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State Representative Jim Buchy
Ohioans Will
Answer Some Important Questions November 3rd
On November 3rd Ohioans have an important election. We will have
to wait several more months to have our voices heard on the fate of
Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton, John Kasich, or Carly
Fiorina. But as you read this the votes are being cast in Ohio
for and against marijuana monopolies, a new redistricting model for
state level legislative districts, and the future of constitutional
monopolies.
When I was first elected as State Representative in 1982, if you had
asked me if we would ever legalize recreational marijuana in this
state, I would have answered in two ways—first I would have never saw
it as a possibility—second I would have told you I would be doing
everything I could to stop it.
Like many of my positions, this is one that has not changed. Now
you may call me old, old school, stubborn, set in my ways or any other
term you want to use to describe my conservative approach. But I
know the facts are on my side. When drugs are available, just say
no, and when drugs are being pedaled through an organized cartel,
monopoly or oligopoly, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Just run.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s we faced evil South American Narcos
who wanted to hook our children and take our money. These same types of
people are operating the drug trade plaguing our state again. The
last thing we need is 10 marijuana grow sites owned by wealthy
investors that aren’t subject to local regulations. Determining
the difference between “legal” and black market pot will prove
problematic to regulate. Allowing Issue 3 to pass will make the
work of our local police officers very difficult. That is why the
Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed a no vote on Issue 3, marijuana
monopolies.
When you are at the polls to vote 'no' on Issue 3, make sure you cast a
'yes' vote on Issue 2 as well. Issue 2 is a way for Ohioans to
tell wealthy investors that our constitution is not for sale. We
cannot continue to allow monopolies to enter our state's most important
document, the Ohio Constitution. If Issue 2 passes, it will
ensure no future ballot initiatives can create a monopoly or similar
money-making scheme in the Ohio Constitution, unless the voters give
their permission to do so. This is an important step first
proposed by a committee of Ohio citizens that gather for the purpose of
modernizing Ohio’s constitution, this group is bipartisan and not
politically influenced.
To get to Issue 2 and Issue 3 you will first have to consider Issue
1. You could call Issue 1 redistricting railroad. By
casting your vote as yes on Issue 1 you will stop Park Place from
controlling Ohio’s legislative redistricting process. This
new proposal will ensure that all sides have a say in the redistricting
process every 10 years and, best of all, Ohioans win!
This is an important election, and I trust you will vote on November
3rd. When you do, please consider a Yes vote on Issues 1 and 2
and for the sake of our fine families in western Ohio, please vote NO
on Issues 3.
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