Issue 3 defeated, library, OSU levies OK’d

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

It was thumbs down for State Issue 3, which would have legalized medical and recreational marijuana use in Ohio, but would also have created an monopoly for a few landowners and their investors who would control the growing of marijuana in the state.

The issue was defeated by nearly a 2-1 majority statewide, while county voters did even better, downing the issue 6,100-2,457, more than 70-30.

Following media announcements that the issue was defeated, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine issued the following statement: “Tonight’s vote is a resounding statement that Ohioans do not support the enshrinement of marijuana cartels in Ohio’s Constitution. Tonight is a great victory for Ohio’s families, public safety, and the democratic process.”

Issue 1, which would create a less partisan system of determining house and senate districts in Ohio was approved by county voters 5,398-2,571, and appeared to be en route to a victory statewide as well. Issue 2, a measure hurriedly crafted to combat Issue 3 and would prevent those behind Issue 3 from gaining a monopoly in growing and selling marijuana, was narrowly winning across the state, and in the county, where it passed, 4,873-3,465.

Local issues did extremely well, with nearly all of the levies being approved, with one notable exception: an issue in Washington Township that sought a half-mill in new money for current expenses for the township. The levy was for five years.

Issues approved during Tuesday’s general election include the following:

Van Wert County voters passed Vantage Career Center’s 0.7-mill, five-year permanent improvement levy renewal 5,326-1,848. Vantage Superintendent Staci Kaufman said the levy was comfortably leading in the other three counties that provide students to Vantage — Paulding, half of Putnam County and a slice of Mercer County — but wasn’t ready to relax until all results were tabulated in those counties.

Two other countywide issues passed resoundingly, with Brumback Library’s 0.5-mill, five-year levy approved 6,205-1,179 and the Ohio State University Extension tax issue, which was downgraded from 0.5 percent and 0.5-mill to 0.35-mill. That levy passed 6,148-2,165.

A 5-mill continuing levy sought by Crestview Local Schools also easily passed, 970-499. Superintendent Mike Estes said he appreciated the support voters provided Crestview students and staff.

Voters in Van Wert Precinct 2A also passed two local options involving liquor licenses for Hong Kong Buffet in the Towne Center shopping center. The options were approved 84-30 and 79-33.

Other issue results are as follows:

Convoy’s 2.7-mill, five-year current expenses levy renewal passed 183-64.

Middle Point saw two levy renewals passed: A 3-mill, five-year current expenses levy passed 129-60, while a 1.3-mill, five-year current expenses issue was adopted 123-65.

A 1-mill, five-year current expenses levy renewal sought in the Village of Willshire passed 65-42. Two levy renewals were adopted by voters in the Village of Wren. Wren voters approved a 3.5-mill, five-year current expenses levy renewal 41-11 and a 2.5-mill, five-year current expenses levy renewal 40-12.

In the townships, Hoaglin Township passed a 1.8-mill, three-year fire/EMS levy 147-37, while Jennings Township approved a 1.7-mill, five-year fire/EMS levy renewal 162-55.

Pleasant Township also approved a 1.25-mill, three-year fire/EMS levy renewal 557-114, while Ridge Township votes in the township’s West Fire District passed a 2.2-mill, five-year fire/EMS levy renewal 338-51.

Tully Township voters passed an 0.7-mill, five-year levy renewal that provides the township with current expense money 388-196, while York Township adopted a 2.1-mill, three-year fire/EMS renewal levy 216-52.