Ohio State Senator Gentile Supports "Voters First Ohio" Amendmen - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

Ohio State Senator Gentile Supports "Voters First Ohio" Amendment

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STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -

WTRF.com UPDATE

 

 

A local state senator has come out in support of the Voters First Ohio initiative that will appear on the November ballot.   Democrat Lou Gentile of Steubenville tells 7News that the proposed amendment is a must if Ohio wants to move away from partisan politics.  

Gentile says that the proposed amendment would place the power of carving up districts in the hands of a 12 person committee and not the political party that is in power. That way eliminating the splitting up of cities and counties along party lines.

"My hope is to take this process out of the smoke-filled rooms, away from special interests and the politician and finally allow citizens to have real input into how these districts are drawn", said Gentile.

The Ohio State Bar Association has come out in opposition, saying it was concerned about the proposal's requirement to have a panel of appellate judges approve the commission.  The association worries that there could be a conflict of interest.

The Voters First Ohio collected 406,000 valid signatures to place the issue on the fall ballot. A board member says Voters First is disappointed by the OSBA's position but will continue the coalition's effort.

The Ohio Republican Party is also fighting the measure.

 

ORIGINAL STORY

 

 

State senator Lou Gentile (D-Ohio) has come out in support of the Voters First Ohio initiative that will appear on the November ballot.  

Gentile, a local of Steubenville and serving for district 30, says the proposed amendment is a must if Ohio wants to move away from partisan politics. 

Gentile says the proposed amendment would place the power of carving up districts in the hands of a 12 person committee and not the political party that is in power, eliminating the split up of cities and counties along party lines.

"My hope is to take this process out of the smoke-filled rooms, away from special interests and the politician and finally allow citizens to have real input into how these districts are drawn," he said.

The Ohio State Bar Association opposes the initiative, stating it was concerned about the proposal's requirement to have a panel of appellate judges approve the commission.  The association worries there could be a conflict of interest.