Not all city officials are against Issue 21 (Kent Community Bill of Rights). While we have some concerns about this imperfect charter amendment, we think there is more right than wrong with it in its intention. Kent’s Charter Commission will meet in 2015 and can recommend corrections if there is overreach as some have predicted.
Our main reason for support is that this passage, coupled with the other Ohio and out-of-state communities that have bravely passed similar Bills of Rights, is a way to send a strong message to the Statehouse and federal government that we demand certain environmental protections and that the oil and gas industry should not be given special privileges above those of other industries. By speaking out, we are in a unique position to provide leadership for the region, while doing our best to protect the environment proactively within our city limits.
Read the rest here