Officials to drum up support for Issue 1

An official says the program is one of the greatest Ohio has ever had.
By D.A. WILKINSON
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County commissioners have endorsed state Issue 1, which would fund capital improvement projects throughout the state.
The commissioners said Wednesday they plan to meet with township trustees and other groups to drum up local support for the issue, which will be on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Issue 1 would pay all or part of capital projects, help fund research to support Ohio's industries and finance development of industrial sites.
Version of Issue 2
The issue is a new version of state Issue 2, which was passed 20 years ago. It amended the Ohio Constitution to allow the state to authorize bonds to finance infrastructure improvements.
County Engineer Bert Dawson told the commissioners the original issue brought $20 million to the county.
Half of the money went to the county and the rest went to cities, villages and townships. The projects were done throughout the county.
"I've heard no complaints," Dawson said. "It's sort of like a revenue-sharing program."
Dawson added that the state issue does not increase the county's debt.
Many projects
Figures from his office show the state funds went to more than 60 road, water and sewer projects, 27 bridge replacements and several other jobs.
Dawson noted that former state Sen. Harry Meshel pushed for the plan when he represented Columbiana and Mahoning counties.
"It's one of the greatest programs we've ever had in the state of Ohio, and it had its inception in Mahoning and Columbiana counties," Dawson said.
The issue already has been endorsed by public officials, businesses, unions, educators and the Ohio League of Women Voters.
Equipment purchase
In other action, the commissioners approved the purchase of $645,125 worth of equipment from CML, a division of Verizon Communications Inc.
Commissioner Gary Williams said the equipment will be used for the county's proposed new enhanced 911 telephone service.
The 911 system will have five answering points around the county. But Williams said the key equipment will he housed at the new county Emergency Management Agency building under construction in Lisbon.
The commissioners hope to have the 911 system in operation by early in 2006.
The commissioners plan to meet with social service agencies later this month to coordinate getting help to the needy with winter heating bills. Heating oil and natural gas costs are expected to be high this winter.
The commissioners said they want to reduce duplication, extend scarce resources and reduce the need for people to travel to multiple organizations for help.
wilkinson@vindy.com