Ohio ballot news
From Ballotpedia
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| Propositions • | Recall | • Law |
Here you'll find a collection of ballot news stories from Ohio.
All three Ohio amendments pass
When the first wave of precincts reported their returns, the outcome of two out of three issues were predictable. Issue 3's outcome was the closest of all the issues, but at the end of the night, all three proposed constitutional amendments on the November 3, 2009 Ohio ballot were approved.
| Ballot measure | Outcome | Yes % | No % | Precincts Reporting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issue 1 |  | 2,210,605(72.15%) | 853,331(27.85%) | 10,242 out of 10,242 |
| Issue 2 | | 1,959,669(63.66%) | 1,118,805(36.34%) | 10,242 out of 10,242 |
| Issue 3 | | 1,663,149(52.97%) | 1,476,592(47.03%) | 10,242 out of 10,242 |
Source: Ohio Secretary of State - election 2009 results as of 11:31pm EST
Ohio county faced ballot shortage issues
COLUMBUS, Ohio: The Ohio Secretary of State reported of ballot shortages in Summit County, Ohio in which is located in the greater Cleveland-Akron Area[1].
At 5:00 PM-Ohio time yesterday, the Summit County Board of Elections called the Secretary of State's office to report possible ballot shortages. This was reported in Twinsburg and Green in which tax and bond referendums drew higher than expected voter turnout[1].
Four minutes later, the Secretary of State's Office gave approval for Summit County to photocopy ballots using on-demand printers. The polls were kept open longer in some Summit County precincts to accommodate those who may had not had a chance to vote[1].
Ohio Casino Referendum petitioner jailed
TOLEDO, Ohio: The Toledo, Ohio city police department arrested an Ohio Casino Referendum petitioner named Dennis Rodzik after he allegedly petitioned on a public sidewalk during a parade. Shortly after four Toledo police officers requested Rodzick leave the site, Rodzick "stood up for his First Amendment right of Freedom of Speech."
Rodzik is charged with:
- Disorderly Conduct - Misdemeanor 1
- Misuse of 911 - Misdemeanor 1
- Obstruction of Justice - Misdemeanor 2
Six states prepare to face off in November 3rd elections
Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington: The clock is ticking - there are only 5 days left until election day. In this off-year election only six states will face off on November 3, 2009. There's a total of 26 propositions on the ballot this November.[2] Earlier this year, Californians voted on six statewide measures, bringing the total number of statewide ballot measures in 2009 to 32 - the lowest number of statewide ballot measures in 20 years.
Review upcoming ballot measures HERE!
Additionally on November 3rd, there will be hundreds of local ballot measures in at least 24 states.
Ohio Supreme Court rules on Chillicothe speed camera referendum
Chillicothe, Ohio: Yesterday the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the Chillicothe Red-Light and Speed Camera Referendum, 2009 will appear on the November 3, 2009 ballot. Previously, Chillicothe Mayor Sulzer asked the supreme court to review the case and approve an injunction on the referendum. Sulzer argued that the initiative was unconstitutional and that the city was denied the chance to argue their case.[3]
The referendum proposes prohibiting the use of both red-light and speed cameras within the city.[4]
However, on Wednesday, October 21, the justices ruled that,"Chillicothe failed to act with the requisite diligence in asserting its claim for extraordinary relief in mandamus and prohibition. Instead, the city delayed filing its protest until 119 days after the signed initiative petition was filed with the city auditor and 56 days after the city auditor certified the initiative petition to the board of elections. Chillicothe delayed an additional 26 days after the board denied its protest and certified the initiative to the election ballot to file this action for extraordinary relief."[3]
Ohio slots put on hold, governor asks for clarification of executive authority
COLUMBUS, Ohio: The state's plan to place a total of 2,500 video slot machines at 7 race tracks has been placed on hold. The announcement comes shortly after Gov. Ted Strickland's approval of suspending tax cuts in an attempt to balance the state budget. The suspended tax cuts are estimated to generate $844 million.[5] However, the hold on the slot machine plan comes only days after an Ohio Supreme Court ruling that places the state's slot plans on the 2010 ballot.[6] The Ohio Slot Machines Referendum calls for asking voters to approve or reject the governor's plan to place slot machines at 7 race tracks. Prior to the state supreme court decision, state officials argued that the plan was not subject to referendum because it is part of the budget legislation. On September 30, 2009 Strickland announced that he is seeking clarification on his executive authority to approve the slot machine plan without voter approval.[5] Strickland is still waiting on a ruling to be made on the governor's executive authority powers. Meanwhile, referendum supporters are required to collect 241,365 valid signatures by January 3, 2010 to place the measure on the ballot.[7]
Battle over Ohio's Issue 2 heats up
Maldonado explains vote on 2009 budget |
COLUMBUS, Ohio: A large TV ad buy launched a month before the vote on Ohio Issue 2 by supporters of the measure drew new attention to the ballot measure about how livestock will be cared for in the state.[8]
The "Yes on 2" campaign will begin a series of 12 rallies around the state starting on October 12.
