Archives for November 2023

The issues on this ballot may affect the quality of life in Ohio and involve taking a moral stand, so everyone should make the effort to vote. The local City Council is the election we can affect the most and is in need of people speaking their minds now at the ballot. Your vote is important. Please vote!

• Cleveland Heights Municipal Court: JJ Costello – Capable, Experienced, Respects our community
• Cleveland Heights City Council – Vote for 3 – Gail Larson, Jim Petras, Jeanne Gordon. The current council and leadership have not accomplished the vision set out by those in Citizens for an Elected Mayor. Council’s role to be a check and balance has been hindered. Council Members cannot get the information they require to research and propose legislation, and the government has been less – not more – transparent, less available and less responsive and generally dysfunctional. There is a widespread belief that this proposed slate, together with the remaining members of council, will be able to move the city forward in all these regards in a stronger, more positive manner. It is certainly a difficult decision not to recognize Melody Hart and Janine Boyd for their past support of our community and it is therefore with regret that we cannot endorse them. While they remain friends, we are joining those involved in advocating this slate. Jessica Chavi Cohen and I stand together on this. See her expanded statement below. Political endorsements around the city have been split, so the vote may be close. All candidates support Israel. Vote for Godon, Larson and Petras.
• School Board – CHUH – No recommendation, Candidates are unopposed and do not favor our community.
• State of Ohio Constitutional Amendment – Abortion On Demand/Reproductive Rights. – longer explanation, see below as this is far from simple. Vote NO
• State of Ohio Issue 2 – The legalization of cannabis. Vote NO – This is a referendum. As such, state legislators will be able to pass restrictions even if this passes. Both seem likely. PRO: to be able to tax and regulate its sale. CON: Other states that have legalized recreational marijuana see increases in multiple safety issues such as children getting toxic and accidental doses and traffic hazards. While some downplay the ill effects, I have a very hard time picturing our Rabbis saying “Go for it” for recreational use. Medical uses are already legal. Some like to say that marijuana really isn’t a gateway drug, but it clearly is. Those who suffer addictions and die from overdoses of fentanyl often started with marijuana. We have lost and buried too many children to drug addiction not to recognize its danger this poses and respond with a solid NO.
• Issue 5 – A tax renewal and increase for Tri-C. Generally I support renewals but not increases. This contains a small increase in a tough economy, yet, Tri-C gives our young adults the very affordable start they need to enter the economy. It benefits our own and is worthy of your support. No recommendation.

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