MOUNT VERNON — Knox Countians are joining a statewide effort of concerned citizens who are fighting for the chance to repeal Senate Bill 5 which was signed into law in March by Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Numerous petition drives around the state, mostly led by the group We Are Ohio, are taking place to gather enough signatures to have the option to repeal SB5 placed on the Nov. 8 ballot.
Meg Galipault, Knox County Democratic Party chairperson, explained how many signatures were gathered locally earlier this week in a petition drive at Memorial Park. “We’ve been going to the Farmers Markets and have also conducted drive-thru signings,” said Galipault. Other local signature drives have been at the post office and the library. “We’re out informing people of what’s going on,” said Galipault, stating that volunteers are being trained in gathering the signatures. “We make sure the trainers are giving their information properly. We want to do this in the right format.”
The law signed by Kasich affects more than 350,000 Ohio public workers, including state employees, police officers and teachers. It bans them from striking, restricts bargaining and eliminates binding arbitration, according to the Associated Press. It reportedly restricts them from negotiating wages and certain work conditions but not pension benefits, health care or sick time.
Those wishing to sign a petition for the chance to repeal SB5 must be a registered voter. If you are not registered, petition drive volunteers can get you registered at a drive by filling out a form, according to Loren Anthes, regional communications director with We Are Ohio.