A coalition of groups opposed to Issue 2, organized as "Ohio Against Constitutional Takeover (Ohio ACT)", will be holding townhall meetings in Columbus and Cleveland.
Ohio absentee ballots now being accepted
CLINTON COUNTY, Ohio: The state of Ohio is now accepting absentee ballots as the November 3, 2009 elections draw closer. Voters have until October 31, 2009 to order absentee ballots by mail. In Wheeling, Ohio, many people have already voted on this year’s upcoming ballot measures, and local elections boards seem to prefer this alternative method.
According to William Shubat, director of elections in Belmont County: "We don't care what they do - whatever is easiest for them. Personally, I think absentee voting is better for people because they can vote in their home and can take their time.With the cost of gasoline and the combining of precincts - people have to travel farther - this is a way they should look at to vote."[9]
Ohioans are now no longer required to give reason for requesting absentee ballots, the only requirement being that their registration is current.[10]
Whitehall councilwoman responds to recall effort
WHITEHALL, Ohio: In response to the campaign to remove her from office, Whitehall Councilwoman Jackie Thompson mailed out approximately 2,200 fliers during the week of October 7, 2009 to residents that voted absentee in the November 2008 election. The fliers, paid for by Thompson’s own money, show derogatory comments from opponents, some from blogs that have been dedicated to the recall effort and others from web forums. Thompson states on the fliers: "Are these the people you want setting the agenda for Whitehall? Vote 'Yes' to keep Thompson on council.” Thompson plans on hand-delivering extra fliers.[11]
The recall effort is being led by residents upset that she has tried multiple times to ban pit bulls from the city.
Ohio senator proposes recall statute
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio: Sen. Dale Miller proposed a recall statute that, if approved, would give residents the right to recall county officials for misconduct in office. According to reports, Miller sponsored the law after additional federal charges were filed in a corruption investigation involving Cuyahoga County Auditor Frank Russo's office. Miller noted that although the proposal is complicated it's "worth doing." "We will have to take into account both charter and non-charter counties," said Miller. Although the proposed statute currently only addresses county officials, Miller said that he is contemplating adding language that would allow voters to recall school board members.[12]
Cleveland mayor endorses Ohio's casino initiative
CLEVELAND, Ohio: Last week Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson announced his support for Ohio Casino Initiative, Issue 3 which is scheduled to appear on the November 2009 ballot. "Although not a panacea, I believe this casino will go a long way in helping to achieve that vision," said Jackson. Jackson is currently seeking a second term in the November 3rd election.[13] The measure proposes allowing casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.[14]
Ohio Supreme Court allows veto referendum vote on racetrack slots
COLUMBUS Ohio: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled yesterday that Governor Ted Strickland’s slot machine plan is subject to a potential referendum. Hours later, Let Ohio Vote filed referendum language. Already the group has began preparing to hire staff to collect the required signatures; 241,366 signatures by December 20, 2009. Previously, state officials said that the plan which was added to the state budget is exempted from the referendum process, however the Monday decision places the expected revenue, approximately $1 billion, in limbo. The court ruled 6 to 1.
Despite the court's ruling, the governor may still decide to move forward with slots if he decides to use his executive powers. Strickland has yet to announce his decision. “Everybody is trying to decide what this means, and everyone is waiting to see what the governor will do,” said Bob Griffin, chief executive of MTR Gaming, which owns Scioto Downs near Columbus.[15]
Group looking to fight Chillicothe protest
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio: Despite protest claims from the city, C.A.P.E President Rebekah Valentich has taken a strong stance, stating her organization would hire an attorney to keep a measure banning red-light cameras in the city alive.[16]
Assistant Law Director James Mann filed a protest on behalf of the city alleging that parts of the petition for referendum violates state law. According to the complaint, the Ohio and U.S. Constitution were violated as well, stating that the referendum language is confusing and misleading to voters.
