Kasich’s ODNR cited for illegal, improper acts
COLUMBUS — State carpenters made an “extravagant and grandiose” conference table illegally installed in Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ headquarters while $54,000 in personalized walking sticks were handed out to state officials and employees at taxpayer expense.
Ohio Inspector General Randall J. Meyer cited the agency for illegal and improper acts during the administration of former Gov. John Kasich in an investigative report.
The inspector general concluded a handmade, 15-foot wide by 24-foot long U-shaped walnut conference table was illegally installed at DNR headquarters in Columbus because state law only permits DNR to make items for state parks — not administrative buildings.
The 1.2-ton table was so large windows had to be removed from DNR headquarters while it was under renovation and a crane used at a cost of $5,381 to install the table in 2014.
A retired state carpentry supervisor said he was recalled to work in late 2013 by now-retired deputy director and state forester Robert Boyles for a “little project” resulting in the table that took nearly a year to make. Its total cost was not calculated.
The state park carpentry shop at Scioto Trail State
Park near Chillicothe also turned out picture frames, other furniture for administrative buildings, coasters, puzzles, chairs and walking sticks, the report said.
The agency did not follow purchasing requirements to buy two laser engravers costing about $38,000 to personalize items, the report noted.
A carpentry employee estimated he made about 2,000 $27 walking sticks valued at $54,000 over the years at taxpayer expense that were given to lawmakers, former Gov. Kasich, state employees and others.
Meyer’s office began its investigation after receiving anonymous tips in October 2018. The administration of current Gov. Mike DeWine halted manufacture of items at the carpentry shop last year, the report said.
The report also faulted the agency for making $10,000 cabin shells for state parks that required extensive rework because they were shoddily made. A carpentry employee said it would have been cheaper to buy premade kits to piece together the cabins.
Meyer did not refer his report for review by prosecutors to identify potential crimes.
The inspector general cited former DNR Director James Zehringer and about 40 state employees for improperly accepting a free Lake Erie fishing trip in 2018 in a report issued in late April.