Allegations of relief fund misuse are troubling

Regardless of how the alleged misuse of federal coronavirus relief funds plays out, one thing is certain: It will revive that loathsome phrase “Corrupticut.” It’s probably become more associated with Connecticut than its moniker as “The Land of Steady Habits.” It’s also a habit we hoped had been broken.

The Corrupticut tag peaked about 16 years again in the wake of felony convictions of Gov. John Rowland along with the mayors of Bridgeport and Waterbury. It threatens to return every time there’s a probe into alleged misbehavior in state political circles. Even the Urban Dictionary defines it with a joke ending with a prison punchline about serving “Three years for being a senator from Corrupticut.”

Just when you thought good behavior had released the state from the shackles of this reputation, along comes a brewing scandal for a new era.

State Rep. Michael DiMassa, a Democrat, has been charged with wire fraud in connection with alleged misuse of federal coronavirus relief money in West Haven. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller said at least $636,000 is missing. DiMassa, who works for West Haven as an administrative assistant for the

City Council, was described by U.S. District Judge Sarah A.L. Merriam as being in treatment for a gambling addiction.

The political blowback has been somewhat predictable. Republicans are understandably seizing the moment to express outrage. Others suggest the arrest is a sign of the justice system working appropriately and swiftly to quell potential corruption.

“In fact, much like what happened in West Haven, if someone does something improper, it’s going to be found and come out,” said Joe DeLong, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. “The reporting of these funds is really pretty well defined and strict.”

City hall staffs across the state should recognize this as a cautionary tale. Regardless of whether the system ultimately worked, it needs to be determined if lax practices were in place. Meanwhile, some candidates on the campaign trail have become cavalier when discussing how to spend the flow of federal recovery funds, sounding like teenagers with gift cards on Dec. 26.

DiMassa isn’t expected back in court until Dec. 10. The state doesn’t need to wait, though, to explore if some of the expected $2 billion CARES Act disbursements have been misused.

Just before the arrest was announced, Republican Sens. Kevin Kelly, Stratford, and Paul Formica, East Lyme, called for a probe of how each of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities are spending the money. Melissa McCaw, secretary of the state’s Office of Policy and Management, said there would be a thorough review of municipal spending of the federal funds, and an independent auditor is being brought in to join the probe.

Does this mean they’re on the same page? Probably not. A statewide audit might be overreach, as it would surely come with a hefty price tag. But Democrats and Republicans need to be on the same team to shield two things that don’t have political affiliations — the state’s money and its reputation.

Some suggest the arrest is a sign of the justice system working appropriately and swiftly to quell potential corruption.