City Of Akron Mayor

Address: 1230 N Howard Street
Website:  www.horriganformayor.com

Question 2:  Do you have specific ideas for the future of downtown?
Our downtown business district is the city’s principle employment center and its vibrancy – entertainment and the arts – depend on strong support from the city and community.  I will work with Downtown Akron Partnership, and engage young professional organizations to find creative solutions to further generate downtown business and culture.

Question 3:  How do you propose to improve the City of Akron’s financial outlook?
Fiscal responsibility is essential for the long-term future of our city. I will utilize better technology and my sound management skills to streamline operations and explore ways to balance the city’s budget. I will also analyze every system offering public services to ensure that taxpayers are getting their money’s worth.

City Of Akron Mayor

Address: 177 Oakdale Avenue
Website:   http://BillMelver.com

Question 2:  Do you have specific ideas for the future of downtown?
Downtown, relative to the outlying communities is doing fine - my focus would be to replicate success of HS to other communities like Firestone and GY.  First target would be North Hill.  For millennial, roll out market campaign, communicating all the great features of Akron, working with organizations such as U  exceeded word limit

Question 3:  How do you propose to improve the City of Akron’s financial outlook?
First cut the fat by benchmarking other best run communities of similar size as Akron, i.e., Green Bay Wisconsin, Mentor Ohio.  For example, Akron has 18 attorneys + law director in law dept; Green Bay has four..  Size of city government is the same size as it was when we had exceeded word limit

City Of Akron Mayor

Address: 1320 Shanabrook Drive
Website:  www.sipplenforakron.com

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 928 Bisson Avenue
Website:   cynthiablake.com

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voter's reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voter's Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 2117 Forest Oak
Website:  Fuscoforcouncil.blogspot.com

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Having served on council for many years i have learned to work with stake holders and Akron residents.  Serving as Deputy Service Director has helped in knowing who to go to and building a positive working relationship with Akron employees charged with enforcing ordinances.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
Had several meetings and in depth conversations with those with a considerable amount of knowledge in reference to civility. Here in Akron we benefit from many who have studied this political dynamic.
The community should guide the discussion, establish expectations and develop criteria for follow up. This process has begun.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 1117 Dayton St, 44310
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Akron resident for all of my life, however, I am well travelled and studied many cultures, places, religions, efforts.   I've served on boards and consulted on many startup projects.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
My observation- council needs honesty in interpersonal dealings and need to eliminate personal agenda manipulation.  Rules need to be followed in procedural disagreements, and barriers overcome through peacemaking. 

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 2104 Brookshire Rd, Akron 44313
Website:  www.lindaomobien.com  

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Born and raised in the poorest state in the union, Mississippi.  Parents were hardworking middle class folks & have 6 brothers & sisters.  Lived in subsidized housing, attended public schools, and worked my way through college, at the local seafood factory.  Completed college using Pell Grants, work study, and loans.    

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
My life’s work has always included the motto that I’m my brother’s keeper and to treat others as I want to be treated.  I will encourage my colleagues to adopt “Rules of Order” for Council to respect and abide by.  Also, would strongly support a facilitated retreat to reset relationships.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voters reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Council-At-Large

Address: 396 Briarwood Drive
Website:    

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I am an experienced Public Administrator with over 30 years of serving the residents of Akron, Ohio.  I am passionate about seeing lives and communities uplifted and transformed.  I am a coalition builder and value the gifts and talents of others in the work of building a prosperous fortified city.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
Passion that enters discourse around important issues that impact our residents will and should occur occasionally -tempered by dignity and respect.  As an APS Board Member, a balanced passion and cooperative/informed decision making is required to accomplish the important work of the district.  I will bring these qualities to City Council.

City Of Akron Ward 1 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 1 Council

Address: 183 N Highland Ave
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My work as a teacher and community organizer has prepared me to listen to residents, bring together all parties, and resolve mutual concerns. I hold ward meetings in different and accessible locations, respond to residents in a timely way, and work cooperatively with other council members and the administration.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
I will work with my fellow council members and the committee appointed by Mayor Fusco to increase respect and trust between council members by collaboration, compromise and communication.

