Ohio panel alerts jobs board of possible conflicts

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Ohio Ethics Commission is preparing to release details of potential conflicts of interest it has identified among board members, employees and other associates of Gov. John Kasich’s oft-criticized job-creation agency, JobsOhio.

Executive Director Paul Nick said he expects the information to be released later today.

The possible conflicts were flagged during routine review of dozens of confidential financial disclosure that employees and board members of Ohio boards, commissions, agencies and schools file annually.

Nick said the commission alerts individuals to ties to businesses whose dealings with the state may run up against ethics restrictions. No wrongdoing is implied.

Transparency issues surrounding the unique structure of JobsOhio and its private-sector governing board have been the subject of political debate and a lawsuit.