Because running for office has become prohibitively expensive, because our two major political parties have succeeded in stifling third-party options for so long and because even our “primary” system forces us to reduce the number of choices down to a minimum- elections like this are largely pointless and about as undemocratic as they come. Independent voters are forced to sit on the sidelines- only getting to vote on issues and levies.
Mostly- we see issues that are on a ballot- where it is hoped that low turnout will give better chances at passing something a majority would veto- like school levies and the like.
Today the City of Dayton is trying to pass 4 seemingly innocuous charter changes [1]– I’m going to vote No on 15, 16, and 17. 18 is a yes.
The State Issues- 1 is to issue debt (which ultimately the taxpayers are liable for- even though they claim “no new taxes”) to allow politicians to play venture capitalists and invest in their friends’ businesses as “economic development.” I say keep government out of the venture capitalism business and vote NO.
State Issue 2 is to help the casino people change their last state constitutional amendment so they can move a casino. I say if it’s voted into the constitution- it must be too important to change. Sorry casino owners- you dug your hole- now lie in it. No on issue 2.
Unfortunately we don’t get a primary for the House on the Dem side- but if you are voting for a Republican- give Rene Oberer the nod since she can’t be more of a fraud than Mike Turner. She’ll get hammered anyway- but it may wake Turner up.
For Senate the Dems get a chance to pick between current Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner (who hasn’t been doing her job for the last year due to campaigning) and Lee Fisher- Lt. Governor (who hasn’t been doing his job for the last year due to campaigning and sucking up to PACs for money). What good is a primary without contests? Exactly. I recommend voting for Brunner who has been marked with a red letter by the Dem party for challenging their puppet candidate Fisher. The money runs at least 100 to 1- which is proof that Fisher is representing interests other than yours. The winner will face Republican golden boy Rob Portman in the fall- and have a hard time competing with his slickness.
Unfortunately- County Commissioner Dan Foley gets a hall pass- as do most other positions- without opposition. Same old people- same old system- same old results.
Happy Election Day! Please remember to take your ID- and be warned- your polling place may have changed.
You’re being too cynical about Issue 1, Dave. The Third Frontier program has kept some talent here and supports companies that innovate. Maybe that’s not how it always works in practice, but I like to see a vision for the future of Ohio’s economy that doesn’t involve wallowing in a post-industrial wasteland.
I’m no expert, but the Third Frontier program seems to have been a positive for this area. I voted yes.
But I do agree with you on the Charter ammendements. No, No, No, Yes.
I may be too cynical about issue 1- but, I think there are more effective ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs. For starters- force the consolidations of local government and standardize rules- having so many taxing entities and rules makes work for inspector gotcha- but jobs for Ohioans. It also raises the cost of doing business considerably- besides paying their salaries- so many hoops to jump through take time and money.
Better yet- end all government enticements to private corporations- nationwide. No more relocation bonuses, tax abatement, or special financing districts etc. It’s time to put the government back in the business of government.
Cutting the costs of higher education would help- as would figuring out a way to equitably fund our schools (as the State Supreme Court demanded over 12 years ago). Smarter people start more businesses.
I’m sure Issue 1 will pass. I just think there are things to address first- and I don’t trust their allocation system for handing out the cash.
You know, Ohio could deal with banning government enticements to private businesses the same way that the electoral college reform is being dealt with. If Ohio were to pass a law by itself banning the state or local jurisdictions from giving relocation bonuses, tax abatements, special financing districts, etc., Ohio would of course lose out because all that would still be legal in other states. However, Ohio could pass a law banning such stuff but with the provision that it not go into effect until similar legislation passed in other states, either all fifty states or, if Ohio really wanted to be bold, some other combination, e.g., all Ohio’s neighboring states or states comprising 50% of the country’s population.
@David Laurie- Brilliant start. Thanks for the suggestion.
I also disagree with a no vote on Issue 1. I have seen and gone through the process of applying for and handing out awards and it is far from what you described. The money doesn’t go to politicians friends’, most of it goes to non-profits such as universities and research institutes. Not saying you’re completely wrong about bad handouts by any means, but Third Frontier seems to be a very good program.
Issue 1 is the assumption of debt by the taxpayers in the State of Ohio. Here is a nice little essay on debt as a tool: http://www.daveramsey.com/article/the-truth-about-debt/lifeandmoney_debt/
Issue 1 passed, anyway.
David E, do you content that what’s true for individuals is also necessarily true for corporations, organizations and governments? Cause the article by Dave Ramsey to which you linked didn’t say anything about governmental or business debt.
And even Dave Ramsey doesn’t seem to be against all debt. He certainly has a lot to say about mortgages. Although if you do read what he has to say about mortgages, you’ll see he recommends 15-year ones over 30-year ones.
For an example of someone who doesn’t think all debt is bad (at least not for businesses), look no further than Bill Gates. In 1977, the 2-year-old company “Microsoft borrowed $7,000 from its new hire, Bob Greenberg” (page 111, Gates: How Microsoft’s Mogul Reinvented an Industry, by Stephen Manes, Paul Andrews). That didn’t work out so badly.
David Lauri,
It stands to reason that if the states investments are a failure, taxes will have to be used to cover the failure costing the citizenry more in taxation. It also stands to reason that if the states investment is a success, they will be able to tax the citizenry more. However, if it is an investment that is attractive and stands to make its investors money, why would the void not be filled by private investors? The only role I see the state playing is to socialize the losses and do nothing but compete with private industry if it is a positive investment. The state will increase the likelihood of capital mal-investment. So, remove the state from the equation and we get to maintain individual freedom and choice and likely have the same results. What benefit does the state actually add by being the intermediary in these transactions?
Robert, I’m not arguing that governmental debt is necessary good, just that the article to which David E linked says nothing about the issue.
@David L- the principal of debt remains the same. Borrowing 700 Million isn’t done as an “as needed basis”- it’s the whole shooting match- and then they have to figure out what to spend it on. It’s a bit like getting a credit card with a $700 million balance- that you have to pay interest on- before you’ve bought anything.
Regardless of his article’s applicability to the issue, I wouldn’t take Dave Ramsey’s advice on choosing toilet paper.