State Issue 1 good for Ohio
If you're a voter who turned thumbs down two years ago on a statewide ballot issue that would have helped fund the Third Frontier high-technology initiative, we have three words for you: Jobs for Ohio. And as you contemplate those three, we would add another one: Delphi.
Delphi wasn't a factor in 2003, but it is today. The giant components manufacturer for the automotive industry has filed for bankruptcy and has announced the elimination of thousands of jobs in the United States. Given Delphi's huge presence in Ohio, job losses will undoubtedly be significant -- possibly here, certainly in Dayton.
Such a loss would be devastating to the state's economy, which is still reeling from the 200,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs that have disappeared over the past several years.
Passage of Issue 1 would enable the state to borrow $2 billion through the sale of bonds to finance local road, bridge, water and sewer projects, to pay for the reclamation of old industrial sites and their conversion to industrial parks, and to finance Gov. Bob Taft's Third Frontier high-tech initiative. Passage will not result in an increase in taxes.
Its defeat would undermine Ohio's ability to compete for high-technology jobs and hold its own in the global economy.
Local benefits
Some opponents of Issue 1 suggest that while roads and bridges are important, the Third Frontier is a waste of money. The Third Frontier would benefit the Valley through research projects at KSU-Trumbull and Youngstown State University and through the Youngstown Business Incubator.
All elements of State Issue 1 are important.
Don't take our word for it. Former U.S. Sen. John Glenn, one of the most respected men in America, is chairing the State Issue 1 campaign. Other supporters include the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, the Ohio AFL-CIO and other labor groups.
State Issue 1 will be good for Ohio. We urge its passage.