Issue 3 gives Ohioans the opportunity to amend Ohio’s constitution. The issue is headlined in such a way, it is almost certain to get a “Yes” vote. (See PDF) The headline says: “Proposed Constitutional Amendment: To Preserve The Freedom Of Ohioans To Choose Their Health Care and Health Care Coverage”

It seems unlikely that Ohioans will vote down the chance to preserve their freedom, but retired Judge William O’Neill warns against a “Yes” vote. O’Neill is a retired judge and says he has a unique perspective because he also has worked as a Registered Nurse. O’Neill writes, “In the name of conservatism, a small segment of the population is now inviting the rest of us to shoot ourselves in the foot under the theory that we must immediately amend the Ohio Constitution. The folly is evident on its face.”

He warns of unexpected consequences of Issue 3 and writes, “History has shown that the amending of our Constitution must be discouraged under all but the most compelling circumstances.”

Judge O’Neill says Issue 3, if passed, will not stop the implementation of the Affordable Health Act, “Obamacare,” because state law cannot overturn federal law. He warns, however, that this change to the constitution may tie the hands of future Ohio Assemblies to pass needed laws. He writes,

The amendment would grandfather in all laws and rules on the books as of the magical date of March 19, 2010. But a lot has happened in America since 2010, and this Amendment attempts to block change in our health care system from this day forward. Not to change or repair past practices, but to block change in the future. I don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future but, unfortunately, our healthcare system may have new or amplified problems in the future. Issue 3 would prevent future lawmakers in Ohio – regardless of party affiliation – from considering a vast amount rationally-based legislation to correct those problems.

Everyone in Ohio knows that health care in America and Ohio has become a big problem from a financial standpoint. We are simply spending too much money for too little coverage, and nowhere is that more evident than in Medicaid. In the 1970s as a nation we made a decision to guarantee high quality medical care to the least fortunate among us; and as a nation we made a decision that this federal act of compassion shall be paid for by the states. And from the beginning the program has been plagued with wildly exploding costs, use and abuse. And today it remains a giant part of every state budget. But, if Issue 3 passes, the Ohio Legislature’s hands will be tied as it will be prevented from attempting to correct the problem. …

Issue 3, if passed, will amend the Ohio Constitution to prevent ALL changes in addressing health care in Ohio… to the detriment of ALL taxpayers. This goes beyond throwing out the baby with the bath water. It even goes beyond shooting oneself in the foot. This is economic suicide in the name of freedom of choice in health care. The question remains. Freedom for whom?

In conclusion, there is no question there is ample room for disagreement on how to rein in health care costs in America and Ohio. And that is why we have legislative bodies. To resolve policy differences. But the Ohio Constitution, in all due respect, does not belong in this particular fight. The stakes are too high. I strongly encourage the citizens of Ohio to vote “NO” on Issue 3

Saturday, I wrote about impressive campaign material I received at my home in Kettering’s Ward 4: Lisa Crosley, Kettering Ward 4 Candidate, Says Her 8 Point Plan Will Cut City Taxes From 2.25% To 1.5%.

Bruce Duke, the incumbent City Council member, has refused my e-mail invitation to post his response to Mrs. Crosley’s plan here on DaytonOS. His e-mail reply, yesterday, in part, said:  “Thanks for your e-mail and offer, but at this time I choose not to have discourse on a blog site.” I’m taking that comment to mean that Mr. Duke is simply refusing to comment, Period, since he has made no effort to telephone me, nor has he made any response on his own web-site.

I wrote the following back to him:

Mr. Duke,

The proposals offered by Mrs. Crosley, I believe, could provide a useful framework for discussion. Many Kettering voters would resist Mrs. Crosley’s implied suggestion that Kettering should become more like Beavercreek, just as many Oakwood voters would resist a suggestion that Oakwood should become more like Miamisburg. But by offering an eight point plan, Mrs. Crosley does a great service, if, from this plan can come a creative and meaningful discussion about questions such as: What are the competing views of the future of Kettering? What public policies should be formulated in order for Kettering to have the best chance for a great future?

Your 24 years of work on the Council have been admirable. The qualities of diligence and thoughtfulness, with which you have served, I’m sure, have provided you with a wealth of information about Kettering issues. If you so chose, you could bring enlightenment to the issues that Mrs. Crosley raises.

