Yesterday, I received a tweet which suggested Ohio should have a ballot initiative which would prohibit elected, or non elected officials, from privatizing Ohio's public assets without approval of the electorate. I have thought about this idea and I believe it is vital for Ohio.
There are several reasons this is vital for Ohio. First, we should not seek short term gain by the selling of, or long-term leasing of, our long-term profitable assets. This is exactly the case in the privatization of the state liquor stores. These stores are profitable and our short-term gain is offset by the long-term agreement.
Second, Ohio's prisons are going to be sold to for-profit corrections companies. Considering what has happened to our neighbor, Wilkes Barre, PA., and the fact that Governor Kasich has already picked Gary Mohr, who worked at CCA as his director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, privatization is probably not the best way to go. CCA is one of the companies who is interested in purchasing Ohio's prisons. and, since the private prison industry is paid by capacity, the opportunity for corruption is great.
Third, the Turnpike lease will net less money for the state than the lease Indiana got for an older and shorter road.
Fourth, the Lottery is another of Ohio's money makers. While this in not privatized in the current budget, it is most likely being considered.
With Ohio being sold off in pieces, I think it's time for a ballot initiative that prohibits non-elected or elected officials from selling off, or leasing for more than 2 years or the end of the gubernatorial term whichever is less, Ohio's public properties.
[Thanks to Cletis for editing my random thoughts into a coherent piece.]
[Thanks to Cletis for editing my random thoughts into a coherent piece.]
