Issue 1 is being bankrolled by billionaires including Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, Nicholas and Susan Pritzker of San Francisco and George Soros’ Open Society Policy Center.
According to the measure’s text, if passed it would reduce the number of people in state prisons for low-level, nonviolent crimes, such as drug possession and non-criminal probation violations, while also making the possession, obtainment, and use of drugs no more than a misdemeanor, with sentences not exceeding probation for a first or second offense.
The ballot initiative would require that state funds saved due to a reduction of inmates go towards substance abuse treatment programs, crime victim programs, probation and rehabilitation programs.
Oakwood officials said the measure would strain local law enforcement and local courts, increase spending on local budgets, lead to more crime and decrease the number of drug users going to rehab programs.
Monday night, city officials passed a resolution to formally oppose the issue.
“Issue 1 would also shift costs for drug treatment from the state to local governments and local government entities are already struggling to fund measures to combat the opioid crisis in their jurisdictions as a result of the drastic budget cuts they have experienced in recent years,” Mayor Bill Duncan stated.
MORE: Dayton Chamber announces opposition to Ohio Issue 1
The monetary effects on Oakwood and other local communities could be enormous, city officials said.
“Passage of Issue 1 is expected to generate $1 million annually, but those savings will benefit the state only, while local governments will see significant increases in costs for treatment, probation, courts and local jails - costs the taxpayers will be required to pay. Also, this constitutional amendment would require another statewide initiative and election, not just a legislative change, to amend it if problems arise,” Duncan said.
The ACLU of Ohio would like to see the measure passed.
“For decades the Ohio General Assembly has refused to acknowledge our over-crowded prisons, has repeatedly increased and enhanced sentences for drug use and possession, and has perpetuated the failed ‘War on Drugs’ in a disastrous way. Ohio voters now have the opportunity to reform our broken criminal justice system by supporting Issue 1,” said Gary Daniels, chief lobbyist for the ACLU of Ohio. “At its core, the initiative will improve community health, reduce our prison populations, and reinvest in communities.”
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