Yesterday's referendum victory in defeating Ohio's Senate Bill 5, what would have been a ban on collective bargaining by public employees at all levels of government, is sobering from many vantage points. It doesn't lend itself to a yin-yang, Democratic-Republican, black-white analysis. The vote gave public workers a little relief, leaving a lot of challenges ahead. Here are some things to consider.
A referendum is a "citizens' veto," a tourniquet that stops bleeding--but more is needed to heal. Now the hard work begins.
The independent vote in Ohio is as strong as it's ever been. Independent voters made it clear that fists must be unclenched and hands extended. Working together is Ohio's best chance to heal the state with the greatest speed and effectiveness.
There can no longer be "politics as usual"--for anyone. If government leaders are truly focused on people, their needs, their families and their lives, their greatest tool must be respect. More was clearly needed here.
Ohio's dire social and economic situation calls for moving forward as best as people can together. A greedy few often benefit most when citizens are pitted one against another. The enemy should never be us.
As each side picks up the pieces from political theories smashed and dreams of rebuilding a better Ohio, all Ohio's leaders should look to the greater interests of Ohioans, making a sincere effort to work together. A fair process is the genesis of the greatest good, a pathway to achievement for many.
As I was walking my dogs early this morning in downtown Columbus, I saw one of my former employees from the Secretary of State's office. She said all year she had felt vilified by the new law. Now she felt respected by the voters. More respect from all sides could go a long way to make 2012 less painful for all of us.
1
1
1
