Nation watches as Ohioans cast votes

Attention is focused on Issue 2, which addresses collective bargaining.

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By Jeremy P. Kelley, Laura A. Bischoff and Lynn Hulsey
Staff Writers Updated 5:39 PM Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The nation’s attention will be on Ohio today as voters decide whether new limits are imposed on public employee collective bargaining.

Political experts say State Issue 2 is the biggest ballot issue in the country. Activists on both sides frame it as a key round in the national battle for the presidency as union and corporate interests pour energy and money into campaigns on opposite sides of Issue 2. Some also argue it is also a referendum on Gov. John Kasich, who has been the face of support for the controversial collective bargaining law known as Senate Bill 5.

With polls continuing to show Issue 2 losing by double-digit percentages, supporters and opponents of State Issue 2 made their final pitches, with phone banks and canvassing continuing through today.

Gov. John Kasich headlined a pro-Issue 2 rally in Liberty Twp. in Butler County on Monday night.

In Dayton, a busload of firefighter union officials, including Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, stopped by AFL-CIO headquarters as part of a statewide sweep to rally opposition to Issue 2.

The ballot issue was attracting big names on both sides in the final days. That included an endorsement from former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and robocalls favoring a yes vote by singer Pat Boone, as well as boosts to the opponent side from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, former U.S. Sen. and astronaut John Glenn, and MSNBC’s “The Ed Show,” which plans to air nationwide tonight from Columbus.

Aside from three statewide issues on the ballot — which address public employee collective bargaining, federal health care reform and the age limit on judges — voters also will consider municipal and judicial races and tax issues for schools and communities.

Issue 2 would enact Senate Bill 5, which limits what can be bargained by public employees, establishes merit pay, bans strikes and allows jurisdictions to impose contracts.

• A “yes” vote on Issue 2 would enact the law. Supporters say Issue 2 would help keep government spending under control.

• A “no” vote would defeat the bill. Opponents say it unfairly deprives public employees of their rights. Kasich told an audience of about 300 people in Liberty Twp. Monday night that he’s committed to restoring “the greatness of our state,” and controlling costs is necessary so future generations can prosper and be successful.

Issue 3 is an Ohio Constitution amendment that would prohibit Ohio or the federal government from requiring participation in a health care system. Proponents say it will send a message to the federal government that Ohio rejects the health care reform law.

Opponents say it is essentially symbolic because Ohio law cannot contradict federal law, but it could stop future changes in state law governing school immunization, worker compensation and other health care programs. A yes vote enacts the amendment and a no vote defeats it.

Other races and issues

Dayton’s City Commission race is a choice between two long-term incumbents and two political newcomers.

Next month, Dean Lovelace will become the longest-serving commissioner in Dayton history, at 18-plus years. He is the only candidate to support a tax increase, and called for a focus on affordable housing.

Eight-year incumbent Matt Joseph cites falling crime rates, ambitious demolition programs and maintenance of city services despite budget cuts as proof that incumbents are making progress.

William Pace says his two years as liaison to Mayor Gary Leitzell taught him what residents want. He’s pushing for increased police spending, paid for by unspecified cuts, and more support for entrepreneurs.

Mark Manovich said his job as a corporate tax attorney qualifies him to handle the budget, and 20 years on community boards helps him understand the city. He says Dayton needs to focus on boosting population.

The Kettering City Council ticket, which has three contested races, has drawn interest this fall due to endorsements, high-profile candidates and an increased focus on partisan politics.

In Ward 1, first-time candidates David Brown, Rob Scott and Nolan Thomas are competing for the seat being vacated by longtime Councilman Keith Thompson. Ward 1 generally comprises the northeast part of the city.

Incumbent Joseph Wanamaker is being challenged by Mike Brandt in Ward 2, which is in the southeast end of Kettering, and challenger Lisa Crosley is taking on incumbent Bruce Duke for the seat in Ward 4, the northwest portion of the city.

Tony Klepacz is running unopposed in Ward 3.

West Carrollton, Riverside and Trotwood also have mayoral races on the ballot.

Huber Heights, Northmont, Mad River, Beavercreek, Xenia, Kettering, Trotwood and Vandalia-Butler are among more than 20 local school districts with levies on the ballot.

In Springboro, two school board members are opposed by four other candidates, while three candidates are running for two at-large seats on Springboro City Council.

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