City Of Akron Ward 2 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voters' reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Ward 2 Council

Address: 1750 Olalla Ave, Akron 44305
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
As a ward Councilman I have handled thousands of neighborhood complaints. I also have a record of standing up regular people on Council. When I run for office I make an effort to talk to every single voter. If elected I can represent them and their neighborhoods.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
To talk about issues and not about personalities. I will insist that the Council rules be strictly enforced. All comments must be addressed to the chair and not to other members. This will help cut out the bickering between individuals. I will also ignore uncivil behavior from others.

City Of Akron Ward 3 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voters' reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Ward 3 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 4 Council

Address: 1565 Idlewood Ave
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/Ward4Johns

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
I was elected Class President every year in high school and it gave me practical knowledge at a young age working with dynamic groups to achieve a common goal.  I've carried that experience with me and worked hands-on with The Faith & Freedom Coalition, an organization focused on voter outreach.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
I want to be on the forefront of a fresh outlook for our community.  In lieu of going to council with political alliances/agendas, my platform will be based on the ideas or concerns of my constituents. I pledge to support smart investments that benefit the City and Ward 4.

City Of Akron Ward 4 Council

Address: 476 Moreley Avenue
Website:  www.vote4russneal.com

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Three terms on council and my ability to engage members of the community in the process of addressing challenges that face the ward and our city are what equip me to serve the residents of the ward 4.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
One definition for civility is culture.  So, when asked about returning civility to city council I pause because the long standing culture on city council has not been healthy.   One can be civil and still ignore the needs of a community.  I will continue to respect my colleagues on council.  

City Of Akron Ward 5 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voters' reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Ward 5 Council

Address: 243 Elizabeth Parkway
Website:  www.tarasamples.com

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My life experiences have educated, enriched and encouraged me to become and live the best I can, no matter how cruel, hard or dear or great its course has been.  As a young woman, I found myself raising a child when I was yet one myself.  I was not a exceeded word limit

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
Communication and inclusion is what it will take to restore civility. There is no reason why we can not all work together for the common good of the community. I look forward to the pastors being involved and assisting council in moving forward in a positive direction.

City Of Akron Ward 6 Council

Address: 482 Amberwood Drive
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
My experience at Acme is invaluable. I always equate the residents in Ward 6 as my customers and bottom line in retail is to satisfy customers. I need to satisfy my constituents so they are comfortable having me represent them - their interests and concerns.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
We had civility when we had trust in each other. The trust eroded when two Mayors resigned abruptly for different reasons and Council leadership allowed new and obscure definitions of Council Rules. We need to redefine the rules of procedure so there is meaning that doesn't allow interpretation.

City Of Akron Ward 7 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voter's reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Ward 7 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 7 Council

Address: 449 S. Firestone Blvd. Akron, Ohio, 44301
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
Work - Sales experience has developed my ability to negotiate, compromise, and achieve mutually beneficial goals for opposing sides of an issue. Education - As a political scientist/economist, I understand how policy effects the lives of people at the societal and individual level. Military Service - Mission accomplishment - I've lived the concept.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
I enter this race to serve the residents of Ward 7 and the citizens of greater Akron.  As should be expected of a public servant, I am a skilled and attentive listener. Moreover, I believe that people can hold and express opposing viewpoints, while behaving rationally, constructively, and with courtesy. 

City Of Akron Ward 8 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 8 Council

Address: 585 Winslow Ave
Website: 

Question 2:  How have your life experiences prepared you to represent your constituents?
As a public servant for over 30 years in the field of education I acquired a keen awareness for accountability and communication. I had the opportunity to cofound a school sponsored by the Akron Public Schools and was accountable for the hiring of experienced teachers and a budget.

Question 3:  What will you do to return civility to City Council in order to best serve your electorate?
I will continue to govern myself as I have all along. I put principals before personalities when making any decisions and treat others as I wish to be treated.

City Of Akron Ward 8 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 9 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 9 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

City Of Akron Ward 10 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE'S  RESPONSE: Due to the local League of Women Voters' reckless disregard for accuracy in the 2014 Voters Guide, I must respectfully decline to participate in your voters guide this year.

