Letters to the Editor: Issue 1 opposition, Supreme Court concerns, fracking in state parks

Don't vote your rights away

Issue 1 is an attack on democracy and our freedom as Ohioans.

Issue 1 in August proposes a 60%+ “yes” vote to amend the Ohio Constitution. Since 1912, only a simple majority has been required. We ask you to vote no to minority rule.

Many positive policies would not have passed at 60% including minimum wage in 2006, the racial integration of the Ohio National Guard, and statewide bonds for conservation and economic development.

Issue 1 in August would also require petition signatures from all 88 counties, instead of 44, for Ohio citizens to get an issue up for a vote. That means just one county could block the will of the other 87 Ohio counties.

If Issue 1 passes, it would be virtually impossible for citizens to pass Constitutional policies that improve our daily lives. So do your part and vote this August!

Register to vote or make sure that your registration is up to date by visiting voteohio.gov. Voting laws have changed, so check your voting plan. Photo ID is now needed for voting on Election Day or at the Early Vote Center. Hours for early voting and deadlines to vote by mail have also changed. You can get all this information at voteohio.gov or by calling your Board of Elections. (In Marion County the number is 740-223-4090.)

Join the League of Women Voters, 200+ organizations, and all living former Governors of Ohio to vote no on Issue 1.

RJ Bicking, League of Women Voters of Marion

Concerns over recent Supreme Court rulings - beyond party politics

I write to express deep concern over recent Supreme Court rulings in Roe v. Wade, 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, and Biden v. Nebraska. These decisions transcend party politics and have far-reaching consequences for our society.

The overturning of Roe v. Wade creates uncertainty, affecting not only women seeking abortions but also setting a precedent that may erode other essential rights. This is not just about politics; it is a fundamental question of bodily autonomy.

In 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ+ community are weakened. This ruling impacts all marginalized communities and jeopardizes the progress made in civil rights. Discrimination should never be tolerated, irrespective of political or religious beliefs.

The decision against student loan forgiveness in Biden v. Nebraska hampers this critical measure that holds the potential to revitalize our economy, rectify racial inequity, and empower a debt-burdened generation. Student loan debt stifles economic growth, hindering milestones like homeownership, marriage and retirement savings.

These rulings harm the most vulnerable among us and undermine efforts to reach common ground. They threaten equality, justice and fairness. It is essential to recognize that these concerns are shared by citizens who value human rights and dignity.

In a polarized climate, we must remember the importance of dialogue, empathy and our shared commitment to upholding the rights and liberties of all. These rulings shape the kind of society we aspire to be.

Thomas White, Marion

Fracking shouldn't be allowed in state parks

DeWine et al., at the end of Dec 2022, passed a law that allowed fracking underneath state lands. Currently, there are several nominations that are up for permit around Salt Fork State Park.

The people of Ohio did not vote for this measure. The oil and gas industry pushed for it. Oil and gas polices itself. We cannot trust this industry to consider people’s health. Who will be responsible if there’s a spill or a leak or a fire? We don’t even know what chemicals they are using.

We should require an environmental assessment. We should monitor the air and water quality. We should study the history of this industry. We don’t want to turn Ohio into cancer alley. We’ve all seen Erin Brokovich. We’ve seen "Dark Waters." Does the state of Ohio want to be sued? Who will pay for that? The people of Ohio.

Let the state parks be as they are meant to be. Join us at saveohioparks.org.

Terry Grange, Marion

Vote no on Issue 1 and save majority rule

The State Legislature’s Issue 1 would end majority rule. How? Future amendments would need 60+% votes so a 40% minority would overrule a majority of voters.

What’s an issue? Ohio voters can create laws by adding amendments — called issues — to the Ohio Constitution. This gives Ohioans the freedom to make laws when politicians fail us.

Ohioans can petition to put an issue on a ballot or the State Legislature can propose an issue. Since 1912 a simple majority — 50% +1 vote can pass an issue. For example, we increased minimum wages from $5.15 an hour with annual cost of living increases — now it’s $10.10 — by a 56.6% vote in 2006. And we racially integrated the Ohio National Guard in 1953 by a 57% vote.

Issue 1 would also let one county block the will of the other 87 counties because it requires the voter petition signatures needed — now 413,487 — to come from all 88 (now it’s 44) counties.

Plan to vote no on Aug. 8. Or vote early July 11 to August 6. For details or an application to vote by mail (due Aug. 1) see VoteOhio.gov or call Marion County Board of Elections at 740-223-4090. FYI, in-person voting now requires a government-issued and current photo ID — like an Ohio driver’s license.

Vote no to minority rule. Vote no on Issue 1.

Beth Babich, Marion

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Opposition to Issue 1, U.S. Supreme Court concerns, Ohio fracking