To the editor:

We are urging county voters to vote “NO” on Issue 1! This is in response to the letter to the editor by Columbiana County Republican Chairman David Johnson.

He states that Ohio’s Constitution is in danger of being compromised by out-of-state interests. When in fact, voting “NO” on Issue 1 will safeguard Ohio’s Constitution. When speaking of special interests, Mr. Johnson fails to mention that billionaire Richard Uihlein, from ILLINOIS, contributed $1.1 million to the OHIO Republican PAC to bring the issue to the Ohio ballot (as reported by the Columbus Dispatch). These are the outside interests Ohioans should be watching! This is an example of using raw financial power to interrupt, interfere, and corrupt Ohio’s democracy.

The existing Ohio law regarding majority rule has been in effect for over 100 years and now, suddenly, the Ohio GOP saw the urgency to spend $20 million of taxpayer money for a SPECIAL August election to change this law.

It is their hope that a lower voter turnout, which is typical in the dog days of August, will ensure that a minority of voters will be able to control what ballot issues are brought before the citizens of Ohio in the future. Issue 1 will raise the current threshold of 50% plus 1 (votes) for passage of citizen-led amendments to 60% making it virtually impossible for Ohioans to ever reform their Constitution.

The wording of this issue on the ballot was crafted in a way to be intentionally deceitful. Know, fellow Ohioans, it has nothing to do with “elevating the standard” to protect our Constitution, but instead silences the voice and vote of the majority. If this issue passes any future amendments initiated by Ohio citizens will be effectively quashed.

The tyranny of the minority over the will of the majority can be stopped by voting “NO” on Issue 1 on August 8. Early voting is now available in Lisbon at the board of elections. Otherwise, please get out and vote “NO” on August 8.

BRENDA DAMASO,

SUE VANSICKLE,

East Liverpool