State Representative Bob Peterson debated with a union negotiator over whether SB 5 should be repealed
The local Tea Party group encouraged a debate of State Issue 2 Wednesday evening.
Steve Lazarus spoke in opposition, drawing from his experience as a negotiator for public unions. He said the bill would put too much power in the hands of administration when bargaining with employees, instead of relying on an arbitrator as a referee - making collective bargaining a "sham."
Lazarus also said the rushed 300-plus-page law has technical flaws...and many aspects that are political, instead of economic.
hear Steve Lazarus who spoke in opposition to State Issue 2 in the local Tea Party debate
85th district State Representative Bob Peterson spoke in favor. He pointed out that the way collective bargaining in Ohio is currently set up means that local government and officials can't be judged by their budgets.
Police and firefighters are among the most expensive items in a city's budget, and Issue 2 would allow the *government* to be the final arbitrator. Peterson said this would make local government more accountable to taxpayers.
hear 85th District State Rep Bob Peterson who spoke in favor of State Issue 2
Jim Buchy, a state representative from Greenville in Darke County, also spoke in favor. A fourth presenter, to speak in opposition, was unable to do so.
The sponsoring local organization, named "Ohio's First Capital Tea Party Group," focuses on educating voters on conservative issues. Carmen Perryman is the chair.
hear Carmen Perryman, the chair of "Ohio's First Capital Tea Party Group"
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
From L to R: State Representatives Jim Buchy and Bob Peterson, and public union negotiator Steve Lazarus
The audience of about 30 listened in "The Madison" on South Paint Street, Chillicothe
