When news broke that Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis and his wife were indicted on corruption charges, one big question followed: should Davis remain in office while the courts sort things out?
Legally, Davis is innocent until proven guilty. But when you look at what county commissioners actually do in Ohio, his continuing to serve creates serious conflict of interest problems—even before a verdict is reached.
👔 What Do County Commissioners Do?
Ohio county commissioners aren’t lawmakers in the same way state legislators or Congress are. But they do have significant power over how county government operates. Among their responsibilities:
- Control of county finances: Commissioners approve budgets for most county offices.
- Oversight of departments: They decide how much money agencies like law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, and county courts receive.
- Hiring and contracts: Commissioners sign off on contracts and can play a role in staffing decisions in county offices.
In short, commissioners hold the purse strings for county government.
🔎 Where the Conflict Comes In
Now consider Davis’s situation. He is facing charges that could involve county funds, county offices, and county employees.
- County employees could be called to testify in his case. Those same employees ultimately answer to the Board of Commissioners for funding and resources.
- The prosecutor’s office and local courts—both partially funded by commissioners—are directly involved in his prosecution.
- As a commissioner, Davis would normally participate in budget decisions for those offices, creating the appearance that he has influence over the very people handling his case.
Even if he never lifts a finger to interfere, the perception alone undermines public trust.
⚖️ Innocent Until Proven Guilty—But…
No one is saying Davis doesn’t deserve a fair trial. He absolutely does. But being on trial and holding public office at the same time is a recipe for dysfunction.
- Every vote on funding for courts or law enforcement becomes clouded by the question: is this about the county’s needs—or Davis’s situation?
- Routine business gets bogged down in controversy. Meetings become less about county projects and more about his legal troubles.
- It sends a mixed message to residents about accountability. If a department head was indicted, they’d likely be placed on leave. Shouldn’t elected officials be held to the same standard?
🚧 The Bigger Picture
Commissioner Scottie Powell has already pointed out that when Robert Horton, the county’s former Economic Development Director, was indicted, the board voted to fire him because his legal troubles damaged the county’s reputation. By Powell’s logic, the same standard should now apply to Davis.
Public trust is the currency of government. Right now, that trust is stretched thin in Scioto County.