Editorial | ‘Yes’ on state issues 1 and 2; ‘No’ on 3

Here is a round-up on how we feel about the three state issues on next week’s ballot.

Yes on Issue 1

Issue 1 would institute a bipartisan process for drawing state legislative districts, which would eliminate the current process that leans too heavily toward gerrymandering and allows one party to control too much of the process. It would help create competitive districts and potentially give all Ohioans better representation at all levels.

Richland County has not had a problem with odd state legislative boundaries. But, we have had to deal with being on the edge of congressional districts. Those will not be affected by this plan, but could be addressed similarly if this state program is successful. That could help the community be near the center of a congressional district instead of always on a fringe. Without that change, it will be difficult to have a congressional representative elected from here.

There is strong backing by many groups of Issue 1. It’s a good one to cast a “yes” vote on.

Yes on Issue 2

While Issue 2’s backers portray the measure as a straight-forward, common sense approach to preventing outside special interests from using the referendum process to give themselves a monopoly on their business, it’s clear that ship sailed. The casino issue approved in 2009 was proof of that. It’s no wonder, after seeing the success of that measure, that Issue 3 backers thought they could take the same approach to legalize marijuana.

It’s worth noting that Issue 2’s language is designed to block Issue 3, even if the marijuana legalization law passes. It’s not a slam dunk though, as a legal battle is likely if that occurs. The best approach is a “yes” vote on Issue 2 to at least create a ban on further monopolies.

Instead of one ballot issue to gain a monopoly on a business, the well-heeled interest groups will first have to get the voters to give them an exemption, then get approval of their idea. That’s enough of a deterrent for us and represents a solid approach to government. It’s taking away the special interests and putting power back with our residents.

No on Issue 3

There’s no question that Issue 3 writes a monopoly into the Ohio Constitution. While many want to see marijuana legalized across the board in the Buckeye State, Issue 3 is too risky.

If Ohioans want to legalize marijuana for medical or recreational uses in our state, let’s have a debate on the merits of that instead of giving just 10 conglomerates the power to grow and sell pot with some creative rules and regulations that don’t serve Ohioans. Creating an amendment to the state Constitution that gives power to just a few entities — as we did with casino gambling in 2009 — is not the best way to go. It’s the wrong move at the wrong time, even for those who would like the freedom to recreationally smoke marijuana.

Don’t be fooled by the well-funded and in-your-face political ads that tout “rights” and “freedoms.” It’s just smoke and mirrors that belies the monopoly that has funded this campaign. A “no” vote on Issue 3 is best, based on our analysis of the facts.