Governor pushes for constitutional reform to end political map drawing

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the contentious issue of redistricting in Ohio, with Governor advocating for a resolution to replace the current proposal with a plan modeled after Iowa's successful system. The Governor expressed strong opposition to a ballot initiative he described as \"inherently flawed,\" emphasizing the need to end the ongoing revisions of the state constitution regarding this matter.

The Governor outlined his intention to collaborate with the General Assembly to introduce a resolution in the upcoming session, which would undergo public hearings to gather input from citizens. He aims to present a version of the Iowa ballot language, which has been in effect for approximately 40 years, as a framework for Ohio's redistricting process.

Addressing concerns about potential deviations from the Iowa plan, the Governor stated that he would oppose any significant alterations, asserting that the focus should be on the criteria used for map drawing rather than the individuals responsible for the task. He criticized the current proposal for imposing criteria that he believes would lead to predetermined outcomes, arguing that the average voter prefers a process that respects political subdivisions and maintains compactness in districting.

The Governor acknowledged skepticism regarding public trust in the legislature, citing a history of partisan manipulation in redistricting. He asserted that the Iowa plan would eliminate such practices by establishing clear, constitutional guidelines that map drawers must follow, thereby reducing the influence of political considerations.

In closing, the Governor reiterated his commitment to ensuring that voters have a clear choice in the upcoming ballot, emphasizing that the proposed Iowa-inspired plan would prioritize fairness and transparency in the redistricting process. He indicated that if the legislature fails to act, he would pursue an initiative to place the proposal directly on the ballot.