This letter to the editor by Hilary Tore appeared in the Toledo Blade, November 28th, 2018.
In August, the Lucas County Board of Elections unjustly voted to keep the Lake Erie Bill of Rights off the November ballot. However, through subsequent Ohio Supreme Court rulings it was learned that Toledo City Council has the power to enact an ordinance that would put the initiative to a vote.
Council has already passed such an ordinance for the Keep the Jail Downtown initiative, and a special election is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2019. Why has the same not been done for the Lake Erie Bill of Rights? Could it be the threats from industrial lobbyists to withhold campaign donations if members vote “yes?” For the voice of corporations to drown out the voice of the people is reprehensible. Council members need not support the Lake Erie Bill of Rights itself to affirm Toledoans’ right to vote.
In protest of Council’s failure to act, supporters attended the last meeting with duct tape over our mouths, inscribed with the words “Let Us Vote.” Council Member Tom Waniewski berated the protestors, calling us “buffoons” for the display. In response, I ask this: what is more disrespectful — a silent display of dissent, or disregard for the signatures of the thousands of Toledoans and for the democratic process? Our request is simple and reasonable: let us vote. Link to original source HERE.