Ohio Ballots

This past November has been an eventful month when it comes to the ballot box. Below are the most notable ballots for us Miamisburgians:

1. Marsy’s Law

Issue 1, also known as Marsy’s Law, highlighted the rights of crime victims and their families. If passed, Section 10a of Article 1 of the Ohio Constitution would be repealed and replaced with Marsy’s Law. Section 10a reads:

Victims of criminal offenses shall be accorded fairness, dignity, and respect in the criminal justice process, and, as the General Assembly shall define and provide by law, shall be accorded rights to reasonable and appropriate notice, information, access, and protection and to a meaningful role in the criminal justice process.

The Ohio Constitutional amendment passed by 82.59%. It’s interesting to note that this percentage was the highest across states who voted for similar measures. Section 10a will now include passages that address the rights and privacies of victims and their families. Some of the main rights the victims will now have:

• Be present and heard at all court proceedings

• Be notified of all court proceedings

• Be notified when the accused is released or escapes

• Be compensated for harm caused

• Refuse an interview or other requests made by the accused in most cases

2. Drug Price Relief Act

Also known as Issue 2, the act requires the state pay "no more for prescription drugs than the price paid by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs." But for many, the Issue was murky.

Proponents argued: It will save the state $400 million a year by reducing rates for those on state health plans.

Opponents argued: “The average Ohioan who needs an EpiPen for their child, this issue doesn't actually address the cost that you're going to pay” says Professor David Niven.

After a tumultuous campaign, Issue 2 failed to pass with only 20.72% in support.

3. Montgomery County Human Services $55 Million Levy

Over the span of 8-years, the passage of this levy “will help fund safety-net programs for children in crisis, the developmentally disabled, the frail elderly and indigent — as well as those whose lives are upended by opioids.” (Stewart).

Once implemented, five main Montgomery County agencies receive the levy funding: the Board of Developmental Disabilities Services, Children Services, Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board, Public Health (Dayton & Montgomery County) and the Area Agency on Aging.

The levy passed by 75%. A surprise to no one including Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “We couldn’t be more pleased that the voting citizens here in Montgomery County understand that our most vulnerable citizens really need our assistance,” she said.

4. Miamisburg School $8.65 Million Levy

For an owner of a $100,000 home, this levy would cost $265 a year.

With 65% of the voters in favor, the levy passed with some breathing room.

5. Sinclair Community College $28 Million Renewal Levy

For an owner of a $100,000 home, this levy would cost around $98 annually.

With 74% of the votes in favor, the levy passed easily. As a high school who exports many students to Sinclair, this levy was heavily supported among the Miamisburg community.

After passage, President Steve Johnson said, “We are so thankful that our compact with Montgomery County remains strong.. We will continue to deliver on our promises to be community aligned, accessible and affordable.”

Works Cited

Burke, Clancy. “Voters deciding on Marsy's Law, a bill that gives rights to crime victims, families.” WRGT, 7 Nov. 2017, fox45now.com/news/local/voters-deciding-on-marsys-law-a-bill-that-gives-rights-to-crime-victims-families.

Aragon, Rachel. “Special Report: What Issue 2 will mean for you.” WRGT, 30 Oct. 2017, fox45now.com/news/local/special-report-what-issue-2-will-mean-for-you.

Blizzard, Nick. 8:21 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 Miamisburg. “Miamisburg school levy: Voters approve renewal issue by wide margin.” Daytondailynews, 7 Nov. 2017, www.daytondailynews.com/news/miamisburg-school-levy-voters-approve-renewal-issue-wide-margin/mM1OY2h1aKKKkA1slYGWXJ/.

Filby, Max. 9:52 p.m Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017 Local. “Sinclair’s $28M renewal levy passes easily.” Daytondailynews, 7 Nov. 2017, www.daytondailynews.com/news/local-govt--politics/sinclair-community-college-levy/eNITRAxxaPWUAEjZZrCEVI/.

Group, Sinclair Broadcast. “Election Results.” WRGT,

fox45now.com/news/election-results.

Image: https://goo.gl/images/68sNuC

#november #voting #ballot #local #drugs #miamisburg