COLUMBUS – Do you believe that the Ohio Constitution needs to be amended? In fact, do you believe it needs to be amended in at least four different ways? The Ohio Constitution was adopted in 1851 and has been amended a number of times over the years. But why are proponents of Reform Ohio Now so anxious to have our Constitution amended in so many ways this year?
The proponents of Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 consist primarily of out-of-state special interest groups who are trying to sneak these amendments through under the disguise of "Good Government". I am convinced that these constitutional amendments will hurt Ohioans and that is why I am voting "no" on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5.
In fact, a large number of editorial boards across the State have come to the same conclusion that I have. While many of us do feel that there are reforms necessary in Columbus, the truth is that Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 would all be bad for Ohio. Let's briefly look at these Issues.
Issue 2 would make it more convenient for people to vote by absentee or provisional ballot. The unfortunate consequence of this amendment to the constitution would be the potential for increased voter fraud. However, Issue 2 is unnecessary as the legislature just passed a Bill to make voting easier, but with identification, which will reduce voter fraud.
Issue 3 would limit individual campaign contributions but allow "small-donor political action committees" (i.e., labor unions, Swift Boat Veterans, etc.) to make unlimited contributions to their candidates. This constitutional amendment would tip the scales in elections to those candidates favored by labor unions who could give unlimited amounts of union dues from anywhere in the country to favored candidates without identifying contributors. This amendment does not need to be in the Ohio Constitution.
Issue 4 seeks to change how voting districts are drawn. Districts would be drawn without consideration of compactness and would break apart communities and neighborhoods. Proposed districts using the Reform Ohio Now formula could create Congressional Districts stretching for hundreds of miles in length and encompassing more than a dozen counties. It absolutely makes no sense to use a complex mathematical formula to redraw Legislative Districts which violate the issue of compactness and changes our constitution!
Issue 5 would relieve the Ohio Secretary of State of his duties as the chief overseer of elections, replacing him with a nine member commission. But, if we do not like the Secretary of State we can vote him out but there is no recourse with an appointed panel. Election duties have been competently handled by both Republican and Democratic Secretaries of State and local boards of elections for generations. There is no need to amend the Ohio Constitution!
Literally millions of dollars have already been spent on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 and I would invite everyone to read the newspaper inserts on these issues. A cursory look will reveal how lengthy, complicated and confusing the ballot language is. In fact, any constitutional amendment which contains the terms "minuend" and "subtrahend" must result in a NO vote. It is pretty clear that the people who wrote these ballot amendments are hoping you won't comprehend. Please join me in voting no on Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5!
If you would like to contact me about these issues or any other state matter, I can be reached by calling (614) 644-6034, e-mail at district88@ohr.state.oh.us or write to me, State Representative Danny Bubp at 77 S. High St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
