Lynn election signature probe near end

LYNN – Police today were expected to turn over to the district attorney the findings from their investigation into allegations that Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. wrongfully affixed mayoral candidate Judith Flanagan Kennedy’s signature to his campaign literature in violation of state law.Kennedy filed a criminal complaint with Lynn police in mid-October over a flier mailed by the Clancy campaign. The brochure showed a survey by the North Shore Labor Council, which asked mayoral candidates how they might raise municipal revenues. The property tax choice was highlighted. Kennedy’s signature appeared beneath the survey question.The actual survey sheet provided no place for a signature. Kennedy had signed the labor council’s petition in support of workers’ right to organize. Clancy acknowledged his campaign workers designed the flier by merging the two documents. The mayor said doing so seemed acceptable since the petition and the survey were part of the same package.”We’re 95 percent complete in the investigation,” Police Lt. William Sharpe said Friday. “We should be done this week. We’ll meet with the district attorney on Monday to present our findings.”Steve O’Connell, spokesman for Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, confirmed as much. “The district attorney will meet with (acting Lynn Police Chief Kevin Coppinger) on Monday to review their investigation,” he said.Residential property taxes has emerged as a point of contention in the race for mayor, with Clancy accusing Kennedy of being pro-taxation, mostly due to her response on the labor council survey.Jeffrey Crosby, president of the labor council, said the survey was not meant for public distribution. The labor council’s goal was to learn the views of the three mayoral candidates ? Clancy, Kennedy and David Rohnstock, who was eliminated in the preliminary election ? before deciding which to endorse, he said.Click here for complete Lynnelection coverage, candidate profiles and more. You may also comment on theelection and read what others have to say.