Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis is starting his own investigation into wrongdoings at City Hall, in light of a federal probe.

Davis has appointed his own attorney and granted him sweeping powers to investigate allegations of financial misconduct in the city. Davis says he is questioning benefits for employees who work at the troubled Urban Renewal Development Agency.

The agency is also part of a federal probe. The city is also being investigated for having carting contracts that may have mob connections. Davis says he's also concerned about workers and retirees at the agency who haven't received health benefits. He blames the city council for keeping the subject in committee, with no results.

Davis is drafting subpoenas for members of the Mount Vernon City Council, city clerk, comptroller and corporation counsel. The drafts ask for specific records regarding contracts, cell phone use, expense reports and minutes of meetings.

All the political intrigue is occurring during a very heated re-election campaign for Davis, who is being challenged by Democrat Clinton Young and Republican Janet Snyder.Related InformationMt.Vernon mayoral candidates square off in TV debateDavis' supporters question timing of federal probe FBI probe continues to cast shadow on mayor's race FBI trash probe spills into Mt. Vernon mayoral race Feds look to uncover dirty carting contracts at City Hall