Ohioans deserve to know those in statewide offices are not being influenced by outside parties in a way that encourages those officials to put their own interests above that of citizens. A bill that would ban statewide office holders from receiving compensation for private employment while in office may make sense.
"Corruption is costly. When unaccountable politicians abuse their power to fill their own pockets, it's Ohioans who pay the ultimate cost," Rep. Mary Lightbody, D-Westerville, told WOUB in Columbus.
The idea came about after Lt. Gov. Jon Husted received a paid corporate board position with Heartland Bank Corp. While legal, the move still raised some concerns.
Husted insists his new paid position does not create a conflict; and that it will, in fact, help him better do his job. Nonetheless, it could be a bad look, and create doubt in the minds of taxpayers.