Voting is a right and the ultimate expression of our freedom. As the voice of the business community, the Greater Akron Chamber encourages our members to promote the importance of voting to their employees and to educate them on the ballot issues. Please visit the Government Affairs Page of the Greater Akron Chamber web site or click here for more educational information on issues and candidates on the ballot this May 4.

STATEWIDE BALLOT ISSUES

Issue 1 - To Extend the Ohio Third Frontier Program By Authorizing The Issuance of Additional General Obligation Bonds To Promote Economic Growth is a proposed amendment that would continue funding for research and development purposes by authorizing the state to issue $700 million of general obligation bonds to renew and continue programs for research and development in support of Ohio industry, commerce, and business. The issue would also require state agencies awarding funding to obtain independent reviews of and recommendations as to the merits of proposed research and development projects. This is a funding renewal of the Ohio Third Frontier Program. The issue is supported by United for Jobs and Ohio's Future. There are no known opponents.

Issue 2 - To Change the Location of the Columbus Casino Facility Authorized By The Previous Statewide Vote is a proposed amendment that would change the location of the Columbus area casino authorized by the November 2009 statewide vote from the area known as "The Arena District" to the site of a former General Motors/Delphi Corp. manufacturing plant. The issue is supported by Citizens for the Library's Future. There are no known opponents.