At last night’s standing-room-only Athens City Council meeting, there was much jubilation over the passing of a resolution that shows the city’s support of the reversal of the Supreme Court ruling Citizens United v Federal Elections Commission.
The resolution is the brainchild of Councilman Jeff Risner, D-2nd Ward, who first proposed it Jan. 9, just his second week as a council member.
According to the resolution, Athens joins those nationwide who oppose the Supreme Court's ruling in the Citizens United case that grants corporations first-amendment rights.
Specifically, Risner said he wants to rid corporations of the ability to donate unlimited funds to political campaigns. He has said this ability is ruining the political process and is glad the resolution has received so much support.
“It has been pretty clear there has been overwhelming support from the community and from members of council,” he said.
During previous discussions, the council brought up a need for stronger language.
“Section three now states that a copy will be sent directly to Ohio’s senators and representatives,” Risner said. “It also proposes an amendment to the constitution to reverse the ruling.”
Councilman Elahu Gosney, D-At Large, spoke out at last night’s meeting in support of Risner’s resolution.
“According to 'The Colbert Report,' Super PACs have spent $130 million on this year’s Republican election,” Gosney said. “And $67 million, over half of the total, has been spent by 22 individuals. This shows how the wealthy have taken over the political process.”
When council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution, those who came to the meeting in support began applauding. Nick Tuell, president of Ohio University College Democrats, was among them, blowing into his noisemaker.
