The 2 minute audio and text of this news story by Michael Bratton appeared on 13ABC WTVG, November 28, 2018.
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – When it comes to Lake Erie’s health perhaps no other group of citizens is more passionate.
I think it’s important that we have a strong local voice,” said Markie Miller of Toledoans for Safe Water.
For months now those with Miller’s group and Advocates For a Clean Lake Erie have pushed to get a Lake Erie Bill of Rights on the ballot.
“Right now we just have to wait until the harm happens and then we get vocal and ask for cleanup,” said Miller. “We want to be able to be a little more proactive and take some more preventative measures.”
Under the initiative Toledo’s charter would be amended to give Lake Erie rights and allow citizens to target sources of pollution.
Backers initially tried to get the proposal on November’s ballot, but it was denied after legal concerns from the Lucas County Board of Elections. After going through Ohio’s supreme court it’s able to be in February’s special election, but needs Toledo City Council’s blessing.
“We’ve been patient. We’ve been waiting,” said Miller. “We did what we were supposed to do, and we would like them to step up and do the same.” MORE…