Greater Cleveland Partnership statement on outcome of the Issue 2 vote

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Cleveland, Ohio—"In the aftermath of the repeal of Senate Bill 5, we can expect that emotions on both sides of this issue will ebb. Now we must turn our attention toward what comes next.

"We are faced with a troubled Ohio economic landscape that looks the same as it did before the election—with dark fiscal clouds forming over many local governments and school districts across the state.

"Our financial problems – particularly those of our local governments and public school districts - will not vanish. Clearly, tax increases are not the answer. Calm and clarity from all Ohioans are needed for us to work together toward making our state more competitive and more appealing for job creation and continuing to improve our public education system.

"The Greater Cleveland Partnership will continue to advocate for adjustments to a system, which, left as is, is unsustainable. We still strongly support the sweeping changes proposed to help the state improve economic performance and reduce costs that were detailed in the Redesigning Ohio: Transforming Government into a 21st Century Institution report released last December by the GCP, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and other Ohio metropolitan chambers. We are concerned that, if the status quo is permitted to go forward untouched, what has been a trickle of layoffs among our public workers across Ohio could turn into a devastating flood.

"We also will continue to support efforts that will help the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and other districts keep the best teachers in their classrooms every day—regardless of economic conditions. We must provide our children with the best possible opportunities for academic success.

"Thanks to those GCP members who gave their time, talent and energy to support our position on this important issue. Although Issue 2 did not pass, reform efforts will continue. In the months ahead, we look forward to your continued commitment to our agenda to work toward a better Ohio."

  • Click here  to read our "look behind the numbers" of the Nov. 8 election results.

-end-

As an association of business members, the Greater Cleveland Partnership mobilizes private-sector leadership, expertise and resources to create jobs and leverage investment to improve the economic vitality of the region. http://www.gcpartnership.com

 

Back to News