Record Courier / Kent, Ohio / Sept 25, 2022 

https://www.record-courier.com/story/opinion/letters/2022/09/25/kent-public-hearing-to-focus-on-corporate-money-in-politics/69512581007/

Democracy Day public hearing

Our election system is broken because of the destructive influences of money in politics and the misguided notion that corporations may claim constitutional rights. With these rights, they are able to spend tremendous amounts of dark money through organizations and PACs to support the candidates who will serve their needs. And their primary need is profit. While profits are essential in a capitalist system, the needs of “we the people” should be primary since we are also a democracy.

Some of the protest signs I have carried and seen in our demonstrations can give you an idea of what the upcoming Democracy Day public hearing is all about: “Legalize democracy,” “Free the people from corporate rule,” “Get the big $$$ out of politics,” “We the people, not we the corporation” and “Democracy 4 U and me.”

The people of Kent approved a ballot initiative seven years ago for the city council to hold Democracy Day every election year. The purpose of this forum is for the people to project their views related to the proposed 28th Amendment to the Constitution. This would remove personhood from corporations and eliminate the notion that money is a form of speech.

Kent City Council will hold the public hearing from 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in Council Chambers at the Main Fire Station, 320 S. Depeyster St., Kent, and it will be broadcast live on Kent’s YouTube channel. Any person interested in being heard regarding the political influence resulting in campaign contributions by corporate entities shall be afforded the opportunity to speak. Plan to present a 3- to 5-minute talk. Please submit a copy of your talk to the clerk of council at the public hearing. If you do not want to give a talk, please consider attending and listening to the speakers.

Bill Wilen, Kent