A liberal policy group has filed a lawsuit challenging Ohio Gov. John Kasich‘s appointment of Mark Kvamme as director of the Ohio Department of Development.
ProgressOhio argues that Kvamme’s status as a California resident makes him ineligible to work as director of a state agency. Kvamme is a friend and campaign contributor of Kasich, who appointed Kvamme in January as ODOD’s interim director with a $1 salary.
Kvamme is a former partner with Menlo Park, California-based Sequoia Capital, and is expected to stay in the job for about six months.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
ProgressOhio’s suit seems to have merit because the Ohio Constitution and the state’s revised code require that state agency directors be residents and registered to vote in Ohio for 30 days prior to an appointment or else it is illegal and nullified, The Plain Dealer reported. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has also questioned the validity of the appointment.
However, it appears that the Kasich administration has an easy work-around — simply changing Kvamme’s title from that of a director.
A Kasich spokeswoman told the Columbus Dispatch that the administration is “aware of the issues and is looking into them.” The administration has already used deputies instead of Kvamme to formally execute contracts, but Kvamme still participates in meetings on development deals.
Kvamme commutes to Ohio from California each week, according to The Plain Dealer. He’s said he doesn’t plan to become an Ohio resident.
