Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Police accuse bank robbery suspect of gobbling up note (with dashcam video)
Man found dead in North Akron home is identified
Dad accused of forcing son into field, killing him
Coventry man killed in crash at I-77 ramp
NFL star Chris Spielman's wife loses cancer battle
College student mistaken for deer, shot to death
Browns' roster nearly devoid of consistent players
Blogs:
Pets:
Cat-loving chihuahua suckles seven abandoned kittens
The Heldenfiles:
Friday Night Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
For your Saturday entertainment …
Akron Zips:
Hitchens leads Zips in second-half comeback
Tribe Matters:
Seven players added to Tribe’s 40-man roster
Cleveland Browns:
Holmgren expresses interest in Browns position
Kent State Sports:
Kent State blown out in second half, loses to Temple 47-13
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Buckeye Blogging:
OSU – Michigan college football rivals meet in Baghdad
Varsity Letters:
Four area football teams play tonight
All Da King's Men:
Headed For Disaster
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Will Health Care Reform Pass?
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (68) Democrats Secure 60 Votes for Cloture
See Jane Style:
Vintage Chic
Car Chase:
TIME TO GET YOUR COLLECTOR CARS WINTERIZED
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Silverdome Potentially SOLD!
Ohio Travels with Betty:
George is looking for a Thanksgiving buffet in Akron.
Sound Check:
Steely Dan Plays "The Royal Scam" at E.J. Thomas Hall
HRLite House:
Colloquium at University of Akron
Akron Gamer:
Nintendo's Mario endures even as games come and go
An Ohio success story has been the Clean Ohio program. Voters must continue this catalyst in improving our quality of life
Published on Sunday, Sep 21, 2008
We strongly recommend a ''yes'' vote on Issue 2 on Nov. 4.
Since 2001, Clean Ohio has been a catalyst for change in the state's economy. By approving a constitutional amendment to authorize the issuance of $400 million in additional bonds, voters will support a program with a proven record of attracting investment dollars, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all Ohioans. Put another way, Clean Ohio serves as economic stimulus.
More, the bonds would be backed by general fund revenues. Issue 2 would not increase taxes.
Half of the bonds would be targeted for cleaning up abandoned and polluted industrial sites, the urban brownfields. The $200 million spent so far has leveraged some $2.6 billion in public and private investment, creating 15,000 permanent jobs and 100,000 short-term construction jobs.
Redevelopment in core cities reduces sprawl, easing overall government costs because infrastructure such as water lines and sewer lines are already in place. In Akron, for example, the city received $2.8 million to clean up the site for Dave's Supermarket on Exchange Street.
The other part of the Clean Ohio program provides grants for expanded greenspace. The preservation of farmland and natural areas and the expansion of parks and recreational facilities add in significant ways to the quality of life enjoyed in all parts of the state. Preservation of wild areas improves water quality and provides the habitat necessary to support fish and wildlife. In addition, the improvement of parks and trails adds to the state's ability to attract and retain talented workers whose knowledge is needed to move the state economy forward.
This fund has helped transform both urban and rural landscapes. Akron has received $1.8 million to help extend the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail into downtown Akron. In all, Summit County has received $19 million in Clean Ohio funds.
Whether it is a revitalized urban landscape, with new jobs and attractive parks and trails, or a rural landscape free from sprawl and providing a healthier environment, the Clean Ohio program has given Ohioans a big bang for their bucks.
The bottom line is, Ohioans can't afford not to continue Clean Ohio.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