Mrs. Crosley’s point 4 — “Create Transparency and Accountability” — I feel, is most important. In order for our democracy to have any vitality, there must be transparency. Transparency is needed in government, also in political campaigns. It is disgraceful that Kettering scheduled only one civic meeting this whole election season. It is amazing that you, a respected elected official, during a general reelection campaign, should respond to the request for dialogue with the words, “I choose not to have discourse.”

Mrs. Crosley’s literature headlined, “Thinking About Tomorrow,” suggests a great topic. Our hope to create thoughtful solutions to the big problems facing this nation is not to be found in the partisan quicksands of Washington or Columbus, but within the green fields found within local communities like Kettering. Our best chance to create thoughtful solutions for the future is to activate a grassroots movement at the local level. Such a movement is built on transparency.

We should see it as fortunate that some of our friends and neighbors are solid conservatives and others are hidebound liberals. We are fortunate to be citizens in Kettering, Ohio, because, if there is any place on the planet well suited for a civic community of thoughtful citizens to become engaged in meaningful public discourse, it is Kettering. The question is: How do we create a space where brainless partisanship will decrease and, instead, thoughtful understanding and creative problem solving will flourish? How do we create community? Effective local leadership is essential.

I realize it is now the last week of the campaign, but, I believe, here in this small community, it is the right thing to do to respond to the challenge offered by Mrs. Crosley’s proposals. As a supporter of your campaign for reelection, I am asking, please reconsider. My suggestion is that you write a letter of response and simply post it on your own web-site.

Sincerely, Mike Bock

In Kettering’s Ward 4, where I live, there is shaping up a very interesting race for City Council. Lisa Crosley is challenging Bruce Duke, the incumbent who has represented Ward 4 for 24 years. Mrs. Crosley is making specific proposals — including a gradual reduction of the city income tax from 2.25% to 1.5% — that, so far as I can tell, Mr. Duke has not yet responded to.

Kettering has four Wards. This is Ward 4

Today, I received a great campaign piece from Mrs. Crosley — a three color large envelop with printing outside (reproduced below). Inside contained a three color letter written on both sides.  In her letter — see PDF of one side here — Mrs. Crosley makes specific proposals to revitalize Kettering. Her eighth point states, “By implementing the above proposals, we will lower the cost of government, create new jobs, and stabilize our population. This will allow a gradual and responsible reduction in our City income tax from 2.25% to 1.5% — while maintaining excellent essential public services.”

Each proposal is explained with several sentences, ending with a summary statement:

1. Cut excessive council salaries — “Leadership starts at the top.”
2. Stop out-of-control spending — “Better Stewardship is needed.”
3. Implement term limits — “I strongly support term limits for council and mayor.”
4. Create Transparency and Accountability — “I support open government.”
5. Seek Collaboration — “I support creative cost-cutting.”
6. Review Ordinances, Regulations — “I support a business-friendly Kettering.”
7. Bolster Economic Development — “I support a vibrant private sector.”
8. Reduce Taxes — “I support responsible tax reform.”

I am going to ask Mr. Duke to respond to these eight proposals, and I will post his response here.

On her web-site, Mrs. Crosley explains what motivated her to run. She writes it struck her as “distinctly un-American” that Mr. Duke was running unopposed.  She writes, “Voters should have clear choices.  That is the American way. …  I believe that 24 years is long enough for any incumbent to serve.  I believe it is time for New Leadership…and New Vision.  I believe in citizen representation, and that local government must run like a business, not a political organization.”

Mrs. Crosley writes, “I believe government at all levels has become too big,  is trying to solve problems it is not equipped to solve, and has assumed responsibilities better left to individuals and the private sector.  Government is, too often, the problem, not the solution.  In today’s troubled economic climate, we must commit to rational discussions on the role of government and the services it can reasonably be expected to provide.  Government must cut costs to meet its income, not expect its citizens to bear increasing tax burdens.”

Mr. Duke’s web-site shows that is has the support of The Mayor of Kettering, Don Patterson; The Vice Mayor of Kettering, Tony Klepacz; Councilwoman, Amy Schrimpf; Former Congressman, Tony Hall; and the Kettering Professional Firefighters, IAFF 2150.

His web-site shows a list of accomplishments he is proud of in his 24 years of service on the City Council.

Great looking campaign material from Lisa Crosley. This is the outside of the envelope delivered to my home today.

Incumbent Council Member, Bruce Duke, earlier this week distributed a great looking large card. On the other side is his picture and more information.