Morrow County Residents,
As many of you are aware, there is an issue on the ballot this year. When you go to the polls to vote, you will see Issue 1 which is being backed by billionaires from other states, not Ohio. I believe strongly that Issue 1, a proposed Ohio Constitution amendment, is bad for Ohio.
In many instances, Issue 1 will require that possession of dangerous drugs like heroin, meth and fentanyl be charged as misdemeanors rather than felonies. Issue 1 will also prohibit jail time as a sentence for obtaining, possessing, or using such drugs until an individual’s third offense within 24 months. Knowing that they are entitled to a “free-pass,” drug users will not be motivated to modify their behavior and seek help for their addiction. Our community is not well served by eliminating potential negative consequences for those violating the law.
I find myself scratching my head trying to figure out what type of society we have become by even entertaining this type of idea. What type of society will we be leaving our children or grandchildren if Issue 1 becomes law?
The passage of Issue 1 will decriminalize some of the most dangerous substances we have ever seen as a society. By passing Issue 1 I believe we will be saying its okay to use drugs like heroin, meth and fentanyl.
I see first-hand the negative effects of drug use in our community. Do you want billionaires from other states affecting your way of life and imposing their beliefs upon Ohio? I do not and I strongly oppose such efforts to decriminalize these dangerous drugs.
Please stand with me and vote no on Issue 1.
John L. Hinton
Morrow County Sheriff
