Proposal to open casinos leads Ohio ballot issues

COLUMBUS (AP) — For the fifth time in 20 years, voters will be asked whether they want to expand gambling in Ohio.

A proposal to allow casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo leads a trio of issues on the November ballot.

Voters also will be asked whether they want to approve the sale of bonds to fund bonuses for veterans of the Afghanistan, Iraq and Persian Gulf wars.

A third proposal would establish a bipartisan board to regulate the care of livestock.

The casino proposal has ignited a nearly daily spat between supporters who say it will create 34,000 jobs in a down economy and opponents who say it’s just another “sweetheart” deal for gambling interests.

Voters defeated a proposal for a casino in western Ohio last November.