Strickland Chooses Council’s Boyce For Treasurer

By Donna Willis
Web Content Coordinator
Published: December 23, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio—With Richard Cordray moving into the Attorney General’s office, Governor Ted Strickland entrusted Columbus Councilman Kevin Boyce with the treasurer’s job and the responsibility of growing and protecting taxpayers’ money.

Boyce, 37, a Democrat, will replace Cordray who was elected Ohio Attorney General Tuesday, Nov. 4. Boyce vowed to carry Cordray’s efforts and did not distinguish how he would differ in his approach to the office.

NBC 4’s Tom Brockman and Patrick Preston reported with the bottomline.

A Columbus City Council member since 2000, Boyce currently serves as president pro-tem and chair of the council’s finance and zoning committees. During his tenure, the council has maintained a balanced budget of about $1.5 billion and is the largest city in the nation with AAA bond ratings.

Cordray pledged a smooth transition and continuity in the treasurer’s office as Boyce takes charge.

“I happen to think it is a great thing to have state officeholders who have a background in local government. Because they understand. They’ve sat in the chair. They’ve made the kind of decisions that our local governments make all over the state, especially in dealing with tough budgets as we’re dealing with right now,“ Cordray said.

In announcing Boyce, Strickland said he has no doubt Boyce will be a responsible steward of state funds. Strickland cited his council experience in describing him as a voice for fiscal responsibility.

“On Columbus city council, Kevin has been a voice for fiscal responsibility and has also served as a strong advocate for education and community safety initiatives,” Strickland said. “As state treasurer, Kevin will provide effective and experienced management over our state dollars and also help give Ohioans the financial literacy they need to deal with these challenging economic times.”

“As treasurer, I will wisely and strategically invest our state funds to ensure good returns and, in turn, help strengthen our communities and businesses,“ Boyce said. “I will operate the treasurer’s office with the highest standards of integrity and bring the smartest minds together to meet the financial challenges before us.”

Mayor Michael B. Coleman offered congratulations to Boyce Tuesday.
“I commend Governor Strickland for making an excellent choice,” Coleman said. “Kevin has demonstrated his expertise on financial matters as chair of council’s finance committee, and that experience will serve him well as state treasurer. Kevin has worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens of Columbus for the past eight years, and he will be missed. However, our loss is the state of Ohio’s gain, and I look forward to working with him in his new position.”

Boyce said he will run for election in 2010 when the position is on the ballot.

Boyce also serves as the executive director of KnowledgeWorks Ohio, a nonprofit that provides funding and leadership for promoting college access for high-school students in Ohio. He previously served as the chief of staff for the minority caucus in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Boyce graduated from East High School and earned degrees in political science and public administration.

Boyce lives in Columbus with his wife, Crystal, and his two sons, KJ and Kris.

What’s next for council?

The seat left vacant by Kevin Boyce will need to be filled, and that will happen by appointment by the remaining city council members.

In the coming weeks, council will accept resumes and applications for the position then conduct interviews before selecting a seventh council member.

Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at .
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News

NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video