Public Policy and Community Information Research

Forum Focused on New Redistricting Proposal in Ohio. Reformers Seek To Renew Democracy In This State

Thursday, November 9, 2023

The Republican majority in the State Legislature have ignored laws on the books that call for drawing non-gerrymandered political districts in Ohio. This has prompted a reform coalition to prepare a new State Constitutional Amendment Proposal that will create a non-partisan Citizen Commission to draw the political district maps. It is now time to collect signatures to put this proposal on the ballot.

At this Community Issues Forum, Catherine Turcer, Executive Director of Common Cause Ohio, and colleagues from the  local League of Women Voters will describe this proposal and why citizens rather than partisan politicians will benefit from this Initiative

Forum Focused on Should Voters Legalize Recreational Marijuana in Ohio?  The Pros and Cons Of State Issue 2.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Voters this November will approve or reject a proposed State Statute that would legalize, regulate, and tax the adult use of marijuana in Ohio. At the next Community Issues Forum on Thursday, October 26th, Brian Kessler, representing the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, will speak for Issue 2, while Jodi Salvo, Director of Substance Use Prevention Services for Ohio Guidestone, will speak against it.The Forum takes place at the Cathedral, 318 East Fourth Street, at 12:00 Noon, and people can also participate via Zoom. As usual questions and comments will be invited from Forum attendees.

Forum Focused on Should The City of Cincinnati Sell the Southern Railroad?

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Should the City sell its Railroad? Cincinnati voters will determine a proposed initiative by City Government on this November’s ballot to sell the Southern Railroad to Norfolk Southern Corporation for a price of $1.6-billion. At the next Community Issues Forum at Christ Church Cathedral on September 28th, 12:00 Noon, Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Lemon-Kearney will speak in favor of the sale, while former Councilman Kevin Flynn will oppose the initiative.
If passed, the money would go into a trust fund established to pay for needed infrastructure projects over the years. Opponents, however, say the sale price is far too low

Forum Focused on The Rise In Gun Violence Prompts New Efforts To Curb This Crisis

Thursday, May 18, 2023

A startling rise in gun violence prompts new efforts to curb it. At the next Community Issues Forum on Thursday May 18, U.S, Representative Greg Landsman of Cincinnati will discuss his commitment to working to pass positive legislation to address this crisis, while Jack Jose of Christ Church Cathedral will review ongoing local initiatives to prevent gun violence involving young people. ( Landsman’s presentation will be via Zoom.) as usual, questions and comments will be welcomed from attendees.