![]() ![]() To paraphrase Lin-Manuel Miranda, our citizens deserve “to be in the room where it happens.” It raises questions why this change is being proposed. That is true, and the interests of our fellow citizens is best served with the give-and-take that comes from transparency in the public political process. My concerns are both the process that has led to this proposal and its substance.As for process, Columbus Dispatch Reporter Bill Bush uncovered that Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther’s office inappropriately bypassed the Civil Service Commission and went to unusual lengths to avoid public deliberation and debate on this proposal.Īs Ohio State University Professor Vladimir Kogan recognized, “City government exists to provide essential services to Columbus residents. I write to echo significant concerns already expressed by others about proposed charter amendment city of Columbus Issue 20, which voters will decide on this Nov. Haley BeMiller and Jessie Balmert are reporters for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.Columbus needs to 'be in the room where it happens' In Illinois, amendments can take effect with either 60% of those voting on the measure or a simple majority of those voting in the election. "We see no justifiable reason, after over 100 years, to suddenly make this already challenging process even harder."įlorida is the only state that requires constitutional amendments to pass with 60% of the vote, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "We are proud to live in a state that gives voters the right to direct democracy and the ability to have a real say in politics," the letter stated. Proponents contend the change would make it more difficult for special interests to co-opt the constitution, but the groups believe it will have the opposite effect.Ĭritics have also noted that Republicans introduced the proposal as advocates for abortion access and redistricting reform discuss potential ballot initiatives in 2023 or 2024. Huffman's comments came after over 100 advocacy groups penned a letter to legislative leaders calling on them to reject the proposal. Amendments put forwarded by the Legislature, which require a supermajority in both chambers to place on the ballot, would still need a simple majority of voters to pass. The change would apply only to proposed amendments initiated by citizens. "I'll be talking about it, but I'm still kind of looking at it." Change could impact future Ohio abortion and district decisions critics say At an event Wednesday, the governor did not indicate whether he supports it. Mike DeWine's signature to appear on the ballot. "By and large, this is mostly used by rent-seekers, in my opinion, like casinos.I think big changes to the constitution should have a more difficult standard." "When the initiative was passed 100 years ago, the idea was that citizens of the state would rise up because the Legislature wouldn't act," Huffman said Wednesday. LaRose said he hopes to put the proposal on the May ballot, which means lawmakers would need to pass it by the end of the year. The measure itself is a proposed constitutional amendment, meaning the Legislature must approve it to place the question before voters. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, unveiled a resolution this month that would require 60% of voters to enact citizen-initiated amendments, instead of a simple majority of 50% plus one vote. ![]() Secretary of State Frank LaRose and state Rep. ![]() Senate President Matt Huffman said Wednesday that he supports a proposal to make it harder to amend the state constitution as advocates warn it will strip away an important power for Ohioans. ![]()
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