City Of Akron Ward 10 Council

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 1600 Newcastle Cir, Akron, OH 44313
Website:  www.patrickbravo.com

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
Having grown up in poverty, with first-hand knowledge of the challenges many of our students face – such as poverty, homelessness, hunger and violence – I am in a unique position to advocate for our students.  I am a public school graduate and parent, deeply committed to, and involved in, our community.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
The most important issue facing our district is the ever-changing nature of state education policy and the affect on our district in terms of academic achievement, funding and enrollment.   We must attract and retain students while advocating for fair assessments of our students, staff and district, and equitable funding.

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 1363 Winhurst Dr, Akron 44313
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 1490 Verndale Drive, Akron, OH 44306
Website: 

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
As a retired teacher, I have the time to devote myself solely to this position, practical experience working with all aspects of a school community, and knowledge of best practices that help to ensure positive learning outcomes.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
The most important issue for our distict is to establish and maintain a strong relationship among the students, faculty, staff, administration, parents, and community so that an atmosphere of collaboration is created to promote positive attitudes for learning. 

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 218 Casterton Ave, Akron, OH 44303
Website:  www.TheKidsCandidate.com

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
My financial background provides practical and educational insight to help stretch property tax dollars as far and as long as they will go. This focus facilitated the creation of a functioning Finance Committee.  Re-Electing me will keep the focus on our funds going into classrooms.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
Enrollment - We have to offer the classes, opportunities, and safety our parents want and children deserve. If there is even a perception that these don't exist, we will lose families to other choices. We need to be smarter in our approach to enrollment, and continue to promote our successes.

Akron City Board Of Education

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

Akron City Board Of Education

Address:
Website: 

CANDIDATE  DID NOT RESPOND

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 2116 Daniels
Website:  www.leapfrogreading.org

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
I have spent thousands of hours studying high-performing, inner-city schools.  I have implemented some of their best practices here in Akron in my Leap Frog Summer Reading Program.  As a result, our students doubled their annual reading growth on average.  I will introduce these best practices to APS.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
Failing test scores and people leaving. Because our schools our failing academically, one out of three Akron residents are not choosing APS.  Many more are just moving out all together. To solve the problem, we need to put high performing magnet schools like Miller South on every side of town.

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 1109 Courtleigh Drive, 44313
Website: 

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
My background in ministry has prepraed me to work well with all types of people.  I have found myself to be a mentor and consensus builder in the group. My model is to agree to disagree but not to be disagreeable.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
Student enrollment -- We must do a better job competing with Charter Schools, vouchers and Community Schools.  We have started an APS online school, increased slots for early childhood eduction and provided other options to increase enrollment such as Miller South, IB programs, Career Ed and Arts options. 

Akron City Board Of Education

Address: 43 East Market St, Ste 302, Akron 44308
Website:  www.petenischt.com

Question 2:  What one thing about your background or the way you would approach the job do you think is most important for the undecided voter to know?
I’ve led several community projects including #LovetheWall and have an MBA and Law Degree, but what makes me stand out is my ability to see APS within the context of Akron’s larger economic development strategy. I’ll fight for a more valuable, relevant education that inspires students to stay after graduation.

Question 3:  What do you see as the most important issues for our district?
The budget. Republican officials continue to use public money to fund unaccountable, for-profit charters while Akron struggles to retain its tax base. The Board must plot a course for the future under these conditions while making sure the public sees what APS spends and what the charters take from it.

Akron City Board Of Education

Address:
Website: 

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: West Akron
Website:  jasonadams4judge.com

Question 2:  Please describe a personal experience that has shaped your judicial philosophy?
No single personal experience applies, but rather, it has been a continuum of experiences/contact with the Judicial system - beginning as a young Assistant Prosecutor, then private practice, and finally my current positions.  Certain ideals apply - honesty, integrity, impartiality, tough but fair, and caring for the needs of others. 

Question 3:  In considering misdemeanor cases that involve mentally ill defendants, what approach do you believe is most effective for the parties involved?
As a past board member of the Tarry House, Inc. (residential treatment facility for adults with mental disabilities)in West Akron, I learned that mental illness does not discriminate. Fortunately, numerous governmental agencies provide a myriad of services to eligible misdemeanants through the Mental Health Court.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 1256 Heather Lane
Website:  keepjudgelarson.com

Question 2:  Please describe a personal experience that has shaped your judicial philosophy?
With 26 years of experience in the Akron Municipal Court, I have witnessed the trauma some people experience in court.  Because of this I ensure that all parties are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness, and all decisions are based on rational legal principals.

