Issue 1 favors local economy, Mahoning Valley leaders say

YOUNGSTOWN — Local business, academic and political leaders urged Mahoning Valley residents to vote in favor of state Issue 1, which will allow Ohio to borrow $700 million to extend funding for the Third Frontier program for another four years, through 2016.

The issue is on the May 4 primary ballot.

The program began in 2005 when voters approved a ballot issue permitting the state to borrow $500 million for high-tech companies and research in areas including advanced and alternative energy and biomedicine. That program expires in June 2012. The May ballot issue would extend that to June 2016.

For the complete story, see Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com