State Issue 1

[Thomas J. George]

Concerned Lakewoodites,

In my continuing attempts to inform the voters about issues important to the City's future, few are more important than the passage of State Issue 1.

Issue 1 renews Ohio's local government road and bridge building program (currently called Issue 2).

Two-thirds of the funds from Issue 1 will be used to continue the 20 year old program that allows local governments to preserve essential infrastructure, create jobs, ensure public health and safety and improve the economic welfare and quality of life of Ohio communities.

Issue 1 will also provide $150 million in regional grants to prepare job ready sites equipped with all utilities, including water and sewer lines.

Issue 1 will finally provide $500 million in competitive grants for technology research for areas such as alternative fuel development and cures for cancer and other diseases.

Issue 1 enjoys bi-partisan support and has been endorsed by Lakewood City Council, the Ohio AFL-CIO, the Ohio Business Roundtable, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio County Commissioners Associations, the Ohio Municipal League and many, many others.

Lakewood has utilized funding from this source extensively over the past years, including most recently a $761,280 grant for the reconstruction of the Sloane Ave. infrastructure.

Your support of Issue 1 will be especially valuable as we access this funding source to assist in meeting our extensive infrastructure needs.

TJG