The labor leader who gave Gov. Ted Strickland his first campaign contribution for governor and the lawyer who defended his public safety director are among the seven named to the new state casino control commission, a post paying $60,000 a year.
Among the appointees: Ohio AFL-CIO President Joseph Rugola. On May 12, 2005, Rugola gave $10,000 to launch the Democrat's bid for
Strickland also picked Charles "Rocky" Saxbe, a Republican who endorsed him in 2006 and represented Cathy Collins-Taylor, the state safety director denied Senate confirmation earlier this year.
"My goal in appointing members to the Ohio Casino Control Commission was to establish a commission that reflects Ohio values and that will make sure the industry operates with integrity in Ohio," Strickland said in a release. "While these individuals all share a high degree of personal integrity and professional expertise, their diverse backgrounds will provide for unique perspectives that will serve the Commission well in the critical months to come."
The selections are subject to approval by the Ohio Senate.
The other five:
- Greta Russell of Columbus, a CPA who has been a controller at the Ohio State University since 1995. She previously served as a comptroller in the Office of the Ohio Treasurer from 1983-1995 and as the assistant vice president for the Buckeye Savings and Loan Association from 1977-1983.
- Vanessa Whiting of Cleveland Heights, who currently serves as a partner at the law firm of Roetzel & Andress.
- Jerry Chabler of Sylvania, a member of the board of directors for the Toledo- Lucas County Port Authority since 2008 and a former member of the Ohio State Racing Commission the Ohio State Lottery Commission. He opposed the state issue a year ago that allowed casinos to build in Ohio for the first time.
- William Kirkham of Cincinnati, an attorney primarily representing small and closely held businesses at the law firm of Frost Brown Todd since 2005.
- Michael Bolte of Harrison, who was a police officer for the Cincinnati Police Department from 1972 until his retirement as a captain in 2002. He also served as the commander of the Violent Crime and Robbery Task Forces.
The appointments must include one certified public accountant, one person experienced in law enforcement, one attorney and one person residing in a county with a casino, the governor's office said. All seven of the governor's appointees live in a county with a casino, ensuring each of the communities in which casinos will be built, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, are represented on the commission, the Strickland release said.
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