WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. By John F. Bailey June 19, 2008: The Board of Ethics has dismissed a complaint that John Ioris, allegedly a major fundraiser and supporter of  Mayor Joseph Delfino, who by serving on the Planning Board violated the city’s code of ethics.

John Ioris, head of table,  presenting at a council meeting in April.

Ioris told WPCNR the complaint raised by city Democratic Party leaders “was completely baseless and politically motivated.” Early this month it was leaked to the press that the Board of Ethics had determined that Mayor Joseph Delfino had not violated the City Charter by appointing Mr. Ioris to the Planning Board. The Board was still considering whether the appointment was a violation on the part of Mr. Ioris.

The Board of Ethics decision sent to Mr. Ioris reads:

“Pursuant to Article V (Code of Ethics) of the Municipal Code of the City of White Plains, attached is a true copy of the opinion of the Board of Ethics dismissing a complaint on the grounds that the complaint does not allege sufficient facts to constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics.” It is signed by Mark Elliot the Board Chair.

Ioris told WPCNR there were no civil penalties he might have faced had he been found in violation. He said he would either have had to resign from the head of his Political Action Committee, or resign from the Planning Board.

 Now, with today’s ruling he is cleared of any “conflict of interest,” between any activities with the Mayor and that of the Planning Board.  Ioris said obviously someone does not like the fact that the Mayor can appoint whom he wants to city Boards.