Editorials

Following are excerpts from Ohio newspapers in support of Issue 1 and the critical need to renew and continue the highly successful Ohio Third Frontier program.

Dayton Daily News - May 2, 2010
"Ohio is smart to sponsor targeted research and development to incubate good ideas that otherwise might not get off the ground, or that might blossom in another state that would back the effort."
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Mansfield News Journal - April 27, 2010
"The benefits of the program are clear throughout the state."
"… But the return on the investment is the biggest reason to vote 'yes' on Issue 1. Estimates find about a $10 return on each dollar the state invested in the program."
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Business First of Columbus - April 26, 2010
"Ohio needs better economic balance, and it can get it by fostering business innovation."
"The state has some powerful tools to use in that effort, notably its array of universities. But the most important ingredient is capital. Third Frontier supplies it and attracts those with cash troves eager to invest and build. It makes for an effective initiative that is worthy of taxpayers' approval when they decide Issue 1."
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The Columbus Dispatch - April 25, 2010
"Ohio voters in the May 4 primary election can repeat the astute decision they made in November 2005, when they approved the selling of bonds that helped propel the state's Third Frontier program to great success. A yes vote on State Issue 1 will renew this program, which pays for innovative projects at university research centers and in pioneering businesses, creating jobs for Ohioans and expanding high-tech industries."
"An analysis of the issue by two former state budget directors, representing one Democratic and one Republican administration, came to the same conclusion: Ohio can afford this program, and it will not affect its credit rating and will not raise taxes."
"Any voter who takes a close look at Issue 1 will see its merits."
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Cleveland Plain Dealer - April 25, 2010
"Started by Republican Gov. Bob Taft and continued by Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio's Third Frontier enjoys true bipartisan support because it works."
"Issue 1 would enable the state to raise $700 million through bond sales and to continue the program through 2015. Skeptics suggest that taking on any new debt when the state faces a budget shortfall and a long road to economic recovery is a bad idea. They're wrong."
"Taking on debt to make investments that will result in new businesses, new jobs and new tax revenues is not the same as using the state's credit card to pay for daily operations or frivolous projects."
"This is no time to turn back. Vote for Issue 1."
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Akron Beacon Journal - April 25, 2010
"Ohio has long-established expertise in areas such as iron and steel, polymers and chemicals. Now the state must build on its strengths. Approval of state Issue 1 would ensure an additional $700 million in funding through general obligation bonds, another part of the necessary effort to retool Ohio's economy, fueling growth, prosperity and jobs."
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The Marion Star - April 20, 2010
"… return on the investment is the biggest reason to vote "yes" on Issue 1. Estimates find about a $10 return on each dollar the state invested in the program. …"
"If the state's voters want Ohio to remain competitive in the high-tech realm, Issue 1 deserves a 'yes' vote."
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The Vindicator - April 20, 2010
"At the beginning of the month, we urged Ohioans to vote in favor of Third Frontier in the May 4 primary election, just as they did in 2005. We reiterate our call today to ensure that we reach thoughtful voters — as opposed to those who believe that saying no to everything is a sign of patriotism. …"
"Every economic indicator points to the success of the program, and just about every political and business leader in Ohio recognizes the enormous benefits being derived from technology-based economic development."
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Dayton Daily News - April 19, 2010
"Though currently there's money for the program through June 2011, renewing the Third Frontier now tells renown researchers and venture capitalists that Ohio's effort to help them succeed isn't a fad."
"Opponents of Issue 1 have no case except that government shouldn't be in the business of trying to create jobs."
"If venture capital grew on trees, if the best minds in academia and business were limited in where they could do their thing, if Ohio weren't struggling so hard to transition from its blue-collar past, maybe we could afford to take that sort of hands-off approach. But that's not Ohio's reality."
"Issue 1 is central to moving the state ahead. Vote for Issue 1."
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Daily Jeffersonian - April 18, 2010
"Given the track record of the program, continued support of the program appears to be a good investment. In short, Third Frontier has earned renewal."
"The extension of funding is warranted, especially in today's still depressed economy when jobs programs that actually produce jobs are desperately needed.
Support of Third Frontier will tell investors they should continue to invest in high-tech industries in Ohio."
"Vote yes on Issue 1."
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