Letter to the editor - Anne S. Wise
Jun 07, 2023 12:58 PM
CLEVELAND -- I have voted in almost every national, state and local elections, including special elections, since I moved to Cuyahoga County in 1995. I vote because it’s both my right and my obligation as a citizen; I vote in hopes of improving the city I love; I vote to try to protect the future for our youth too young to vote; and, as a community-based physician, I vote because I understand that the health of my patients depends as much on thoughtful and caring public policy as it does on my treatment plans.
The resolution to raise the threshold for citizen-led state constitutional amendment initiatives from a simple majority to a supermajority of 60% is an enraging assault by our gerrymandered Ohio legislature on our voting voices. Citizen-led ballot initiatives are a tool that allows Ohioans to check the power of our state government. Diminishing the power of one person, one vote, means more power for extreme, out-of-touch politicians, lobbyists and special interests - which, of course, is the point.
I will vote in this cynical, bought-and-paid-for special August election. And I will vote “No”: for my patients, our future, and for democracy itself.
Dr. Anne S. Wise, Cleveland, letter to the editor, Cleveland Plain Dealer published June 5, 2023
In this edition of our Metzenbaum Society newsletter we share the great news that Shammas Malik has emerged as the presumptive mayor of Akron, winning the Democratic primary with an impressive 43% of the vote. This election also underscores the importance of grassroots efforts, as Ohio Citizen Action's door-to-door canvassing made a tangible impact on Malik's resounding success. You can also read about many organizational developments as we continue to support pro-climate, pro-consumer, and pro-democracy candidates in upcoming municipal elections this fall.
Me, Justin Gray-Besson and Tatiana Rodzos in Columbus May 3, 2023.