Letters: DeWine, LaRose 'have shown a total lack of leadership and respect' for Ohioans

Disingenuous Republicans have 'acquiesced along party lines'

I was glad to read the Feb. 22 Dispatch editorial "DeWine, LaRose, Faber, Huffman, Cupp shouldn't get away with slap to voters' faces."

I have been so frustrated with the GOP leadership on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.

In particular our Governor, Mike DeWine, and Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, have shown a total lack of leadership and respect for the people in our state during this entire process.

More: The Ohio Supreme Court ordered the redistricting commission to redraw legislative maps. What happens next?

Instead of representing the people of Ohio, and what we overwhelmingly have said we want, they have acquiesced along party lines, only to complain about the outcome in disingenuous fashion after the fact.

I applaud the two Democratic members on the commission and in particular, Rep. Allison Russo for calling them out and challenging their objections. She is standing up for all Ohioans, unlike GOP party leaders.

Cathy Schilling, Columbus

GOP members on redistricting commission being derelict in their duties

No matter our zip code, income, race, or gender, most Ohioans want fair elections where every vote counts.

This is such a serious concern that in 2015 and 2018, Ohioans overwhelmingly voted in support of initiatives that ban partisan gerrymandering.

The Ohio Redistricting Commission was formed last year and tasked with coming up with Ohio and U.S. congressional electoral districts.

More: Ohio is using a new process to draw state, congressional districts. Here's how it works

However, the five Republicans on the Ohio Redistricting Commission are not taking their job seriously.

In what can only be assumed is an effort to maintain unlawful power for their political party, these Republicans have refused to come up with maps that meet the guidelines supported by voters. This is an egregious dereliction of duty.

Please join with me in calling for House Speaker Robert Cupp, Senate President Matt Huffman, Gov. Mike DeWine, Auditor Keith Faber, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose to do their job.

Short of that, the Ohio Supreme Court must hold them in contempt, and we the voters need to elect a whole new slate of officials in these posts.

Janet Byrne Smith, Gambier

Note from Opinion and Engagement Editor Amelia Robinson: below is how to contact members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission.

House Speaker Bob Cupp (R): 614-466-9624, rep04@ohiohouse.gov

Senate President Matt Huffman (R) : 614-466-7584, huffman@ohiosenate.gov

House Minority Leader C. Allison Russo (D) (614) 466-8012, Rep24@ohiohouse.gov

Senator Vernon Sykes (D), 614-466-7041, sykes@ohiosenate.gov

Auditor Keith Faber (R): 614-466-4514, CentralRegion@ohioauditor.gov, StateRegion@ohioauditor.gov

Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R): 614-466-0562, FLaRose@ohiosos.gov

Gov. Mike DeWine (R): 614-644-4357, 614-466-3555

High-speed train letter missed the mark

I am not sure I agree with the Neal Bronder letter "High-speed train connecting the ‘Three C's' would mean revenue."

He stated that what Amtrak is proposing is a slower train on the freight tracks, which would take about five hours. But then not many of us live or work near the depots in those cities, and traveling to and from the depots would add another hour or more to the travel time.

So yes, travel by car will be much more convenient and most likely quicker. But this also applies to the European-style high-speed trains.

More: Ricksecker: Ohio must move past '1960s highway-only mentality' and embrace Amtrak service

Until the three cities install light rail rapid transit systems to the suburbs, such as in Denver, no high-speed 3C train system will make money.

Martin Williamson, Worthington

More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: What do voters say about redistricting in Ohio