Concerned students work to combat Issue 2
Issue 2, which passed last Tuesday, will create a board to regulate care and treatment of livestock in Ohio. Students who worked to block its passage are still fighting back.
Chrisy Gorski
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: News
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Sophomore Nicki Jimenez, 19, an environmental studies major from Boston, Mass., encouraged students to not only get out and vote, but to take a stand.
Issue 2, one of several prominent issues on the ballot this year, proposed to create a Livestock Care Standards Board of 13 individuals consisting of Ohio farmers, farmer's union representatives, veterinarians and consumers.
The issue proposed an amendment to the state constitution that would allow the board to oversee and create standards in Ohio farming. It was promoted with the idea that this amendment would keep Ohio food local and safe.
Governor Ted Strickland and state representatives supported the issue, and proponents had generous funds to spend on media advertising. However, there was significant opposition in the form of grassroots organizations.
The most pertinent point of opposition was the fear that the amendment would hurt local farming by favoring factory-size farms.
With the Denison campus less than a few miles from the nearest local farm, conflict was bound to arise. Jimenez was among those who took a stand.
"I disagree with Issue 2 because it not only enshrines special interest in the Constitution, but also goes against the democratic process," Jimenez said. "Issue 2 threatens local farming because the board has the ability to create a standard too expensive or impractical for a small farm, potentially putting it out of business. Not only is local farming beneficial, it is much more sustainable than factory farming."
Jimenez took action. She contacted Ryan Rastegar of Ohio ACT, a grassroots organization against Issue 2, and she distributed 2,000 door hangers and flyers both in Granville and on Denison's campus.
Jimenez, an active member of Green Team, e-mailed over 400 students, but recruited only four students and five Granville residents to volunteer. Jimenez and nine others distributed 1,850 flyers and door hangers over four days.
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