Inspector general says Joe the Plumber's files searched improperly

[Mugu]

By Randy Ludlow, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


A state agency director improperly authorized checks of state computer systems for confidential information on "Joe the Plumber," according to a report released this afternoon by Ohio's inspector general.

Helen Jones-Kelley, the suspended director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, "had no legitimate agency function or purpose to support her decision" to check on the newly minted political figure, the report states.

The investigation by the office of Inspector General Thomas P. Charles found that the reasons Jones-Kelley offered for the checks "were not credible" and failed to "promote trust and confidence" about her decision.

The report found no evidence that any information on "Joe" was improperly shared. Investigators said they could reach no conclusion whether Jones-Kelley's approval of the checks was politically motivated. "However, the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized searches are exacerbated in light of the director's sending and receiving e-mail related to a political activity through state resources," the report said.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/11/20/joe.html?sid=101|Complete article>

[tyne]

1. Fine her

and fire her.

[yourout]

2. While part of me smiles at the thought of someone prying into asshole republicans dealings...I

would not want someone digging up dirt on me.

So who ever did this should be out of a job unless there is a valid reason for it.

[nichomachus]

3. Amazing how fast they act

when a Repuke has something like this happen to him. If it was a Democrat whose files were searched, they would ho-hum it into oblivion and then declare that "mistakes were made and we're using it as a learning opportunity."