State Treasurer Robert Sprague spoke at the Allen County Republican luncheon Friday.
LIMA — It was safe to say that the Allen County Republican Party luncheon was issue-driven, Issue 1, to be precise.
A special election will be held on Aug. 8 to allow voters to decide on the percentage of votes necessary to change the constitution statewide. For years, the Ohio Constitution could be amended with a majority of 50% plus one vote. In August, the voters will decide to keep the same requirement or increase the votes necessary for an amendment.
The Allen County Republican party gathered for a luncheon Friday afternoon. National Federation of Independent Business state director Chris Ferruso, Ohio Right to Life president Mike Gonidakis, Ohio Auditor Keith Faber and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague spoke at the luncheon to share with community members why they should vote yes and increase the percentage necessary.
The upcoming November general election will give voters a chance to decide on an amendment cementing access to abortion in Ohio, and for proponents of Issue 1, having that kind of amendment on the ballot is a strong reason why the threshold should be 60% for passage.
“I feel compelled to talk about it because of my humanity and because of my faith — So as you think about this August election and raising the threshold to 60%, as you think about what’s going to be attempted to be put in the Ohio constitution in November, I ask that you go home, that you pray for Ohio,” said Sprague. “I ask that you pray for Ohio mothers, and most of all that you pray that God raises His mighty hand and the protection of the innocent here in the state of Ohio.”
Ferruso shared the NFIB’s perspective on this debate, saying that passing this issue would bring Ohio more in line with how other states approach their respective constitutions.
“Our approach is a little bit different,” said Ferruso. “We’re focused solely on business issues. It has been for the better part of a decade that not just us but the business community at large has been advocating for reforms to the way our constitution gets amended. We’re a minority of states that even allow a citizen-initiated process. We’re one of eight. So don’t think that Issue 1 is taking Ohio down a path away from every other state. Nothing can be further from the truth.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