The protest goes into detail stating that the referendum is broad and takes away power from police officers who patrol roads and watch for people who run red lights. Legal powers would also be taken away from council members, according to the protest.
Toledo says NO to tax allocation and council reduction
TOLEDO, Ohio: The Toledo Income Tax Allocation, Issue 1 and Toledo City Council Reduction, Issue 2 were narrowly defeated on Tuesday. Issue 1 was defeated 53.96% to 46.04%, while Issue 2 was defeated 52.69% to 47.32%. Issue 1 proposed allowing for funds from the capitol improvement fund to be transferred to the general fund. In other words, the already collected 3/4 cent income tax would be divided between the police, fire and other safety department responsibilities and the Toledo general fund. Issue 2, on the other hand, proposed reducing the city council from 12 members to 9 city council members.[17]
Voting underway in Toledo
TOLEDO, Ohio: Voters in Lucas County are heading to the polls today to voice their opinion on two City of Toledo ballot measures:
- Toledo Income Tax Allocation, Issue 1: would allow for funds from the capitol improvement fund to be transferred to the general fund. In other words, the already collected 3/4 cent income tax would be divided between the police, fire and other safety department responsibilities and the Toledo general fund.
- Toledo City Council Reduction, Issue 2: would reduce the city council from 12 members to 9 city council members.
Push to eliminate estate tax in Ohio begins
COLUMBUS, Ohio: A push to eliminate Ohio's estate tax began in Ohio this month, initiated by the Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity. Earlier this month, the group filed an initial petition with more than 1,000 signatures. Should the petition be approved the group will be required to collect 120,683 valid signatures. If certified by the Ohio Attorney General the proposed repeal of Ohio's estate tax will be considered by the state legislature. According to group president John Boyle Jr., the tax isn't necessary and has led to people and businesses to leave the state. Should the legislature fail to act on the measure, proposal supporters will have a chance to collect additional signatures to place the measure on the ballot. In 2007 an attempt to repeal the estate tax failed to pass after the measure stalled in the legislature following Gov. Ted Strickland's announcement that he was prepared to veto the measure.[18]
Opponents lay out arguments against Ohio casino initiative
COLUMBUS, Ohio: Last week, Ohio Casino Initiative (2009) opponents laid out arguments for voting against the November measure. Below are some of the arguments made by TruthPAC against the measure:[19]
- the initiative's proposed 33% tax is too "stingy"
- "charitable gambling could be banned"
- "a loophole allows non-taxable cash wagering"
- there isn't any information on the construction of the casinos
Supporters of the anti-issue 3 campaign include: Parma Mayor Dean DePiero, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, Cleveland pastor E.T. Caviness of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church, Rep. Lou Blessing, Rep. Tyrone Yates and Sen. Teresa Fedor.
Initiative supporters, however, call the arguments "half-truths" and "unsubstantiated attacks." The casino initiative, they said, will create more jobs and increase revenues for cities and schools.[20]
Ohio livestock care bill officially on November ballot
SALEM, Ohio: This November Ohio voters will be deciding on what is already, a hot button issue, the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Amendment. The measure, a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, proposes to create a 13-member board of farmers and veterinarians to oversee the rules, regulations and animal-care standards.[21] Governor Ted Strickland announced his support for it even before it was approved for the next Ohio statewide ballot, saying, "The board will ensure that Ohioans continue to have access to a safe and affordable local food supply and will make our state a national leader in the level of animal care and responsibility."[22] The ballot measure was allegedly developed in an effort to stifle efforts by the Humane Society of the United States, who is reportedly prepared to launch a statewide ballot initiative for November 2010 to call for restrictions on government agricultural agencies.[21]
HSUS officials said they are opposed to the measure because "while it’s designed to give the appearance of helping farm animals, Issue 2 is little more than a power grab by Ohio’s agribusiness lobby. The industry-dominated “animal care” council proposed by Issue 2 is really intended to thwart meaningful improvements in how the millions of farm animals in Ohio are treated on large factory farms." However, the Ohio Farm Bureau argues that the proposed 13-member group will help establish "a thoughtful process through which Ohioans consider animal care issues is better public policy than current efforts of national activist groups to illegalize specific farm practices without giving proper consideration to all sides of the debate."[21]
Ohio casino initiative will impact fundraisers, says governor
COLUMBUS, Ohio: According to the approved casino initiative language, Gov. Ted Strickland said that the Ohio Casino Initiative (2009), as currently written, may inadvertently shut down casino nights at churches and fundraisers.[23] "If the amendment passes, we believe that it would create a risk that a court might find that those charitable games of chance that are currently legal might be determined to be illegal," said Ted Hart, spokesperson for Attorney General Richard Cordray. But supporters of the measure argue that the ballot language specifically exempts bingo and horse racing from the term "casino gambling," however opponents argue that other casino-style games like roulette and blackjack are often used at "game night" fundraisers. On Thursday, August 20, 2009, the Ohio Ballot Board approved the argument as part of the official argument against the proposal.[24]
Ohio ballot board approves casino initiative language
COLUMBUS, Ohio: Yesterday, the the Ohio Ballot Board approved the ballot language for the Ohio Casino Initiative (2009), which proposes placing casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo.[25] The measure will be on the will be on the November 3, 2009 ballot in Ohio. If approved the measure would require an amendment to Article XV, Ohio Constitution.[26]
Below is a brief look at the ballot language, the full ballot language can be found here.[27]
- Authorize only one casino facility within each of the cities of Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
- Levy a fixed tax of 33% of gross casino revenue.
