State director told salon he could make a fine “go away”

The director of the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology inappropriately told owners of a salon that he would make a $500 fine “go away” if they agreed to keep an independent contractor at the shop for another two to three months, according to an investigation by state Inspector General Randall Meyer.

Board of Cosmetology Executive Director Jim Trakas admitted to inspectors that he intervened in the case involving Aqua Hair Salon and Spa in suburban Columbus when he thought the two owners were retaliating against hairstylist Daveen Zborovsky.

Trakas is a former state lawmaker and former chairman of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party.

Zborovsky’s mother filed a complaint with the board in March 2012 regarding fumes from nail care. A state inspector issued a warning to shop owners Jeri-Lynn Massenelli and Rhonda Wood. The report included the source of the complaint, Gloria Gibson.

Wood and Massenelli told investigators that Zborovsky, who was an independent contractor, caused problems almost immediately after she started renting booth space in their shop in February 2012. In early June they were preparing to tell Zborovsky to move on when they received notice from the state Board of Cosmetology that they were facing a $500 fine over the fumes complaint.

Trakas called the owners himself and said if Zborovsky were allowed to stay on for two or three months, the fine would be waived. The owners severed ties with Zborovsky and complained about Trakas’ intervention.

Trakas told the inspector general that he believed he was acting within his authority as director. Meyers’ report concluded that pressuring a licensee to retain a contractor in exchange for waiving a fee was inappropriate.

The 20-page report, which is available online, was referred to the Cosmetology Board to determine if administration action is merited.

Trakas could not be immediately reached for comment.

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About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.