John Curry: A question for the Dispatch
From the Columbus Dispatch, October 23, 2006
During the debates and campaigning I have heard no mention by the candidates of the 7 ethics convictions handed out to former State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio officials. Why do you think both candidates have failed to mention this scandal? -- John, Wapakoneta
Darrel Rowland: John, thanks for joining us from the land of Neil Armstrong. But I'm not sure I have an answer for you.
My guess is that with so many higher profile scandals -- a convicted governor, illegal presidential campaign contributions, a $50 million coin fund gone awry, a congressman heading for prison, etc. -- the STRS mess hasn't made the radar.
It will be interesting to see how much of an emphasis on ethics occurs in the new administration. We seem to go in phases in Ohio; even now, many blow off the STRS convictions and others (including Taft's) as trivial reporting violations instead of what they really are: breaking state law by hiding goodies from the public.
What tone will Blackwell or Strickland set? How strictly will the public hold them accountable?
posted by Kathie Bracy at 10:41 AM
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