Mark Shields' column about Issue 2 in today's edition was prophetic - he wrote it in advance of the general election. He correctly surmised that Senate Bill 5 went too far by putting an end to binding arbitration, thus essentially eliminating the ability of public employee unions to bargain with employers.
Shields' penultimate paragraph ponders whether Gov. John Kasich and Republican majorities in the Ohio House and Senate will opt for an amended version of Senate Bill 5. Perhaps a piecemeal approach might be attempted.
An email sent by the governor Tuesday after defeat of Issue 2 was apparent may provide some insight.
"Despite tonight's outcome, it doesn't change the fact that Ohio's ability to create a jobs-friendly climate is impacted by local governments' ability to reduce their costs," Kasich's email stated. "Just as Ohio had to get its fiscal house in order - and make tough choices to do it - local governments must as well."
The governor's message stated U.S. Census figures show local government taxes increased 42 percent between 1999 and 2009. Now, with expected drops in local government funding from the state, entities such as the city of Tiffin, Tiffin City Schools and Seneca County are faced with paring budgets.
"Ohio must find innovative ways to help local governments provide good services and good value," Kasich stated Tuesday.
If his administration and the Legislature go back to the drawing board, it will be interesting to see whether they erase only parts of Senate Bill 5, or start with a clean slate.
