King Bureaucracy and its robe of red tape aren’t exactly the model for how to get things done effectively and efficiently. But state government agencies are bound to operate transparently enough that Ohioans can SEE what they would like to improve.

JobsOhio brags on its own website that it operates in the shadows, using public money.

“We’re private, which means less red tape,” the agency tells prospective development partners. “We ensure your confidentiality and safeguard you from unexpected setbacks.”

Given such a message, combined with JobsOhio’s mixed-at-best success in actually bringing large employers and other economic growth to Ohio, it’s not hard to see why lawmakers are talking about state House Bill 779, to “Enact the JobsOhio Transparency Act.”

Primarily sponsored by Reps. Justin Pizzulli, R-Scioto County, and Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood, the bill would force JobsOhio out into the sunlight by requiring the standard two-year audits required of any other state agency, requiring officials to testify annually before state lawmakers to detail projects that received public money — and where they are, and require JobsOhio to disclose any corporate sponsorships or media partners, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal.

“If we can shine light on an organization,” Pizzulli said, “it gives public trust and transparency. I truly believe that had this bill been passed, we wouldn’t have seen such an embarrassment happen to our state.” He was talking about the $60,000 JobsOhio sponsorship received by “The Callout” podcast, a deal allegedly facilitated by former Ohio State University President Ted Carter.

But that incident presents only one in a string of unanswered questions related to JobsOhio. Transparency would also help Ohioans understand just how many jobs should really be credited to the agency, for example.

Pizzulli is also right to wonder whether JobsOhio “is truly serving all regions of Ohio,” as those in some parts of the state are painfully aware they continue to fall behind.

“My constituents are not asking for special treatment,” he said, according to the Capital Journal. “We’re just asking to not be forgotten.”

Being subject to greater transparency rules might help jog JobsOhio’s memory. Lawmakers must do all they can to make it happen.