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by Joe Cornely

In a narrow decision, Ohio voters rejected State Issue 1, an outcome that was advocated by Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. OFBF opposed the initiative because it "did not address the real problems that are seriously hurting Ohio’s economy," according to Jack Fisher, OFBF’s executive vice president.

Issue 1 would have allowed the state to borrow $500 million to fund projects to create high-tech jobs as a way to boost Ohio’s economic future. But Farm Bureau’s position was that these high-tech businesses alongside farming, agribusiness and manufacturing can provide economic growth both now and in the future only if given the right business climate.

Fisher said Farm Bureau believes the Ohio economy would be helped by a reduction in the heavy tax burdens on individuals and businesses. The organization also favors reform of civil litigation laws that harm economic growth. "Voters seem to agree we should begin by improving Ohio’s business climate so we can preserve existing industries. Once that’s done, new businesses also will have a fighting chance," Fisher said.

Farm Bureau also questioned the wisdom of the state being obligated to pay off approximately $690 million in bond and debt service costs. While the measure was promoted as not requiring "any new taxes," Fisher thinks the public didn’t quite believe that message. "The state was going to have to pay off that money somehow, and taking on that much more debt just wasn’t seen as being fiscally responsible," he said.

Another reason Farm Bureau opposed Issue 1 was that it would have amended Ohio’s Constitution and made it legal for government to invest in private enterprise. Fisher said the marketplace, not government, should choose which industries succeed or fail. He added that a strong business climate would eliminate the need for government intervention.

Proponents of Issue 1 collected more than $3 million for a radio and television advertising campaign aimed at getting a "yes" vote, and most major newspapers editorialized in favor of the issue. Farm Bureau, which was virtually alone in opposing the measure, shared its message via a news release and an article in Buckeye Farm News. OFBF also devoted a significant amount of time responding to numerous calls from newspaper, television and radio reporters. The ballot measure lost 51 percent to 49 percent. Rural counties overwhelmingly voted "no."

Fisher added that Farm Bureau welcomes new high-tech industries to Ohio, but as participants in the economy, not replacements for Ohio’s current $80 billion high-tech industry – agriculture. "Farming and its related businesses make up the largest industry in the state," Fisher said. "Farm Bureau is committed to agriculture maintaining its prominence."