Kasich speaks at pro Issue 2 rally in Columbiana County

November 1, 2011 at 8:06p.m.

Gov. John Kasich said he understands why public employees are “nervous” about Issue 2, a bill that would restrict some collective-bargaining rights for those workers.

“They were told a lot of misinformation,” Kasich, a Republican, said today at a pro-Issue 2 rally outside the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton.

Kasich played down the bill’s impact saying it doesn’t eliminate collective bargaining and only asks for workers to pay 10 percent of their pension costs and at least 15 percent of their health-insurance premiums.

“We’re not asking for 50 percent of their health-care [premiums] or taking away their pensions,” Kasich said to about 200 supporters of Issue 2 at the rally.

There were about 25 protestors at the rally. A plastic fence separated the Issue 2 supporters and opponents.

There were only a few verbal exchanges, and the protestors attempted to shout down Kasich at times.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com