COLUMBUS – State Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) today issued the following remarks in reference to the news that the personal information of thousands more Ohio taxpayers was discovered on a computer backup tape stolen from a state employee several weeks ago:
“Today’s news that 675,000 more Ohioans have been exposed to identity theft is troubling. This brings the number of Ohioans whose social security number or personal information has been stolen to over 1,211,090 individuals. The cost of protecting these citizens has consequently soared to $2.2 million.
“Since the theft I have reserved judgment and given Governor Strickland the benefit of the doubt as the case developed. As details emerge from the investigation, Ohioans have the right to question Ted Strickland and his ability to effectively run our state government.
o Why was the data not encrypted?
o Why was the data sent home with a 22 year old intern?
o Why did the Governor not learn of the theft until 4 days after it occurred?
o Why was the public not informed of the theft sooner?
o Why do taxpayers need to pay a consultant to tell the Governor what data is on the storage tape?
o Who else has had their social security number and personal information stolen, and when will that information be made public?
“Each new detail produces more questions than answers and with each new troubling detail the Governor tells Ohioans that they have nothing to worry about. I believe that the Legislature should explore the option of an independent review of both the theft and the Governor’s handling of the incident.”
