DEAR EDITOR:
Issue 2 was introduced by Voters First. This group is led by the non-partisan League of Women Voters and supported by a broad coalition of groups and people from across Ohio. This redistricting proposal will create an Independent Citizens Commission.
Instead of current procedures (in which politicians draw district boundaries that unfairly favor their own party and/or protect incumbents), a twelve member Citizens Commission will create the districts. Any member of the public can submit a plan for consideration. Politicians, lobbyists and political insiders are prohibits from serving on the commission.
All meetings, records, communications and draft plans of the Citizens Commission must be open to the public. No backroom deals.
The Citizens Commission will include equal members of Republicans, Democrats and Independents; and the approval of at least seven of the 12 members will be required for the adoption of any plan. This will ensure that the final plan more fairly represents all Ohioans, not just those currently in power.
Districts will be created that are geographically compact, and which minimize the divisions of counties, townships, municipalities and wards between different districts. Politically balanced districts will be created, rather than safe districts, which make it difficult or impossible for voters to hold elected officials accountable. To the greatest extent possible, the share of districts leaning toward a party will reflect the political preferences of the voters of Ohio.
Reminder to citizens to remove your old Vote No on Issue 2 bumper stickers to avoid confusion.
Please vote yes on Issue 2.
Diann Bowoman
Southingtown