08/29/03

Columbus - State Health Director Dr. Nick Baird yesterday canceled an unbid contract he had given this summer to two sons of former "fitness czar" Dick Schafrath.

In a prepared statement released by his press office, Baird said he gave the boot to a $24,990 contract with Mansfield-based Starr Mule Inc. "due to the perception that this process may have been improper."

"Dick Schafrath has received no payment and, in light of today's decision, will receive no payment," he said.

Baird terminated the contract with Gerrit and Isaac Schafrath after The Plain Dealer reported Tuesday that their father had recommended that Baird hire his sons' start-up company if Baird wanted to retain the former Cleveland Browns tackle and state senator as a motivational speaker for the department's "Healthy Ohioans" program. Gerrit lives in Connecticut and Isaac, listed as Starr Mule's president, is a student at Ohio State University.

Gov. Bob Taft had created the position for him in 2000 to resolve a feud over the House speakership. The move vacated Schafrath's Senate seat for then-Rep. Bill Harris and dissolved a brittle agreement between Harris and Rep. Larry Householder to share the speakership.

Health officials had argued previously that the contract was proper and did not violate Ohio's unlawful interest in a public contract statute because Dick Schafrath did not broach the idea of hiring Starr Mule until after he retired.

Records showed that Baird also ignored agency regulations that call for three written price quotes or a formal request for proposals for contracts under $29,000.

"Ohio is currently in the midst of a health crisis, as we smoke too much, don't eat right and don't exercise enough," Baird said. "The Healthy Ohioans initiative is designed to encourage Ohioans to make healthy lifestyle choices. This is an extremely important cause and Dick Schafrath shares that view. That's why I entered into this contract, for which I assume full responsibility."

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twendling@plaind.com, 1-800-228-8272