Issue 1
This issue would alter the Ohio Constitution by increasing the maximum age at which judge can assume office from 70 to 75.
Under the current age restriction and six-year term cycle, a judge can be elected at age 69 and serve until age 75. If the issue passes, a person can be elected judge at age 75 and serve until age 81.
Issue opponents believe increasing the age limit will burden Ohio courts with judges whose “best years are behind them,” according to statements on the Ohio Ballot Board’s website.
“Periodic elections coupled with a reasonable age limit assures that our judiciary system remains effective and productive,” opponents state on the site. “Our current system has served Ohio well, and the quality of our judiciary has never been better.”
Supporters, however, say the additional years will keep experienced judges in office while adding no financial burden to the state.
“I don’t see a problem with Issue 1,” said Pete Couladis, Athens County Republican Party chairman. “We’ll keep our experienced judges, and I don’t think anyone wants to see them go … and even if they did, voters still have the choice to elect someone else.”
Issue 3
This issue calls for exempting Ohio residents from national health care mandates in response to President Barack Obama’s signing of a national health care mandate law, known colloquially as “Obamacare,” in 2010.
Passing Issue 3 would stop any state law from forcing persons, employers or health care providers from participating in a health care system.
Bill Bias, president of the Athens County Democratic Party, believes passing the issue would have no effect on Athens residents or Ohioans, adding that its existence on the ballot is to get voters to retain Issue 2.
Issue 2, if passed, would limit collective-bargaining rights for public employees in Ohio.
“The Supreme Court will ultimately decided whether we can mandate,” Bias said. “This is a blatantly transparent political stunt by the Republican-controlled Ohio legislature.”
Supporters of the issue, however, believe it would “make it harder for government to force you to support the unhealthy lifestyles and choices of others,” as well as protect jobs in the health care industry.
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