Members of the St. Joseph County Commission’s Executive Committee discussed County Prosecutor John McDonough’s status and performance Wednesday morning. The conversation was prompted by a recent letter they received from 59th District State Representative Aaron Miller and a list of constituents regarding McDonough’s recent DUI arrest and job performance. Watershed Voice was unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting but followed up with Third District Commissioner Dennis Allen by telephone.
In the letter, signers requested the commissioners seek McDonough’s resignation. However, according to Allen, the commissioners cannot ask for McDonough’s resignation as long as he shows up to report on the status of his job.
“We tried to do everything legally and by statute,” Allen said. “The only thing we can ask of the prosecutor or any elected official is that they come before us and give us a report in regard to their office. He did that, he was very open about it and informed us on who was in charge, where they were at in their cases, and how we can get a hold of him, how law enforcement can get a hold of him.”
In attendance with McDonough was Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Robare, who is serving as Acting Prosecutor in McDonough’s absence. Of Robare, Allen said, “he confirmed everything. They’re not behind in cases, and things are going forward.”
According to Allen, the commissioners present Wednesday were satisfied with McDonough and Robare’s reporting. They plan no action against McDonough. “All the questions that we had as commissioners he answered adequately and positively, and our county administrator has more or less verified all of that, so as far as what we can do any further, there really isn’t anything, and we don’t plan on doing anything.”
Instead, Allen said, the next course of action will be up to the county’s electorate. In next week’s primary election, taking place on Tuesday, August 4, McDonough will face opposition from fellow Republican David Marvin. “The election’s coming up, and he’s got someone running against him, so it will be up to the people to decide if they want to keep Prosecutor McDonough or want to make a change,” Allen said. “That’s up to them.”
Watershed Voice sought information online pertaining to McDonough’s campaign, but has not located any. When asked, Allen was unsure of the status of McDonough’s campaign or website. “I don’t know of one, and there may be, but in my travels, I have not seen any signs out. I don’t know that he’s had time with what he’s been dealing with personally to get out and actually put together a campaign.”
McDonough has been on an extended medical leave of absence following his arrest earlier this year in the drunk driving incident that prompted the recent letter. As of Wednesday’s meeting, McDonough was still off on leave and under medical care. Allen said, “he told us that he was making progress in his health and returning health-wise. In consulting with his medical doctors, he feels comfortable that they will release him to come back to work before or just after September 1, and that’s his plan at this time.”
Pandemic Budget Discussions Continue
Facing possible significant revenue losses from the current pandemic, commissioners discussed possible measures to offset whatever losses it may have to address. According to Allen, the conversation at this stage is exploratory, and the commission is “just looking at different options. Like all other entities, we’ve lost some revenues with COVID issues, so we’re just trying to look at different ways of making up those revenue losses.”
In previous conversations, county staff and commissioners said they were exploring possible cuts to each department. Department heads have been asked to prioritize what cost-saving measures they would take if tasked with doing so. Allen said concrete planning will require additional information, including solid numbers, from the state.
“We’re trying to get a better idea of where revenue sharing is going to come in and when. We’ve been in contact with our representative, Aaron Miller, and we’re trying to see where we’re at statewide, as far as the state legislature, and to see if they have any timetable or where the governor may be headed in regards to revenue sharing and trying to get some money back to the counties to help cover some of these lost revenues. No information on that yet, so we’re hoping to get something in the next month or so.”
Dave Vago is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.
