June 15, 2005 Letter to Editor - Ohio Papers

by Jennifer Garrison
Jun. 16, 2005

Government Taft and the Republican leadership in the Legislature are trying to pull the wool over the eyes of all Ohioans. The administration proposed and the leadership of the House and Senate are attempting to combine the popular Issue 2 public works bond issue with the Third Frontier bond issue. Whether you are a proponent of one or both, I believe it is important for the issues to pass or fail based on their respective merits. The strategy of this group is to have their way on the Third Frontier issue by pairing it with a very necessary bond issue. Issue 2 generates funds for roads, bridges, water, and sewer projects in townships, counties, villages and cities. There is a sense of fairness with Issue 2 monies. All of Ohio receives this money.

Third Frontier monies, on the other hand, will mainly go to big cities with research centers at universities. I believe combining these unrelated issues is playing politics with a crucial public works project. Apparently, the Governor, Speaker and Senate President understand Third Frontier is unlikely to pass on its own merits. This is a back door attempt to circumvent the will of the people. Combining these issues for the ballot confuses debate and pairs unrelated issues. I wholeheartedly support Issue 2. I do not support bad government.

Submitted by State Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta)