Vote No On Issue 1 — Bait and Pitch
     If you can’t win, change the rules! This axiom accurately describes the efforts of radical progressives and leftists to “fix” our redistricting laws in Ohio. Issue 1 is an attempt to trick voters by promising an end to gerrymandering when, in fact, this constitutional amendment actually enables what it purports to prevent: gerrymandering! Issue 1 actually eliminates the anti-gerrymandering restrictions mandated by Ohio voters in 2015 and 2018. The two pages of ballot language, approved by the Ohio Supreme Court, dutifully discloses this discrepancy. Please take the time to read it.
   Issue1 is not a local, grassroots effort, but a cynical national/international effort funded by dark money groups that are especially targeting red states. These groups are spending $26 million in Ohio to hoodwink our electorate. Eighty-five percent (85%) of this money is coming from outside of Ohio and $7 million is coming from a Swiss billionaire. National and international puppet masters are pulling the strings and they want you to dance to their siren song.
   Redistricting is a political process that is highly influenced by federal court mandates. Accountability is a key component to this process. If citizens believe these districts are drawn in an unfair or overly partisan manner, these elected officials can be removed. If Issue I passes, this independent commission, made up of unelected bureaucrats, will not be accountable to the electorate. Voters cannot remove commissioners and we can’t challenge the maps in courts. Furthermore, Issue 1 mandates unlimited funding for this commission, including the requirement that taxpayers must finance all litigation!
   Issue 1 would enshrine this convoluted and complicated initiative into the Ohio Constitution. Their pitch is enticing, but don’t take the bait! Vote No on Issue 1.

Respectfully submitted, Fred Dailey