Question 3:  In considering misdemeanor cases that involve mentally ill defendants, what approach do you believe is most effective for the parties involved?
I believe the most effective approach is to identify the illness as quickly as possible so that it can be properly addressed.  The Akron Municipal Court, in collaboration with local health care agencies, has numerous specialty courts (Mental Health Court; Valor Court, a veterans treatment court) to meet these needs.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 194 Kenilworth Drive, Akron, Ohio 44313
Website:  Keep JudgeLombardi

Question 2:  Please describe a personal experience that has shaped your judicial philosophy?
In 2005, a car struck me while riding my bicycle. I was bedridden for a month, self employed, with a family.  I learned that life can change in an instant.  We realize our blessings when we are truly challenged.  I remember that challenge when people come before my court.

Question 3:  In considering misdemeanor cases that involve mentally ill defendants, what approach do you believe is most effective for the parties involved?
I always consult the professionals of the Court, and the community mental health providers to ensure that the defendant can comprehend the proceedings.  Then I try to put in place services that can assist the defendant to address the case, and overcome the problem(s) that initially led to their charges.

Akron Municipal Court Judge

Address: 2130 Sagamore Road, Akron, Ohio 44313
Website:  www.oldhamforjudge.com

Question 2:  Please describe a personal experience that has shaped your judicial philosophy?
For justice to prevail, everyone deserves an equal voice.  Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand how many people feel they are not treated fairly in court.  I take great pride in ensuring that all people appearing in my court have the opportunity to be heard regardless of socio-economic status.

Question 3:  In considering misdemeanor cases that involve mentally ill defendants, what approach do you believe is most effective for the parties involved?
Serving as Magistrate, I currently preside over civil commitment hearings for the mentally ill and work with the patients and their lawyers.  Mental Health Court, therapy, and treatment must be part of any sentence for mentally ill defendants.  Early detection and treatment can produce rehabilitation, which punishment alone cannot.

STATE ISSUE 1:
Creates a bipartisan, public process for drawing legislative districts

(Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly)

Proposing to enact new Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of Article XI and to repeal Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Article XI of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.
 
A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.
If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect immediately after Election Day.

League Explanation of Issue 1: Issue 1 would amend the Ohio Constitution to change the way state legislative districts (but not U.S. Congressional districts) are determined. Every 10 years, Ohio draws new legislative district lines based on changes in population as reported in U.S. Census data.  Issue 1 replaces the Apportionment Board with a bipartisan Ohio Redistricting Commission. If Issue 1 passes, members of the Commission will include:

The Governor
 Auditor of State
 Ohio Secretary of State
 Appointee by the Speaker of the Ohio House
Appointee by the President of the Ohio Senate
 Appointee by the Minority Leader of Ohio House
Appointee by the Minority Leader of Ohio Senate 

The Ohio Redistricting Commission will be responsible for creating district maps for the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate. Issue 1 establishes rules for map-making. It ensures compactness and keeps communities together by prohibiting splitting governmental units, like counties or cities, unless necessary. Issue 1 prohibits partisan gerrymandering. No General Assembly map shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a political party.  Issue 1 creates more transparent map-making by requiring public hearings. If the amendment is passed, it will become part of the constitution immediately; however, the new rules for drawing districts will not be applied until the next time districts are redrawn beginning January 1, 2021, after the next U.S. Census.            

PRO:

1. Prohibits partisan gerrymandering-- “No General Assembly district plan shall be drawn primarily to favor or disfavor a party” will be written into the rules in the Ohio Constitution.

2. Requires transparency and public hearings, encouraging accountability to the electorate.

3. Districts will better protect community cohesiveness by limiting government units such as counties and cities from being split.

4. Eliminates the continuation of previous gerrymandering by removing language from the current Ohio Constitution that requires new maps to be “reasonably consistent” with old maps.

CON:

1. Many Ohioans are not Republican or Democrat. Third parties and Independents are not represented on the Commission.

2. Issue 1 does not address the process for determining U.S. Congressional districts.

3. The Ohio Redistricting Commission is not independent from legislators; legislative members can still influence the process.

