELAND, March 12 (UPI) -- Half of the six candidates seeking a Cleveland City Council seat have criminal records -- including one whose murder conviction bars him from holding office.
John Boyd, 50, is prohibited by state law from taking office because he was convicted of murder in 1973 and several additional felonies in the 1980s and '90s, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported Wednesday.
"I have not encountered anyone who has told me I can't run," Boyd said. He said he has dedicated his life to inspiring troubles teenagers.
Fellow candidates Yvonne Grimes, 57, and Ernest Turner, 57, also have criminal records. Grimes pleaded guilty in 2005 to misdemeanor charges of attempted forgery and theft of less than $500, while Turner was convicted on a misdemeanor drug charge in 1986.
Meanwhile, interim Councilwoman Mamie Mitchell, who is also seeking the seat, recently said her campaign has hit financial trouble and she may declare bankruptcy.
"Even Donald Trump has been bankrupt," Mitchell said. "I don't think I'm any different than any of my constituents. We all have our trials and tribulations."
