Husted rules against fracking ban charter amendments

COLUMBUS — Secretary of State Jon Husted ruled today that fracking-ban charter proposals in Athens, Fulton and Medina counties cannot appear on the ballot.

As part of his decision, Husted, a Republican, found that the proposed provisions in each of the charters relating to oil and gas exploration represented an attempt to circumvent state law in a manner the courts have already found to be in violation of the Ohio Constitution.

Supporters of an proposed fracking ban in Youngstown – already defeated four previous times on the ballot – are gathering signatures to put it on the city’s ballot in the Nov. 3 election. Husted’s decision would impact the local effort.

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