- Distribute the casino tax.
- Require each initial licensed casino operator to pay a single $50,000,000 fee to be used for state job training purposes and make a minimum initial investment of $250,000,000 in its facility.
- Permit approved types of casino gaming authorized by Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, and Pennsylvania as of January 1, 2009.
- Authorize the casinos to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the discretion of the casino operator.
- Create the Ohio casino control commission.
Ohio Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit against casino proposal
COLUMUS, Ohio: On Friday, the Ohio Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit against the Ohio Casino Initiative (2009), moving the initiative to the November 2009 ballot in Ohio.[28] Sandy Theis, who works for MTR Gaming Group, owners of Scioto Downs horse track and Mountaineer casino, said that they believe approximately 500,000 signatures should be eliminated from the total count because they believe the petition should be dismissed on grounds that the proposition was misrepresented by paid circulators.[29] On Friday, however the seven-member court unanimously agreed to strike down the lawsuit on the basis that MTR Gaming Group failed to raise a legitimate constitutional argument. The court, did however, acknowledge the group's concern for possible problems in the petition process.[28]
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner certified that the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee had submitted 452,956 valid signatures, enough to place the measure on the November ballot. The secretary of state's office is currently investigating signature collections allegations.[30]
Ohio Supreme Court rules Finkbeiner recall invalid
TOLEDO, Ohio: The Ohio Supreme Court ruled on July 27, 2009 that the Carty Finkbeiner recall petitions are invalid because the petition forms were missing a sentence.[31]
The recall election would have been held on November 3, 2009.[32]
Finkbeiner's legal team said the petition forms were missing the sentence, "Whoever Commits Election Falsification is Guilty of a Felony of the 5th Degree."[33]
The state's highest court agreed, saying that although the Toledo City Charter does not say that recall petitions must include the sentence that was left out, the state's election laws do require the missing sentence.
About 40,000 signatures were collected on the petition to remove Finkbeiner from office.
Cuyahoga County Commissioners approve ballot measure
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio: Cuyahoga County Commissioners approved sending a government reform proposal to the November 2009 ballot that would change the county's current system of government.
The measure will now ask voters whether or not the city should eliminate the current three-commissioner system. The measure also proposes establishing only one elected county executive and 11 area representatives. A petition was circulated by supporters of the measure after an FBI investigation was performed, alleging contract steering and nepotism, focusing particularly on Commissioner Jimmy Dimora.[34]
Although the commissioners unanimously decided to send the issue to a public vote, including Dimora, they are in disagreement with what the measure entails. Instead, they will ask voters in November to implement a charter committee to review how the county government should operate.[35]
Ohio officials reject vote on slots for 2010
COLUMBUS, Ohio: This week Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office rejected a petition with more than 3,000 signatures that attempted to place Gov. Ted Strickland's plan for video slot machines on the 2010 ballot.[36] According to the finalized state budget agreement the governor is expected to issue an executive order to authorize the video slot machines at Ohio racetracks. The plan includes a total of 2,500 video slot machines at 7 race tracks. However, the plan which was added to the state budget is exempted from the referendum process. The final state budget was signed July 17, 2009.[37]
On Monday, the group LetOhioVote.org filed a lawsuit in the Ohio Supreme Court in an effort to block the slots plan from going into effect. "There is an argument to be made, and the Supreme Court will evaluate whether or not this is subject to a referendum," said Carlo LoParo, spokesperson for the group.[36]
Ballot initiatives for gambling were turned down in 1990, 1996, 2006 and in 2008.
