Ohio Supreme Court declines to force JobsOhio agreement

COLUMBUS (AP) — A divided Ohio Supreme Court tossed a complaint today that state officials hoped might resolve legal concerns about the state’s new private job-creation entity and seal JobsOhio’s right to run the state liquor business and use its profits.

In a 4-2 decision, justices said the high court was the wrong venue for JobsOhio’s complaint against state Commerce Director David Goodman.

The action sought to force Goodman to sign an agreement between the state commerce and budget departments and JobsOhio transferring rights to the liquor business to JobsOhio for 25 years. The deal is worth some $1.4 billion, with the state getting the first $500 million when the transfer occurs.

Budget and JobsOhio leaders signed the agreement in August. Goodman declined because JobsOhio’s constitutionality is still in legal limbo.

A message seeking comment on the decision was left today with a JobsOhio spokeswoman.