Preparing for 2009's local and state elections

By: Meredith Collier

Posted: 10/9/09

It might not be a presidential election year, but some fiercely debated Ohio-wide issues as well as Cleveland's next mayor will be decided on November 3. Not sure what's up for vote? Use this The Observer handy guide to brush up on the issues before heading to the polls the first Tuesday of November. To find your polling place, visit boe.cuyahogacounty.us. Voters who wish to vote by mail can download an application for an absentee ballot from the Board of Elections webpage. Applications for absentee ballots are due by noon on the Saturday before the election, October 31.

Statewide Issues

Issue 1: Bonds for Veterans

There has been little debate over this one: a proposed constitutional amendment that would authorize the state of Ohio to issue bonds to veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars. The state would provide stipends of $100 a month up to $1000 for Ohio veterans of these conflicts, as well as $50 a month (up to $500 a month) for Ohio veterans who served elsewhere during these conflicts. Additionally, families of veterans killed in the line of duty in any of these conflicts will receive a $5000 death benefit. If passed, this amendment would authorize the state to spend up to $200 million on these bonds. Although an extremely noble amendment that stands to benefit some of Ohio's bravest citizens, some people have questioned why the state of Ohio would want to foist additional debt on the taxpayers of Ohio in difficult economic conditions.

Issue 2: Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Ohio's economy, bringing in billions of dollars each year and providing thousands of jobs. Issue 2 proposes the "Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board," a bi-partisan board that would be responsible for creating recommendations for animal care and food safety, as well as set standards for various aspects of agricultural management, disease prevention, and affordable food supplies. Finally, the board would work to promote locally grown and raised food. Ten of the members would be appointed by governor, and would consist of veterinarians, family farmers, county humane societies, and representatives for Ohio consumers. The leaders of the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate would appoint the other three members, who would be family farmers.
Supporters of Issue 2 have lauded how the bill has attracted major bi-partisan support, including from Democratic Governor Ted Strickland and Republican Senate President Bill Harris. Those in favor of Issue 2 praise the proposed amendment for promoting locally-produced food and ensuring that agricultural jobs will stay in Ohio as well as establishing regulations for safe food production. Opposition to Issue 2 has largely come from out of state, but has nonetheless been vocal. The Humane Society of the United States (not to be confused with local county humane societies), as well as other animal rights groups, has complained that Issue 2 only profits agri-business, or "factory farms," at the expense of animal welfare. The opposition also takes issues with the expansion of government as well as what they consider agri-business's attempt to prevent certain national animal rights reform.

Issue 3: Legalized gambling in Ohio

The casino issue is the hot button issue in Ohio this fall. Although the gambling question has been posed to Ohio voters as recently as November 2008, it is once again up for a vote, this time with the support of several groups including Ohio AFL-CIO and the Fraternal Order of Police. The proposed amendment, if passed, would authorize a single casino to be built in four Ohio cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. These casinos would be required to pay 33 percent of their revenue to the state, which would then be distributed within the casino's respective city as well as around the rest of the state of Ohio. Casinos would be required to make a minimum investment of $250 million in their facilities.
Supporters of the casino amendment state that 34,000 jobs will be created by casinos and an estimated $1 billion in gaming dollars will be kept in Ohio. Additionally, those in favor of the casino amendment feel that Issue 3 is the best, most comprehensive legal gambling bill proposed to Ohio voters yet. Opponents to Issue 3, however, point out that Ohio voters have said 'no' to casinos in Ohio in three separate elections. Additionally, they point out that casino owners would get to keep 67 percent of their profits, and the bill allows casinos to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Local Elections: What's happening in the Cleveland area

Cleveland Mayoral Race: Patmon vs. Jackson

Former Cleveland city councilman and mayoral candidate in 2005, Bill Patmon, will run again in November against incumbent Mayor Frank Jackson (left). Patmon has criticized Jackson for allowing Eaton Corporation to move out of Cleveland, but according to the primary results, it's expected that Jackson will see a second term as Cleveland's mayor.

Cuyahoga Community College District Levy

Cuyahoga County will choose whether or not to pass a tax levy in favor of Cuyahoga Community College District, which is requesting a replacement levy of $1.6 million and an increase of $0.3 million to support Tri-C's operating costs. Supporters of the levy, including the Cleveland Plain Dealer, have pointed out that large increases in enrollment at Tri-C, thanks in part to the poor economy, necessitate an increase in Tri-C's operating budget.