Ohio casino proposal to be on ballot
Ohio: Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has announced that a $1 billion proposal to build four casinos in four Ohio cities (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo) collected enough valid signatures to put the measure to the vote this November. Her office said in a release that 452,956 valid signatures had been collected for the proposed constitutional amendment, surpassing the minimum required of 402,275. Despite these preliminary approvals, Brunner stated that her office is continuing to investigate allegations of wrongdoing among circulators and may even consider criminal prosecutions.[38] Scioto Downs, an area race track and a subsidiary of MTR Gaming Group Inc., filed a lawsuit last week with the state Supreme Court, claiming among other things that deceased voters' and convicted felons' names and signatures had turned up on petitions.
Supporters of the ballot point to several studies done, most recently at the University of Cincinnati, that the initiative would create more than 34,000 jobs, 15,000 of which will be permanent after the investment and construction phase. The casinos would also provide the four respective cities and their communities with a combined $11 billion over the first five years of operation.[39] Moral opposition to the concept of legalized gambling has most often been the route that opponents have taken, but many have pointed out that state-wide legalization of gambling will benefit mostly, if not only, the major cities towards which the legislation is currently directed.[40]
Lawsuit filed against Ohio casino petition
COLUMBUS, Ohio: On Friday, opponents of a proposed casino petition filed a lawsuit with the Ohio Supreme Court claiming that the petition should be dismissed on grounds that the proposition was misrepresented by paid circulators. As of this month, supporters of the measure have collected 402,275 signatures in addition to the preliminary 452,595 signatures in order to place the ballot initiative on the November 2009 ballot. The preliminary signatures have already been validated. Among the list of alleged problems raised by opponent, they said that circulators listed motels, businesses and the campaign office of U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich as their home addresses. Sandy Theis, who works for MTR Gaming Group, owners of Scioto Downs horse track and Mountaineer casino, said that they believe approximately 500,000 signatures should be eliminated from the total count. Bob Tenenbaum, spokesman for casino supporters said that although he could not respond about the lawsuit, if the allegations are true, he could not condone them. "If the secretary of state says we're certified for the ballot, then we're confident that we're going to be certified for the ballot," Tenenbaum said.[41]
Cuyahoga County residents push for government reform
CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio: Cuyahoga County residents, who support an initiative to alter the structure of the county's government, have until July 13, 2009 to collect at least 45,000 valid signatures.[42] If enough signatures are gathered the initiative will be placed on the November ballot. However, residents said that they need approximately $175,000 to collect the remaining signatures in time to meet the deadline. Last week, Greater Cleveland Partnership, not an official supporter of the initiative, donated more than $85,000 to the effort.[43]
Essentially the initiative would eliminate the county's current three-member board and replaces it with one elected county executive and divides the county into 11 districts with a part-time council member representing each. The executive would have the power to appoint all department heads.[43]
Supporters started circulating a petition following an FBI investigation into alleged contract steering and nepotism in county government. "Corruption is bad people doing wrong things. No government structure could prevent that," said Parma Heights Mayor Martin Zanotti, a reform proponent.[44]
East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer said proposal would only lead to corruption because of the high level of power ascertained to the proposed executive position. "You will see a level of political thuggery the likes you have never seen," said Brewer.[42] Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, U.S. Representatives Marcia Fudge and Dennis Kucinich have all spoken out against the reform proposal.
