How I’m voting on the issues in Ohio.
Issue 1- which is an attempt to make the process of submitting changes to our state law for a vote even longer and more convoluted is a NO vote.
Issue 2- which protects water rights and stops the Great Lakes from becoming a watering hole for the sunbelt gets a YES vote.
Issue 3- which is a clarification of property rights get a YES vote.
Issue 5- which keeps payday lenders from charging crazy interest rates gets a YES vote- the only question is when are we going to regulate banks and credit card companies to prevent usuary too?
Issue 6- to hand the keys a casino to 2 guys in Cleveland – and write their tax law into the Ohio Constitution gets a HELL NO vote. Although, the moment they come up with legal casinos in urban centers, with licenses sold off to the highest bidder, I’ll vote yes in a heartbeat.
Issue 52- Dayton Public Schools levy- gets a HELL YES- because it’s unrealistic to try to educate the poor kids without funding. I expect better schools- but I also expect parents to start taking responsibility.
Not so sure I agree with you on issue 1. I can see your point. But setting an earlier deadline might make it harder to get politically motivated initiatives on ballot at the last minute in an effort to rally the lunatic fringe.
If you want to use a hot button issue as a way to get out the vote, you should have your act together enough to turn your paperwork in 125 days before the election.
It gives the other side more time to strategize and come up with a good defense.
By the same token, if the legislature passes a bad law 126 days before an election- you are stuck with it longer.
Ballot issues shouldn’t be that hard to put to the public- look at California with their propositions.
We should be able to effect change faster, not slower these days.
Remember- the voters still have to vote on it.
Why did they write the tax law into the constitution in regards to issue 6?
we need a casino – or I do – so I can donate my money while having fun!
I voted a YES to all of them and Minsters school tax levy. I think Casinos increase the ease with which illegal drugs will make it into Ohio and that is a positive….lower prices equals less violence.
Plus it could lead to a red light district.
Have you seen the clientele in most midwest casinos? They aren’t exactly the cocaine/ecstasy/meth crowd. The only drugs they’re doing are ones for osteoporosis and emphysema.
I agree with all of your points Esrati. About issue 6, if we want a casino in Ohio an Ohio group should spearhead it, not two different out of state groups fighting for our revenue. That’s an interesting idea about having gambling in urban centers, how about The Arcade?
I have never been to a casino. But good point in the ‘burg
David,
I agree with you on issue 5 – but the state does have usury limits on banks – 25% APR cap (which isn’t really that bad considering some other states’ limits). That’s why it’s so ridiculous that payday lending places are allowed to operate in the state.
Hi Joel, Then why do my credit cards bump to 29% when they think I made a late payment, or their interest bumped me over the limit?
I heard a study showed that interest over 20% is considered terminal for most borrowers. With the prime at 1% shouldn’t the spread be limited to no more than – say 12%
David —
If the home office for your credit card company is not in Ohio then they do not need to abide by Ohio’s rules. The usury limits only affect those banks whose home office is in the state of Ohio.
Since we deregulated banking, State control of banks has become a non-issue. This was part of what caused the financial meltdown.
State control of banks is still an issue, David. There are lots of banks in Ohio who hold state charters and are regulated by state regulators.
But I agree with you. We need smarter regulation, not reactionary regulation.