In another gross overreach of power by a local judge, a proposed amendment to the Ohio Budget bill, currently being reviewed by the Ohio Legislature would allow judges even MORE expanded power over park districts AND the ability to penalize and fine groups that the judge deems “interfering” with the park district.  In our opinion, this is an underhanded way to change the law without public scrutiny which is intended to have a chilling effect on anyone who would dare to oppose the judge or his appointed board.

Please read this article from Cleveland .com

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/04/proposal_would_allow_judges_to.html

Also – The text of the amended section is attached below (all underlined text is NEW language being added)

PLEASE TAKE ACTION!

Contact your legislators and ALL members of the Ohio General Assembly Finance Committee (listed below) and say:

1. I am calling about the budget bill – House Bill 49

2. Specifically about the proposal that would allow judges in fine Ohioans opposing park district actions. (changes to Ohio Revised Code 1545.06)

3. I am a citizen and taxpayer.  I want this language REMOVED from the budget bill.

For supporters who want more suggested talking points

I am a citizen and taxpayer. I want this language REMOVED from the budget bill because: 

 This is meant to have a chilling effect on public participation

 Enforcement of the language may violate citizen’s rights as guaranteed by the 1st,  4th and 5th amendments to the Constitution

 This is a sneaky underhanded way of changing Ohio law without public input. 

 This it is a blatant example of judicial overreach 

 Will cost state money due to myriad of lawsuits

  Micromanagement by the judge will Increase delays in probate court docket 

Numbers and e-mail addresses for local reps/senator  (NOTE: A phone call or hand-written letter is far more effective than e-mail.)

Rep. Sarah LaTourette.  614-644-5088   rep76@ohiohouse.gov

Rep. John Patterson.    614-466-1405      john.patterson@ohiohouse.gov

Sen. John Eklund.        614-644-7718        eklund@ohiosenate.gov

Members of the House Finance Committee can be contacted by clicking on each name on this site:  http://www.ohiohouse.gov/committee/finance

Below is the link to the actual text of the amendment as submitted (proposed changes to the current law are underlined).

132HB49-HC1793 (1)ORC ammendment