Lynn mayoral challenger backpedals on inmates statement

LYNN – Mayoral challenger David Rohnstock on Thursday backpeddled on statements he made claiming the Essex County Sheriff’s Office would provide his administration with inmates to complete community service projects, should he be elected.”The Essex County Department of Corrections has agreed to let my administration have a ‘boat load’ of non-violent, low-risk inmates volunteer to pick up litter, exterminate rats, paint city property, help janitors after school, etc.,” Rohnstock said in a statement released to The Daily Item Tuesday. “The result would be many desperately needed projects getting accomplished and a reduction in property taxes.”Paul Fleming, spokesman for Essex County Sheriff Frank G. Cousins Jr., said the sheriff does not know Rohnstock and has never met or spoken to him.When contacted by The Item Thursday afternoon, Rohnstock said he has had discussions with a couple of assistants dealing with community service programs, who do not have the authority to sign off on programs, but has not been given any official response.Fleming said inmate community service programs already operate in Lynn and will continue under the present mayor and subsequent mayors.