4. Bipartisan Commission members can make “sweetheart deals” that can result in districts that are not representative of the state’s overall partisan preferences.
 

STATE ISSUE 2:
Anti-monopoly amendment; protects the initiative process from being used for personal economic benefit

 (Proposed by Joint Resolution of the General Assembly)

Proposing to amend Section 1e of Article II of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.
If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect immediately after Election Day.

League Explanation of Issue 2: Issue 2 would prohibit an initiative petition amendment to the Ohio Constitution that would give special business rights to a certain person or entity. Specifically, Issue 2 would prohibit an initiative that creates a monopoly, cartel, or oligopoly; specifies or determines a tax rate; or confers a commercial interest, commercial right, or commercial license to any person or entity for the purpose of exclusively enriching its members and prohibiting others from engaging in similar enterprises.

If Issue 2 passes, the Ohio Ballot Board will be required to evaluate any proposed initiative petition to determine if it violates the prohibition above by creating a limited commercial interest. If such an initiative is proposed, the Ballot Board will be required to separate the proposed initiative into two parts – one part asking voters to override the limited business interest rule, and the second part describing the proposed new initiative – with both parts needing a majority vote for the initiative to pass. 

If both Issue 2 and Issue 3 are approved by the voters, it is unclear what will happen, because they would create conflicting sections within the state constitution. The Ohio Supreme Court will likely have to resolve the matter if both issues pass.

PRO:

1. Exclusive financial deals for special interests should not be enshrined in our state constitution.

2. The state constitution should be used to protect fundamental rights for all individuals, not cluttered with special interests.

3. Nineteen states have constitutional provisions banning monopolies and protecting free and fair commerce; Ohio should too.

CON:

1. The constitution should not be amended to interfere with the constitutional initiative process and block a measure approved by the voters.

2. The language is too vague and may unintentionally preclude future policy or tax issues from being brought forward as an initiative.

3. Issue 2 gives the Ballot Board too much discretion to declare a proposed initiative to be a monopoly and force it to jump through two hurdles instead of one.
 

(Proposed by Initiative Petition)

Proposing to add Section 12 of Article XV of the Constitution of the State of Ohio.

A YES vote means approval of the constitutional amendment.
A NO vote means disapproval of the constitutional amendment.
A majority YES vote is required for the amendment to be adopted.
If approved, the proposed amendment will take effect 30 days after Election Day.
 

League Explanation of Issue 3: Issue 3 has a two-fold objective:  (1) to legalize marijuana for personal and medical use and (2) to establish rules for growth and sales.

Growth and cultivation of marijuana will be limited to ten pre-determined, specific “grow sites” situated throughout the state. The ten sites already have designated investors. There will also be a number of pre-determined “quality control” sites throughout the state to test the product being cultivated. About 1,100 retail outlets will be allowed to sell marijuana, but they must buy it only from the ten specified sites and cannot develop their own supplies. 

Individuals may grow up to four plants and possess up to eight ounces of actual product at one time.  The four plants must also be bought from the ten specified wholesale grow sites. Under this initiative, individuals possessing or cultivating over 100 grams of marijuana would be committing a felony. Selling marijuana outside of the sanctioned outlets would also be a felony, with a possible sentence of up to one year in prison.

PRO:

1. Marijuana will, within the strict limits specified in the initiative, become legal to cultivate, use, and sell in Ohio for medicinal and personal use.

2. Issue 3 creates rules for a tightly controlled industry. The system of designated grow sites and quality control testing areas will ensure that the marijuana grown at these sites will address standards of public safety.

3. Issue 3 will create tens of thousands of jobs in Ohio and will eventually generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to support local government services.

CON:

1. The state constitution should be used to protect the fundamental rights of all individuals, not to enshrine an extremely detailed plan creating exclusive financial deals for a group of special interest investors.

2. The initiative sets up an exclusive business scheme that eliminates competition to such an extent that independent business owners could be permanently locked out of what is projected to be a billion-dollar market and individual users who do not abide by the strict restrictions will still be subject to criminal penalties.

3. Issue 3 will flood Ohio with marijuana and marijuana-infused products, like candy and cookies, that put the public health and safety of Ohio’s adults and children in danger.