Clergy group takes stand on ballot issues

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance is making recommendations on how people should vote on three specific issues on the Nov. 4 election ballot.

The group of clergy from around the Mahoning Valley isn’t taking a stand on an particular candidate but is taking a stand on payday loans, casinos and public transit.

The Alliance urges voters to vote “Yes” on the payday loan issue (Issue 5) which would place certain limits on businesses making payday loans, including limiting interest they can charge; “No” on Issue 6 dealing with allowing casino operations in Clinton County; and “Yes” on Issue 8, which would provide financing for the Western Reserve Transit Authority for public transportation.

“As faith leaders, we are obligated by our call to proclaim truth to several issues that impact our local economy and the financial future of our families and their neighborhoods,” the Alliance said in a prepared statement, adding that there are serious moral and economic justice implications regarding Issues 5, 6 and 8.

God commands against charging interest on loans of money and other provisions, and Issue 5 will help prevent borrowers from becoming dependent on repeated borrowing, the Alliance said.

Issue 6 is a distraction from better economic solutions to the state’s financial problems, and Issue 8 should be approved in the spirit of sharing our wealth for all who have need, the Alliance said.