Keep Worthington Beautiful (Issue 38)
On November 3, 2015, Worthington voters have the opportunity to pass a citizens’ initiative (Issue 38) that will strengthen our voice in shaping future development in our city.
Issue 38 will encourage responsible development by doing two simple things: 1) giving us more time to organize a referendum if we judge a major rezoning to be ill-advised and destructive, and 2) preventing “emergency” rezoning legislation (which, if permitted, circumvents our right of referendum).
By empowering the residents—those with the most at stake—our city government is more likely to serve our interests rather than those of the developers. And with more time, we are more likely to make wise decisions about permanent changes to the fabric of our city.
Get the Facts
Issue 38 opponents are spreading a great deal of misinformation about what our citizens’ initiative is and what it will do. This document—Issue 38: Facts & Fictions—is our response. We hope it helps Worthington voters make an informed and fact-based decision about this issue that is so important for the future of our community.
Issue 38: Facts & Fictions (PDF)Keep Worthington Beautiful Video
Video courtesy of Jeremy Hughes
Issue 38: Why, What & How? (PDF)YES on 38 = A Stronger Voice for Residents = Responsible Development
WHY do we need this initiative? Worthington stands at a critical moment in its history. We’re facing large-scale development pressures throughout our city, and decisions being made today will determine the character of Worthington for generations to come. Unfortunately, major development decisions—the kind that can change forever the fabric of our city—are being made with little real input from the very citizens whose lives will be most deeply impacted. Passage of Issue 38 will give the citizens of Worthington a greater voice in shaping future development.
WHAT will our initiative do? Issue 38 will empower citizens by providing more time (60 days instead of the current 20) to organize a referendum on major rezonings—like at UMCH, or Harding Hospital, or on Stafford Avenue. Further, Issue 38 establishes that rezoning laws cannot be passed as “emergency” measures (which, if allowed, circumvent citizens’ referendums, as happened in Hilliard recently). These two changes will make zoning related referendums more viable by providing greater time to organize, educate, and petition our fellow citizens, if it is believed that City Council, whether through misinformation or misjudgment, has acted contrary to the public interest in rezoning a property.
HOW to make this happen? By VOTING YES for Issue 38 on November 3rd—and by encouraging family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. The Keep Worthington Beautiful charter amendment (Issue 38) will go in to effect immediately upon winning a simple majority of votes.
THEN what? This enhanced capacity for citizens to undertake zoning-related referendums will improve Worthington’s government by providing a degree of checks and balances, while making it more likely that the city and developers will propose only those projects likely to receive broad community support.