Upcoming Elections

Next Tuesday, 3 November is election day. Unfortunately, we don't get a chance to vote out of office the various folks in D.C. who are spending like crazy and doing their darnedest to destroy our health care system in the name of reform. Nationally the only races getting any attention are the usual off year governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia and a special election to fill a congressional seat in upstate New York. In Ohio the race getting the advertising dollars is Issue 3 which deals with legalizing gambling. While we do not have major offices being contested, it is still important to study the candidates and issues being voted on.
Here are some links:
Links to text for the three statewide issues and arguments for and against.
Butler County local issues
Butler County candidates for various offices
You're not from Butler County? Look up your own county board of elections here.

Recommendations:
Statewide Issues:
Issue One: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TO ISSUE BONDS TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO VETERANS OF THE PERSIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, AND IRAQ CONFLICTS

I recommend voting no on this proposal. The federal government decides how much compensation is necessary to attract sufficient number of people to enlist in the military. It is not necessary for the State of Ohio to supplement that compensation. The best thing Ohio can do for veterans is to create a positive business environment so they can find jobs upon return to Ohio and spending 200 million dollars doesn't make that happen.

Issue Two: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT STANDARDS OF CARE FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

I recommend voting no on this issue. Sounds like an unnecessary expansion of state government. Also, the measure appears to favor the massive factory farms over the smaller family farms.

Issue Three: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR ONE CASINO EACH IN CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, AND TOLEDO AND DISTRIBUTE
TO ALL OHIO COUNTIES A TAX ON THE CASINOS

I strongly recommend voting no on this issue. There are probably a dozen reasons to vote against this amendment to our State Constitution. The first thing that turned me off this issue was the advertising in favor of its passage. I was particularly irritated by the ad featuring the guy from the Ohio FOP. Additionally, we can not ignore the damage that gambling can do to a community. Yes, people are responsible for their own actions, but as we all are well aware, the entire community bears the cost of cleaning up after others when their irresponsibility leads to tragic results. I'm not getting moralistic about gambling. I've visited casinos in the past. However, when you have to travel to Vegas or the Bahamas to gamble it is a special event or a vacation, not a nightly trip to blow your paycheck trying win back last weeks losses. One of the arguments in favor of Issue Three is why let Ohio gambling dollars go to Indiana, West Virginia or elsewhere. That is a ridiculous argument. People visit other states for hundreds of entertainment purposes. Some travel from Kentucky or Indiana to Ohio for sporting events. Canton Ohio is home of the NFL Hall of Fame. Should Pennsylvania build their own football Hall of Fame so their residents wouldn't keep taking dollars out of state? Lastly, each time gambling is put on the ballot (which seems to be every year) the language is written to favor individual gambling entities rather being open to competition. I have a feeling this time it passes. If it does, it won't be because of my vote.

Local Issues:
There are a lot of issues in Butler County. However, the only one that I can vote on based on my residence is a question about whether WalMart can sell alcohol during certain hours. Who cares?

Local Races:
WEST CHESTER TWP.- TRUSTEE - (2 to be elected)

Keith Denning
Chris Xeil Lyons
Joseph B. Mansour
Christy Miller
Sean M. Rogers
Roger Sexton
Randy Stanifer
Catherine Stoker *
Lee Wong *

* Incumbents

Our township has three trustees of which two seats are up for elections. I endorse Chris Lyons and Lee Wong for Trustee. Chris Lyons is a bright, enthusiastic, conservative who has committed to reining in spending. If there is an event going on in West Chester Chris and her family will be a part of it. She has been endorsed by our congressman, Rep. Boehner. Lee Wong is just finishing his first term as a trustee and based on my observation deserves another term. Lee was an Army Warrent Officer and is an active member of our VFW Post. Stoker, another incumbent, has been a trustee far too long. George Lang the third incumbent is not up for reelection. I endorse his opponent whenever his seat does come up for election. My guess is the large slate of candidates will spread out the challenger's votes and ensure the incumbents win due to greater name recognition.

We also have five candidates running to fill three Board of Education seats. Never heard of any of them. No endorsement.

Remember, if you don't vote then you forfeit the right to complain later. I intend to complain so you know I'll be voting.