Ohio treasurer can refinance with state-tied bank

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An opinion issued by the state Ethics Commission says Ohio’s treasurer can refinance his home using a bank that does business with the state.

Republican Treasurer Josh Mandel had requested guidance on the issue ahead of Thursday’s decision.

The commission said in an advisory opinion that state ethics law doesn’t prohibit Mandel from refinancing with a bank that’s doing business with the state because he is acting as would any other ordinary customer of the bank.

The panel also said that Mandel’s home refinancing with a state-connected bank doesn’t prevent him from deciding matters affecting the bank in his role as treasurer.