Letters to Editor 27 September 2012

Reasons to vote 'yes' on Issue 2

By
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An Open Letter to Ohioans: 
 
I write to urge you to VOTE YES ON 2. If you would like to see legislative gridlock dismantled, VOTE YES ON 2. If you would like to have districts which are competitive, VOTE YES ON 2.

If you would like to have fair and impartial redistricting, VOTE YES ON 2! 

If you would like a system where incumbents can be challenged successfully and held accountable for their legislative choices, VOTE YES ON 2!  If you would like redistricting for Congress, the Ohio House and Senate, to give neither political party a "lock" on the outcome, VOTE YES ON 2! 

If you would like an Independent Commission to manage a competitive system, VOTE YES ON 2! If you would like a system which requires districting plans to meet measurable criteria, VOTE YES ON 2!

If you would like plans drawn which keep communities of interest together and are compact, as well as competitive when that is feasible, VOTE YES ON 2!
 
Do not be fooled by the spurious arguments made by opponents, primarily the Republican Party this time.  In 1981, when I co-chaired the Fair and Impartial Redistricting campaign, backed by the Republicans, it was the Democrats who spewed forth false arguments against it -- successfully. 

Whichever party controls the process wants to keep controlling the power it gives them to manipulate district lines to benefit their own party.
 
This proposal is a non-partisan Constitutional amendment, written by the League of Women Voters and other similar organizations with strong support from several college professors.  While it is supported by the Democratic party and many unions (and would not be on the ballot without their financial contributions), let me assure you that this proposal is the work of non-partisans.

The methodology has been tested in competitions twice with enormously successful results.  The system works and will operate to allow the Independent Commission to choose the plans which most closely meet the four criteria. This will be done in open meetings, after hearings and public input.
 
Thank you for your consideration of this request. I encourage you to Vote Yes on Issue 2.
 
Sincerely,
Joan W. Lawrence
Member, Ohio House of Representatives 1983-99
Director, Ohio Dept of Aging 1999-2005

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