To the editor:
Ohio's 111-year tradition of direct access to the ballot through a citizen-led initiative is in serious jeopardy if state Issue One in the Aug. 8 special election passes. That program became state law in 1912 in an attempt to rein in an arrogant and crooked Statehouse.
Sadly, that situation is raising its ugly head in 2023, this time on steroids by a Statehouse stupefied by arrogance and power. For example, if a citizen idea for any new law goes through the state legislative process, it will pass with a majority plus one vote, but if they don't like our idea and we utilize the citizen-led initiative they would make us get 60 percent of the vote. Once you understand this concept, you also know why the United States Senate is dysfunctional on anything controversial and requires the yes vote of 60 of the 100 senators.
It's not easy to put one of these initiatives together, Currently, at least 44 of Ohio's 88 counties must collect petition signatures equivalent to 5 percent of the votes cast in the 2022 governor's election. But if Issue One passes, all 88 counties would be required to do so. Jefferson County alone would be required to submit 1,146 valid signatures and all 88 counties combined would need 206,295 valid signatures, a tall order, if not an impossible task. Also, it's noteworthy that all a candidate for the Legislature needs is 50 valid signatures to get on the ballot. (That's not just arrogance: it takes big stones to justify it with a straight face.)
The consequences of this legislation succeeding cannot be overstated, as it will impact not only the fight for reproductive rights of women but also ongoing fights for fair legislative maps (gerrymandering), collective bargaining, minimum wage, criminal justice reform and the list could go on.
I find it curious that our local legislators did not publicly share their thoughts for this atrocity before voting on it. It's common knowledge that state Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, is term-limited in 2024 and the word from Democrats on Fourth Street is that he and state Reps. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, and Don Jones, R-Freeport, are quietly working on a deal to flip to the other house. Have at it, guys, but I strongly suggest you publicly explain your yes votes for state Issue One and let the Republican voters determine their weakest link.
To all voters regardless of your political persuasion, please contact the board of elections for an absentee ballot and then vote no on state Issue One.
If Eileen and I have learned anything from our combined 16 years as your elected state representatives, it's that voters will do the right thing only if you give it to them straight based upon your trusted knowledge and, especially, if it's from the heart with no strings attached.
Jerry Krupinski
Steubenville