Paul R. Rakosky will be the new City Finance Chief for Columbus in less than three days. But, it was just nine months ago that Rakosky found himself behind bars at the Franklin County Correctional Center.
According to the police report, Captain David Rose and Sergeant Nester found Rakosky “doubled over, swaying and staring at the ground,” near Woody Hayes Drive on the OSU campus back in October of last year.
As Rakosky stood on the side of the street, the officers began to approach him and noticed he was “unsteady on his feet, had red blood-shot eyes, slurred speech, was confused and had an odor of an alcoholic beverage…” As the officers walked closer they noticed he “had dirty stains on his pants as if he had fallen several times…”
While Captain Rose and Sergeant Nester questioned the Deputy Finance and Management Director, Rakosky admitted he had been drinking and told the officers he “was trying to walk home.” Rakosky was unable to identify where he was and began to stagger away when the officers offered to take him home. Rakosky then became “uncooperative” and told the officers, “take me to jail.”
The 46-year-old was arrested and taken to the OSU Police Department where officers called his girlfriend to pick him up. Before being arrested Rakosky informed the officers of his title as Deputy Finance and Management Director for the City of Columbus.
The night did not end at the OSU Police Department for Rakosky; while police began to release the Deputy Director he refused to “stand up for the removal of the handcuffs,” and threatened officers with legal action. After the uncooperative behavior officers transferred Rakosky to the Franklin County Correctional Center.
Rakosky was charged and plead guilty to one count of disorderly conduct while intoxicated, a minor misdemeanor. According to records, Rakosky paid just $74 dollars in fines; a $124 dollar cash deposit for bond was paid by Deborah Klie, Columbus City Treasurer and rumored girlfriend.
Mayor Michael Coleman appointed Rakosky as the replacement for Joel S. Taylor, the current City Finance Chief, in June of this year. City employees and public officials in Columbus are responsible for signing an Ethics Policy and a Pledge of Ethical Conduct “to ensure public officials and employees of the City of Columbus are fully informed of their accountability to the public in all matters relating to the operation of government in accordance with State and City statutes, laws, or codes.”
Does Rakosky’s behavior fall under ethical behavior? Perhaps the new City Finance Chief needs to take a second look at the pledge and code of conduct.