4 Dem lawmakers seek ethics review of Ohio jobs chief

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Four Democratic state lawmakers want an ethics review of Ohio’s economic-development chief, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist.

The challenge to Mark Kvamme was referred Wednesday to the Ohio Ethics Commission by Reps. Teresa Fedor and Michael Ashford of Toledo, Mike Foley of Cleveland and Robert Hagan of Youngstown.

They say some of Kvamme’s private business dealings pose a conflict of interest with his state government work.

They cited his limited partner’s role with a California venture-capital firm.

The firm has a stake in a software company whose clients include businesses with operations in Ohio.

Gov. John Kasich, who appointed Kvamme, told a Dix Communications editors’ meeting that he stands by his selection.