Monroeville school board may still add tax levy to ballot
MONROEVILLE, Ohio: Next month the Monroeville school board will decide if a tax levy measure should be on the November ballot. The tax levy proposal comes after a similar measure failed in May 2009. The November proposal is expected to be the same as the one in May - a 1.5 percent income tax on earned income only. The May proposal failed by 50 votes. The school board will meet on August 5, a day after voters decide on an emergency levy renewal that does not seek new funds. The property tax raises approximately $291,000 annually for the school district. [45]
Ohio streetcar measure makes its way to the ballot
CINCINNATI, Ohio: This week, opponents of Mayor Mark Mallory and the City Council's plans to move forward with a streetcar project for the city of Cincinnati, announced that they have collected enough signatures to place the ballot measure on the November ballot. In order to get the measure on the ballot streetcar opponents are required to submit a minimum of 6,150 signatures of local registered voters.[46] The measure, if approved as it is currently worded, would not only allow voters to voice their opinion on the currently proposed streetcar but states that any future Cincinnati rail projects must be approved by a majority vote of the public before the project can move forward. The city solicitor and council are expected to finalize the ballot language by September 2009.[47]
Rail-line supporters argue that a streetcar would create jobs and promote economic progress within the city. However, in late June, they noted that the current dim local economic news will make the battle much more difficult. Councilman Chris Bortz, a streetcar proponent, said, "It's going to make it more difficult to explain to voters, to the city, why, especially at a time like this, a streetcar system is so important."[48] But despite the economic hardship, ballot measure opponents said that the proposed ballot language will severely impact Cincinnati government as a whole and place the city at a disadvantage.[46]
Ohio gambling supporters and opponents clash
COLUMBUS, Ohio: Today, Ohio legislators announced that they were unable to come to an agreement on the governor's proposed electronic slot machines to increase state revenue and thus will pass an interim state budget. Gov. Ted Strickland estimates an increase of $933 million in revenue should the slot machines be accepted. The machines would be placed at seven of the state's horse racing tracks.[49] However, at the same time, opponents announced that they plan to sue if slots make it onto the state budget. Opponents argue that Strickland's plan may in fact be "illegal." David Zanotti, president of the Ohio Roundtable, “My guess is we’ll tie them up in court long enough that they won’t see a penny of the revenue projections."[50]
Late last week, casino supporters submitted twice as many signatures necessary to place a ballot measure that proposes to expand gambling on the November ballot. Supporters of the ballot measure to build four casinos in Ohio submitted more than 850,000 signatures on Friday. According to the secretary of state, supporters, including the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee, had until July 1 to submit a minimum of 402,000 signatures. All of the signatures must be verified before the proposal can proceed.[51] The measure proposes to add new casinos to Cleveland, Toledo, Cincinnati and Columbus. The proposed new casinos are estimated to generate $651 million a year in tax revenue.[52]
Ohio passes livestock care ballot initiative
SALEM, Ohio: Two identical bills, H.J.R 2 and S.J.R. 6, have both been passed through the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate.[53]
If voters in November ratify the proposed amendment, it will create a constitutional amendment to establish the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, a 13-member comittee that would be responsible for creating and implementing livestock treatment guidelines throughout the state. The members would include various officials from the state government, such as the Ohio director of agriculture, as well as family farmers selected by government institutions to represent them. They would be charged with establishing and implementing animal care standards, with enforcement from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.[54]
The legislatively-referred constitutional amendment has overwhelming support from both the political and agricultural community in Ohio. Governor Ted Strickland announced his support for it even before it was approved for the next Ohio statewide ballot, saying, "The board will ensure that Ohioans continue to have access to a safe and affordable local food supply and will make our state a national leader in the level of animal care and responsibility." Additionally, members of various Ohio agriculture organizations, including the Ohio Poultry Association, the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association; have all given laudatory statements concerning the bill and the potential it has to enact reform in the future.[55]
Despite all this, the Humane Society of the United States continues to oppose it. Paul Shapiro, senior director of the organization, has expressed skepticism concerning the overt beaucratization of the committee. Shapiro equated it to the 'fox guarding the hen house' situation, saying that "Because of the proposed industry-dominated board, it is poor public policy, and we believe voters should not support the amendment."[55] The HSUS has repeatedly called for restrictions on government agricultural agencies, and they are reportedly prepared to launch a statewide ballot initiative for November 2010 to accomplish their goals.
Ohio casino ballot language approved
COLUMBUS, Ohio: Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray approved the summary text for a petition that would place a ballot initiative expanding gambling on the November ballot in Ohio. Cordray had previously rejected the proposed summary, arguing that it did not give enough details on the locations of casinos and the taxes on earnings. The matter is now referred to the Ohio Ballot Board which will determine if the measure constitutes a single constitutional amendment.
Bob Tenenbaum, spokesman for casino supporters, was optimistic. "We are hopeful the Ohio Ballot Board will act quickly to grant final approval for us to begin circulating our petitions to place on the ballot a proposal that will bring more than $1 billion in private investment, 20,000 new jobs, and more than $600 million per year in tax revenues for the state, its counties and major cities, and every school district in Ohio." Ohio voters rejected similar proposals in 1990, 1996, 2006 and 2008.[56]
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