Written by Marion At-Large Councilman Ralph Smith delivered a forceful assessment of the city’s financial crisis during his October 8, 2025, appearance on the Watchmen’s Report, arguing that a breakdown in IT security and political will has created a multi-year budget mess.
Smith, whose technical background includes serving as a highly specialized 34 Delta (Data Processing Equipment Maintenance Man) in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, stressed that Marion’s lack of oversight has left its budget vulnerable.
Smith, who confirmed his military role required high security clearance and involved working on large-scale information technology machines, stated that Marion must undergo a deep dive forensic audit due to the information uncovered by Marion Watch and proven with official documentation. He specifically cited the failure to implement basic segregation of duties, user permission controls, and other industry standard operational controls. Ralph noted that sharing credentials—reported as happening under the previous administration by multiple current and former officials in Marion from about 2009 to at least 2022—is grounds for an Article 15 or court-martial in the military.
Competency and Stalling
Drawing on his experience as the former owner of Future Shop Computers and his tax business, Dollars and Cents, Smith offered critical ratings for the city’s financial officials:
- Auditor: Rated 3 out of 10 for competency.
- Treasurer: Rated 1 out of 10, with Smith calling the official’s refusal to accept available job training “inexcusable”.
Smith attributed the crisis—which has stalled audits from 2021 through 2023—to the Auditor’s office, suggesting the cause is either a ‘lack of knowledge or ability’ or ‘intentional stalling.’ He added that a forensic audit is needed to determine if some financial issues were created intentionally by individuals who saw opportunities for personal gain in the previous administration. Marion Watch has shown Mr. Smith various articles uncovered during our research and investigations including screenshots showing the former Marion City Deputy Auditor with highly inappropriate permissions in the New World system after leaving office. These permissions were present across all departments in the city. This is a blantant violation of several industry standard IT policies.
The New World system is used in nearly all city departments.
Charter: A Path to Professional Finance
Smith, who is retiring from his At-Large seat to become the Third Ward Councilman (unopposed), used his platform to advocate for a change in city structure via the Charter Commission.
He supports replacing the elected Auditor and Treasurer with a single, appointed Director of Finance. However, he urged the commission to pursue a minimalist approach initially, focusing only on the financial fix. He called the charter a “living instrument,” suggesting changes to offices like Mayor or Law Director could be addressed later.
Smith also highlighted the need for a succession plan for the Law Director, pointing out that only 18 licensed attorneys reside in the city, with a median age of 68.
Discussing the general philosophy of government size, intrusion, and personal autonomy versus community safety Ralph stated:
“Once once the state or the city or the county or the feds become involved in your life, you lose control”.
Smith’s History: From Coal to City Hall
Smith’s personal background was highlighted to illustrate his perspective on government and work ethic:
- Early Life: Born in eastern Kentucky, Smith is the son of a coal miner. He lived in Piqua before his service and first experienced Marion during GTE training stays at the Harding Hotel.
- Career & Political Shift: His 24-year career at General Telephone (GTE), where he was a Project Coordinator and worked in six states, ended in 1993. His shift from Democrat to conservative was cemented during a 1973 GTE strike where he served as Chief Union Steward, growing disillusioned after the union secured only agency shop (mandatory dues) but little for the workers.
- Marion’s Decline: He believes Marion “hit rock bottom” in the late 1980s due to the loss of employers like Eaton and Tecumseh.
Smith, currently the Republican Party Treasurer, concluded by stressing that the local charter vote is “probably more important than the presidential election” and urged citizens to participate fully in the process.