SB5 opponents air first TV ad

COLUMBUS (AP) — Firefighters are featured in the first TV spot in the campaign to overturn an Ohio law limiting the bargaining powers of public employee unions.

We Are Ohio released the ad today in news conferences in seven cities, including Struthers.

It features images of firefighters racing to a burning house and Ohio firefighter Doug Stern telling viewers, “Issue 2 makes it illegal for us to negotiate for enough firefighters to do the job.” He says that can mean the difference between life and death.

The campaign is seeking a no vote on Issue 2, a referendum on the collective-bargaining overhaul signed by Gov. John Kasich in April.

Building a Better Ohio, a group defending the law, says it provides tools for cities to avoid layoffs in their safety forces.