WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - A former Watertown mayor wants the state to investigate what he calls “unauthorized” city spending on legal bills regarding the Cliff Olney ethics complaint.

Jeff Graham filled out a form with the state comptroller’s office titled: Alleged Fraud, Corruption, Mismanagement or Waste.

In it, he says the ethics ordeal has been an expensive and disruptive escapade fueled by emotions.

The ordeal he’s referring to: the ethics complaint made by former Mayor Jeff Smith against Council Member Cliff Olney.

Olney stands accused of making private information public.

The initial complaint racked up around $19,000 in attorney fees and has ballooned to more than $70,000. There was never a vote taken by council to approve the spending, but city management argues it has the

See Full Page