| Putting voters before politics |
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| Written by PETER KUEBECK Sentinel Staff Writer | ||
| Saturday, 23 June 2012 07:28 | ||
A cooperative movement among 25 groups in the state headed by the League of Women Voters, Ohio Citizen Action and Common Cause, Voters First is seeking an amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would alter how the creation of congressional districts is handled in the state. "I think it's a decent cause, no matter what side of the aisle you sit on," said Justin Richmond, Toledo, who was among a cadre of volunteers collecting signatures outside the library. "This just makes (redistricting) fair." Voters First is circulating a petition to place the measure on the November ballot and need more than 385,000 signatures by July 3 to do so. While official figures for signatures collected statewide thus far were not immediately available, a representative of the group said at the event that a significant number have been gathered, and that they expect to succeed in putting the matter to a vote this fall. "For decades, politicians have protected their jobs and their friends by rigging how we draw congressional and legislative districts - leaving voters out in the cold," a message on the group's website reads. "This November is our chance to take the power to draw districts out of the hands of the politicians and put it back where it belongs ... in the hands of the people." With the amendment, the group would create a 12-member non-partisan Independent Citizens Commission that would itself devise the districts, though the public could submit plans as well. Voters First pledges that the process will be open and transparent with "no more backroom deals." "The Citizens Commission will include equal numbers of Republicans, Democrats, and independents, and the approval of at least seven of the twelve members of the commission will be required for the adoption of any plan," the website noted. "Politically balanced" districts would then be created. Speakers at the event were backed by a large banner depicting the group's "Declaration of Independence from Politicians," which they and other supporters signed. Dan Greenberg, a teacher with Sylvania Public Schools, who spoke at the event, said he supports the amendment because "it's important to have competitive races, fair and competitive districts" that allow voters' voices to truly be heard. In her remarks, Jackie Brown, Rossford, a member of the League of Women Voters, said "it's about giving (power) back to you, the people." "Many years ago people fought, fought for your freedoms," and this amendment puts those freedoms back into the hands of the public, she said. The group was expected to be present at nine such events throughout the state Friday, and many others throughout the weekend and next week. |
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