Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2010 > November > 09 > Entry
Long-time ethics director to retire
Ohio Ethics Commission Executive Director David E. Freel is retiring at the end of the year, after 17 years in the post and dozens of notches in his ethics belt.
In the last 10 years, Freel and his team have investigated undisclosed golf, meals, travel, lodging or other unethical deals being doled out to or by top officials at the Ohio Turnpike, Ohio Racing Commission, Ohio School Facilities Commission, two state pension systems, the state fair leader, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, the state racing commission, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the governor, treasurer and attorney general’s offices.
The bipartisan ethics commission investigates and enforces state ethics laws and issues advisory opinions and conducts training for public employees and officials. It has a staff of 21.
Freel, 59, was the fifth director of the commission, which began in 1974.
“I have truly enjoyed my work with so many Ethics Commission members and professional staff of high integrity over the years; they represent the finest ethical standard in public service for Ohio and its citizens,” Freel said.
Commission Chair Ben Rose said, “David is a remarkable public servant. He is an internationally recognized ethics expert who has demonstrated courage, integrity, competence, and leadership in the battle to ensure the highest standards of ethical conduct by public officials and employees required to maintain public trust and confidence in Ohio’s state and local governments and educational institutions. He has set a high standard and created an admirable example for those who succeed him.”
Before joining the Ethics Commission staff in 1983, Freel taught law school at Ohio State University and served as a Franklin County public defender.
The commission is expected to discuss a process for replacing Freel at its Nov. 17 meeting.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Tweet
Comments
By EthicsWatch
November 10, 2010 8:34 AM | Link to this
A lot of dirt is about to fall with the trial of Butler County’s own Mike Fox. I can’t wait to see the GOP names that come to light out of that! Let the good times roll. Anyone want to bet that a plea bargain is reached before Mike Fox has to take the stand and name names?
By The Skeptic
November 9, 2010 6:31 PM | Link to this
I wonder what kind of dirt this guy has under his nails.