Ohio Job & Family Services director Helen Jones-Kelley, a supporter of President-elect Barack Obama, was suspended after a check of state computers and state e-mail found connections to political fundraising, which is not allowed on state property.She gave the asinine answer that such searches of famous people were routinely conducted when Wurzelbacher became a household name as Joe the Plumber after he asked Barack Obama about his economic policy and Obama replied with the now infamous comments on redistribution of wealth.
The fundraising activity related to Obama's campaign, to which Jones-Kelley contributed $2,500.
"Today, I have decided to place Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Helen Jones-Kelley on paid administrative leave due to the possibility, as yet unconfirmed, that a state computer or state e-mail account was used to assist in political fundraising," Gov. Ted Strickland said in a statement.
Jones-Kelley was already under investigation by the state inspector general's office for authorizing a personal records search on Joseph Wurzelbacher, better known as Joe the Plumber.
"I have asked Inspector General Tom Charles to include this matter in his current, ongoing investigation," Strickland said. "Also, I have asked Cabinet Secretary Jan Allen to serve as acting director of the agency."
There was no legitimate reason for her, or anyone else, to conduct those searches. There are specific guidelines to carry out database searches, and they're specifically designed to prevent partisan abuse, which is precisely what Jones-Kelley engaged in. She had her subordinates carry out searches, despite the fact there is no policy to do so.
Suspension is only a good start. Criminal sanctions should be forthcoming as well.
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