What's on the ballot

  The 2011 General Election is only four days away. The Ohio ballot will have three statewide issues registered voters will see on Nov. 8. The issue receiving lots of attention lately is Issue 2, also known as Senate Bill 5.

  Issue 2 deals with laws concerning public employees (fire fighters, police officers, public school teachers, etc.) that include collective bargaining, layoff procedures and laws against public employees going on strike.

  Two other issues will also be seen on the Nov. 8 ballot. Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment that will increase the maximum age at which a person may be elected or appointed judge. According to the official explanation of Issue 1, the Ohio Constitution "...currently prohibits currently prohibits a judge from taking office if the judge is seventy years

old on or before the day the judge takes office. The proposed amendment prohibits a judge from

taking office if the judge is older than seventy-five on or before the day of the election or appointment..."

  The third issue on the ballot is Issue 3, which will allow voters to vote "yes" or "no" on preserving the freedom of Ohioans to purchase health care and health care coverage.

  For local issues on the ballot, the villagers of New Concord, and any Muskingum University student that is a registered voter, will see three separate issues dealing with the sale of alcohol in New Concord.

  One issue will be for Riesbeck's to sell beer, wine and mixed beverages Monday through Saturday. The second two issues pertain to Circle K, with one issue allowing the store to sell beer, wine and mixed beverages Monday through Saturday and the second issue allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sunday.

  If this issue recieves a majority vote "yes," then Riesbeck's and Circle K will first have to apply for liquor licenses before any sale of alcohol can begin.

  On Oct. 26, Orbit TV 9 hosted a live debate forum discussing the sale of alcohol in New Concord. The forum, "Beyond the Ballot," can be viewed on Orbit TV 9 everyday until the General Election on Nov. 8. The forum is also located on orbitmediaonline.com for viewing.

  Villagers will also vote on positions for Mayor of New Concord and two members of Village Council. Mayor R. Gregory Adams is running for re-election unopposed. For Village Council, which is composed of six members, Jennifer Bronner is up for election as well as Robert Dickson for re-election.

  For a complete list for issues on the Ohio ballot, visit www.sos.state.oh.us. This website can also lead to local ballot issues.

Ohio Issues Proposed

• Issue 1: Proposed constitutional amendment to increase the maximum age at which a person may be elected or appointed judge
• Issue 2: Referendum on Senate Bill 5, a new law relative to government union
• contracts and other government employment contracts and policies
• Issue 3: Proposed constitutional amendment to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose thier health care and health care coverage.

Where to vote in New Concord:

• New Concord Church of Christ: 13333 Maple Ln.
• Township Hall: 1 Block W of 83-North St.
• Municipal Building: 2 W. Main St.