Letters: Women's rights, Emilia Sykes, Democrats, Republicans

Women: This election is about you

Ohio women: Our rights are on the line in this election. After the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision discarded the 50-year Roe v. Wade precedent as the law of the land, it now falls to the states to address abortion access locally.

In a poll last month by Baldwin Wallace University, 59.1% of Ohio registered voters reported they would support a constitutional amendment to make abortion a fundamental right in the state. And yet, Ohio’s legislators, the majority Republican, have steadily restricted abortion to a near total ban with the 6-week “heartbeat bill,” a ban now blocked indefinitely while litigation over the ban proceeds.

A recent New York Times magazine article reported that many current OB/GYN physicians in Ohio as well as residents considering practice in Ohio are concerned that Ohio’s restrictions will make it nearly impossible to responsibly care for their patients as there are many women’s health decisions that can be construed as abortion. Will this climate result in a shortage of doctors willing to treat women in our state?

So, I ask voting-age women, moms, and grandmothers: Please consider your future and the future of your heirs when exercising your vote. No one wants an abortion, but our bodily autonomy is too precious to forfeit to those wishing to impose their values on us. Please cast your vote for candidates who respect our right to make this difficult choice.

Jackie Derrow, Akron

Emilia Sykes has wisdom, compassion

I couldn’t think of a nicer thing that could happen to our 13th Ohio Congressional District than to be represented in Washington by Emilia Sykes. The daughter of parents with proven records of solid public service, Sykes will draw upon her own distinguished record as an Ohio lawmaker to provide our district, as well as our country, with wise, compassionate and fair service. She has my vote and hopefully yours.

Sam Salem, Akron

Impressive leadership by Emilia Sykes

In today's toxic political environment, we need leaders who aren't afraid to work across the aisle and produce results for all of us. That's why it is so critical to elect Emilia Sykes in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

As a former legislator and education policy expert, I can say emphatically that Sykes is a major reason why we have a law on the books today that has a real chance to reduce our need for property taxes to pay for schools while allowing kids to have access to the world-class education they deserve, regardless of where they live.

I was there, as director of government relations for the Ohio Education Association, and watched Minority Leader Sykes wrangle votes together for the Fair School Funding Plan, which when fully funded will finally fix our state's broken school funding system. She worked closely with members with whom she disagrees on many things. But she put those differences aside for the sake of ensuring better futures for all of us, especially our kids.

And because of her work, our overburdened property taxpayers have a real opportunity to see their taxes fall. That's because the plan Sykes helped shepherd through the legislature would fulfill the state's constitutional obligation to provide enough state funding for education that we're not so reliant on local property tax levies.

Her work to reduce our need for property tax levies is reason enough to put her in Congress.

The fact that she was able to pass more bipartisan bills than any recent minority leader during this toxic political environment tells you everything you need to know about her ability to lead and improve our lives.

Sykes is the leader our district needs and deserves.

Stephen Dyer of Green, former chairman of the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the Ohio House Finance and Appropriations Committee

Democrats for the little guy

The current price increases seem to be different from the past inflation periods. Could it be that the large companies are angry at the potential taxes they might have to pay in the future?

Are they trying to influence minds and claiming it is the fault of our current president? Democrats are for the little guy and Republicans are looking like they are for the very rich.

That is why I switched parties many years ago. I used to vote for the best person. However, it seems I cannot do this any longer with the Republicans in lockstep and not willing to stand up for the good. I feel that they are now a party of hatred. I am not happy with some of the Democratic candidates but more disappointed in the Republican candidates. What has happened with this country?

Joyce Caetta, Akron

What happened to the Republicans?

Has anyone seen the Republican Party? You remember, the ones who used to quote Lincoln. Now they quote Donald Trump. They are crucifying Liz Cheney. If you look up Republican in the dictionary, her picture pops up. She's a conservative who believes in small government, and if she had her way, no taxes, a strong military and governing by the Constitution. You know, a Republican, right? Wrong! Today's Republican Party has become a party where 80-90% are being controlled by 10-20%. This is the wing that is looney-tunes. QAnon, Marjorie Taylor Greene and all the other tin foil hat wearers have taken over the GOP. The 80-90% are afraid to do what they know is right, giving way to what they have now.

My party has its share, but wow! The GOP sure has changed and not in a good way.

Jack Hefner, Akron

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Important election for future of abortion rights in Ohio