Ohio Supreme Court Decides Citizens’ Initiative Can Go on the Ballot

The Ohio Supreme Court has decided that the city's citizens’ petition initiative can go on the ballot in November.

The issue argues that money isn’t equal to speech and corporations aren’t equal to people—if passed, the city would have to send a letter to state and federal representatives saying Brecksville voters support adding a federal amendment saying just that. The city has been fighting this issue, saying it's beyond their reach.

On Monday, the Ohio Supreme Court denied or dismissed all of the city’s requests, which means that the issue will go to voters in November. There were five justices in favor and two who dissented.

The decision and the “slip opinion,” which is not yet formalized, can be read on the court’s website.

Brecksville Law Director David J. Matty could not be reached as of publication.

Rose Petsche, one of the leaders of Brecksville Citizens for Transparent Politics—the group that collected signatures to put the issue on the ballot—said in an email that there would be an informational meeting about the issue at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the Brecksville branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Update, 1 p.m., Oct. 2
Law Director David J. Matty said the city would abide by the court’s decision and no further action would be taken.