Nov. 8 ballot is critical to preserving in Ohio “government of, by and for the people.” The importance of passing those amendments is clear from the slashing opposition by some incumbent elected officials, whose certain re-election is threatened.The problem with this analysis is that RON would not actually put the redistricting in to the hands of the voters. In fact, quite the opposite. As I understand it, the RON proposal would set up a "bi-partisan" board of UNELECTED bureaucrats. Translation: special interests and back-room political hackery.
The four amendments would take redistricting out of the hands of the politicians and give voters more say; sharply restrict the dollar amounts that can be contributed to candidates, thus reducing the influence of the well-heeled at the expense of ordinary voters; turn the state’s voting machinery over to a bipartisan board rather than leaving it to a partisan secretary of state, like Ken Blackwell, who is running for governor in 2006 and who I believe in 2004 was guilty of widespread voting irregularities; and permit citizens to vote by mail or at a polling station up to 35 days before election day, a benefit to the elderly, disabled and minorities.
My recommendation? Vote NO on ALL FIVE issues...more on these issues later.
