The alleged misuse of sensitive information by Connor Rose, a candidate for Wood County Recorder, raises serious concerns for the voters of Wood County. The Recorder’s office holds access to private information about property owners, and voters rightfully expect candidates for this position to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Unfortunately, Mr. Rose has demonstrated troubling behavior that calls into question his fitness for this responsibility. It is alleged that Mr. Rose improperly used his access to ForeWarn, a platform designed for real estate professionals, which provides access to private information, including personal financial details and criminal records. Reports suggest that Mr. Rose used this platform not for business purposes, but for political gain—conducting opposition research and prying into the private lives of his political rivals.
If these allegations are true, Mr. Rose would have violated his agreement with ForeWarn, which mandates that access be used solely for legitimate business purposes. This conduct reflects poorly on his suitability for the role of County Recorder, a position entrusted with sensitive public records. Such behavior would not only breach the public’s trust but also contradict the ethical standards expected of candidates seeking elected office in Wood County.
Although ForeWarn has suspended Mr. Rose’s account for rule violations, this action alone isn’t sufficient to address the concerns caused by these actions. Mr. Rose owes the voters a transparent explanation and should clarify why he believes the people of Wood County should trust him with their private information.
More importantly, he should account for why he believes he is still qualified to oversee the county’s public records.
With the election fast approaching, it is important that Mr. Rose answer these questions. Voters deserve to know the full extent of his alleged misconduct. In any race for public office—especially one that involves the safeguarding of private information—a candidate’s ethics are of the utmost concern for voters. Wood County needs leaders who respect privacy, follow the rules, and place the public good above personal gain. While further investigation may be required, the facts as they stand suggest that Connor Rose does not meet that standard.
Zach Schmidt
Wood County Democratic Party Executive Committee
