No, No, and No on Ohio Issues 1, 2, and 3

Ohio Freedom Alliance Newsletter, 10.27.09 Pre-election Edition Election day is only a week away, on Tuesday, November 3. See below for information on the 3 statewide ballot issues that would amend the Ohio Constitution. The Ohio Constitution is a document created for the purpose of protecting the liberty of all Ohioans. Before we consider changing this document, let us always be sure that we are voting to protect liberty!

Vote NO on Issue 1: Debt for Veterans' Benefits Issue 1. A proposed constitutional amendment to authorize the state to issue $200 million of bonds to provide compensation to veterans of the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and Iraq wars. From Andy Meyers, military veteran and OFA Defense Policy Analyst: "As a veteran of The Persian Gulf War and understanding the good intent of Issue 1, borrowing approximately $294 million (with interest according to OBM) to pay cash bonuses to veterans of the Middle East conflicts does not make sound financial sense. As insensitive as some may think this is, I can assure you it is not. The Department of Veterans Benefits already has numerous programs to help veterans and their families transition into civilian life such as loans for housing, GI Bill, vocational training and survivors benefits to name just a few. I was one of those veterans who did just that, and I appreciated the assistance I received from those programs that are already established. In light of these difficult financial times for our nation, the state of Ohio and its citizens, this proposal would seem inappropriate and fiscally irresponsible at this time. As a veteran who served proudly with honor, and continues serve in a non-military capacity, I will vote NO on Issue 1 and hope my fellow veterans will do the same." Vote NO on Issue 2: Farm Bureaucracy Creation Issue 2. A proposed constitutional amendment to create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board to dictate policy to the farming industry by establishing and implementing standards of care for livestock and poultry. Many supporters of this issue regard it as the lesser of two evils, and fear that without Issue 2's passage, even more stringent regulations from animal rights groups might be proposed in the future. However, these animal rights groups have already stated that even if Issue 2 does pass, they still plan to pursue more restrictive regulations. Therefore, Issue 2 will not prevent these future harmful attempts, which we will need to oppose as they are proposed. However, Issue 2 WILL create a panel of unelected bureaucrats with the power to significantly impact agriculture in Ohio, particularly small farmers. Big Agribusiness strongly supports Issue 2, as it will allow big money to influence farm policy, which will almost certainly prove harmful to small farmers and consumer food choices. Ohio agriculture does not require additional government regulation to continue selling safe products. Creating this panel will only drive up the costs of compliance for farmers, and raise prices for consumers. There are free-market alternatives to this proposed government bureaucracy; groups are already working toward creating a system of voluntary farm standards by which farmers can prove that their treatment of animals is humane. The Ohio Liberty Council has posted an excellent video from a recent town hall discussion with arguments from both sides of Issue 2. We recommend reviewing the information they present. Also, big money has been pouring in from special interests and out of state groups to pay for a very costly Yes On Issue 2 campaign. We have pulled some of the data from the SOS website and placed it in a spreadsheet. We recommend looking over the list of contributors to help make a decision about whether this proposed board will protect us from special interests or be controlled by them. From Clint Ziegler, farmer and OFA Agriculture Policy Analyst: "As a third generation farmer in Ohio, I believe that farm management decisions should remain on the farm, not within an appointed board of livestock "experts". Creating a new bureaucracy to set standards will force many small farms out of business, which will limit consumer choices. Industry standards should not be controlled by government force, but rather by consumers with their wallet. Placing a third party between the consumer and producer will increase the cost of our safe and local food that we already enjoy without a livestock care board. I will vote no on issue 2." Vote NO on Issue 3: Casino Monopoly Issue 3. A proposed constitutional amendment to allow casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo. From Kathleen Jagodnik, OFA Communications Director. "While the I support the right of entrepreneurs to open new businesses, unfortunately Issue 3 involves the state to an unacceptable degree. Issue 3's passage would change the Ohio Constitution so that only these 4 casinos could be built and operated by specific authorized casino operators, thereby granting monopoly power to these operators. Issue 3 would also ban all other casino gaming, including "casino nights" offered by churches, fraternal organizations, and other charities, which would augment these casino operators' monopoly power. I will vote NO on Issue 3. "

_____________________________________________________ "The most dangerous man, to any government, is the man who is able to think things out for himself without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitable he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane and intolerable, and so, if he is romantic, he tries to change it. And even if he is not romantic personally he is apt to spread discontent among those who are." -- H. L. Mencken Happy voting! Kathleen Jagodnik Ohio Freedom Alliance