Email from Andy Thompson, District 93, About His Vote on SB 5

I thought it is important that those in Ohio, especially in my district but also elsewhere, read the words that Andy Thompson emailed this morning, the day after voting for Senate Bill 5 which passed the house. I had previously emailed Thompson, my district’s representative, about my stance against SB 5 and how it affects our family as my husband is a professional firefighter.

Today, he didn’t mince words. He doesn’t care about my family.

from: District93
to: Jenna
date Thu, Mar 31, 2011 at 10:23 AM
subject RE: Vote NO on SB 5: Focus on Creating Jobs, Not Attacking the Middle Class
mailed-by ohr.state.oh.us

March 31, 2011

Thank you for contacting my office regarding SB 5, which would make various changes to
laws concerning public employees, including collective bargaining, salary schedules and compensation, layoff procedures, and leave. SB 5 was voted out of the House on March 30, 2011 and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. This is an extremely important issue, and I want to explain why I voted in support of SB 5.

SB 5 does not cut teacher pay, and it preserves both OPERS and STRS. This legislation helps to promote greater efficiency of the use of taxpayer money on both the local and state level. Putting more power back into the hands of local officials, in turn, ultimately puts more control back into the hands of the people. This legislation also rewards teachers whose students achieve at a high level, and it does away with automatic pay raises based strictly on length of service. We want to make sure that our children receive the best education; in order for that to happen, we must have the best teachers available.

To be candid, on principle I’m not a fan of collective bargaining for public sector employees. I believe we have many dedicated workers at the state, county and local levels, and I recognize and the important work that they do for all Ohioans. I don’t believe, however, that their membership in a union makes them any better as firefighters, policemen, teachers, or road workers. Many have no choice in the matter; it was a condition of their having a job in their chosen field, as it was for my wife, who’s a schoolteacher. I assure you that I will continue to make decisions based upon my principles, and those are limited government, fairness to the taxpayer, and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you again for getting in touch with my office regarding Senate Bill 5. If I can ever be of assistance to you regarding any state issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Andy Thompson
State Representative
93rd House District

You know who doesn’t have a choice in the matter? The families you just voted against.

Except that we do. See you in November!