Public school employees group announces backing

COLUMBUS — Former U.S. Rep Zack Space, who is running as a Democrat for the position of state auditor in 2018, announced on Tuesday the backing of a union representing public school employees.

The Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE) said it supporting Space in his campaign.

“I am honored to have OAPSE’s endorsement and support,” Space said in a news release. “OAPSE members are on the front line in our efforts to provide Ohio children with a safe, healthy and constructive educational environment, and they are doing phenomenal work— often times with limited resources.”

Space, who spoke at the Lawrence County Democratic Party dinner last week, has made accountability for charter schools, such as the controversial Electronic College of Tomorrow (ECOT), a centerpiece of his campaign.

“Every child in Ohio deserves a quality education,” OAPSE Executive Director Joe Rugola said. “We need a state auditor who will hold charter schools accountable for the taxpayer dollars they receive. Zack Space will stop fraud and abuse and crack down on groups like ECOT. We need strong leadership in the auditor’s office, and we will have that in Zack Space.”

OAPSE represents more than 34,000 workers in 480 locals in Ohio.

Space is seeking to replace Republican David Yost, who was elected as auditor in 2010 and is running for attorney general in 2018.