Ohio official resigns as JFS director
CINCINNATI (AP) — A state official resigned Wednesday in the wake of a finding that she improperly used state computers to access personal information on the Toledo-area man who became known as “Joe the Plumber” during the presidential campaign.
Department of Job and Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelley said in a statement that she won’t allow her reputation to be disparaged and is concerned for her family’s safety.
“This decision comes after a time of pause, in which I realize that I continue to be used as a political postscript, providing a distraction from urgent state priorities,” Jones-Kelley said in her statement.
Jones-Kelley could not be reached for additional comment Wednesday night. There was no telephone listing for her in Columbus, where the department has its headquarters.
Gov. Ted Strickland suspended Jones-Kelley for a month without pay after Ohio Inspector General Tom Charles found in November that she improperly used state computers to find personal information on Samuel Wurzelbacher. The investigation also found that she conducted improper political fundraising activity for now President-elect Barack Obama.
Dailey said Jan Allen, the governor’s cabinet secretary who has been serving as interim director of the department, will continue in the position for now.
Charles’ investigation could not confirm that Jones-Kelley accessed the records of Wurzelbacher with political gain in mind. His report did indicate that she had used her personal Blackberry to send the Obama fundraising requests — though it was synched up to state equipment.
Wurzelbacher came to be referred to as “Joe the Plumber” when Republican presidential candidate John McCain used the term during a debate and in his campaign against Obama.
Republicans have repeatedly called for Jones-Kelley’s resignation.