Letters: Writers urge rejection, support of Issue 1; Fix downtown Newark parking issues

Issue 1 is an Ohio GOP 'power grab'

The Supreme Court of the United States ended its last session with several momentous decisions handed down. In Moore v. Harper, the court ruled against the “independent state legislature” theory. The theory gives precedence to the legislature before the constitution, and in turn, the Supreme Court. It essentially empowers the legislature to make all decisions without the opportunity of challenge. Indeed, SCOTUS referenced this decision in sending back an appeal made by Ohio to not abide by the Ohio Supreme Court regarding the unconstitutional voting district maps, which were subsequently used in the recent election.

The same logic underlying the “independent state legislature” argument is foundational to Issue 1. This is evidenced by Issue 1 creator’s answer to two (ironic) questions. After outlawing August elections because of low turnout, why is it now the preferred date? And after setting such a high bar for amending the Ohio Constitution (60% plus other requirements), why do you allow Issue 1 to necessitate only the current 50% plus 1 for passage and not the proposed mandate of 60%?

The answer given by the Ohio General Assembly is the same given to the state Supreme Court regarding school funding (for the last quarter century) as well as gerrymandered voting districts: Because we can! As the state legislature, currently a Republican supermajority with “independent state legislature” thinking, we make the laws, and the Constitution, not the courts, or people.

Issue 1 is a power grab by the GOP, much like Larry Householder’s House Bill 6, without the opportunity of challenge. Vote no on Issue 1 on Aug. 8.

Stanley Wrzyszczynski, Granville

Join former Ohio governors, business leaders and oppose Issue 1

In the Aug. 8 special election, Ohio voters have the opportunity to vote no on Issue 1. Issue 1 requires a 60% passage rate for citizen-initiated constitutional amendments instead of the current simple majority and, thereby, takes decision-making power away from the people.

Former Ohio governors from both political parties (Republicans Bob Taft and John Kasich and Democrats Dick Celeste and Ted Strickland) oppose Issue 1. Taft stated, “This is a fundamental change in Ohio’s voting rights. It’s a major mistake to approve or disapprove such a change at the lowest-turnout election that we have.”

Corporate executives including Jeni Britton Bauer (founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream), Thomas Hoaglin (former chair and CEO of Huntington Bancshares), and John Pepper (former CEO of Proctor & Gamble) also oppose Issue 1. These business leaders declared that a robust, functioning democracy is “critical to sustaining our extraordinary free enterprise system,” and that political efforts like Issue 1 “destabilize our state’s democratic processes which will be harmful to our business climate.”

Join Republican and Democrat former Ohio governors and business leaders. Support the civic and economic health of our state. Vote no on Issue 1.

Mary Tuominen, Granville

Voting for Issue 1 would set new standard for all Ohioans

Issue 1 is not a left or right decision to make. Voting "yes" on Issue 1 will set a new standard for all Ohioans. That new standard will declare that our Constitution is not for sale. Currently, only 44 counties are required to meet the signature threshold on a petition to place a Constitutional Amendment issue on the statewide ballot. Voting "yes" on Issue 1 will require that all 88 Ohio counties must meet the signature threshold. This will set a new standard.

Passing Issue 1 will enfranchise all Ohioans. All of "We the people" in Ohio can decide whether to sign a petition proposing a constitutional amendment for our state. Amending the Ohio Constitution is one of the most important efforts our citizenry can undertake. And 100% of them must be asked to consider amending it, not just half the citizenry.

Also, if Issue 1 passes, all future amendments proposed to Ohio’s Constitution will then require 60% of Ohio’s eligible voters for them to pass. Voting yes on Issue 1 will indeed set new standards for Ohioans — standards that are not just for those special interests on the left or the right, or for those who reside in only half the counties, but for all Ohioans.

Bronwyn Jameson, Avon Lake

Newark mayor challenged to deal with Downtown parking issues

Recently, I attended a meeting of local business owners that was hosted at NEWORK Space. One of the non-agenda items that bubbled up was related to the ongoing parking issues in downtown Newark. This was somewhat surprising considering all of the positive economic development momentum Newark has sustained recently through strong public and private collaboration. Clearly the ongoing revitalization of the Downtown area is impressive, and frankly, the envy of the majority of small town USA!

As I walked away from my meeting that afternoon, I couldn’t help but reflect on the “missed opportunity” of not adequately addressing the real and perceived status quo parking issues in downtown Newark. How could these same visionary local leaders and partners overlook the elephant in the room — inadequate parking?

Here’s my challenge Newark Mayor Jeff Hall: “Stop kicking the can down the road” and develop a customer friendly, viable parking solution for the Downtown area! Charge a group of local stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor a Downtown parking plan that aligns with the current vision and strategy driving all of the other progressive changes underway.

Ed Smith, Granville

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Letters: Oppose, support Issue 1; Newark must fix Downtown parking