[2023 comment; position unchanged] I am a member of Troy City Council. I’m not sure how I could support this through my office.

I do support this. I’m just not sure how city council could do anything. Best of luck!

Unsure of how I feel with how the amendment is currently written.

As a candidate for city council, my role is to serve the residents of Troy and ensure that local government decisions reflect their needs, not those of outside corporate interests. While I agree that corporate money has an outsized influence on politics, I also believe in protecting the rights of individuals to contribute to campaigns and participate in the political process.

At the local level, I support efforts to increase transparency in campaign finance, making it clear where funding comes from. Additionally, I believe that local government decisions should be made with input from the community, not dictated by corporate or special interest groups. I will encourage greater public participation in city council meetings and decision-making processes to ensure that our policies reflect the priorities of Troy’s residents.

While city council does not have the authority to regulate campaign finance laws, I will advocate for policies that keep government accountable and responsive to the people rather than outside interests. I believe that a well-informed and engaged community is the best safeguard against undue corporate influence in our local government.

[2023 comment; position unchanged] I am unaware that this issue has effected our local races to date but am willing to entertain and push for any idea or legislation that provides or expands people's right to exercise their vote. I will continue to listen and learn from information about Move to Amend.

[2025 comment by telephone; paraphrasing] Mr. Rozell believes one way to control money in political campaigns is to have challengers for office decide together how much will be spent, with the incumbent pledging to give up their slush fund so both candidates start at zero.

I agree that corporations should never have received the rights the U.S. Constitution provides for natural persons. That was never the Founders’ or Authors’ intent. I also agree that contributions made to political candidates should be publicly disclosed exposing the source and amount of the contributions. Money does not equal speech.

I do not believe a U.S. Constitutional Amendment is necessary to accomplish the stated goals. I also believe that media (including “news”, educational and entertainment media) corporations, which wield huge amounts of money, should [not] in any way be exempted from the stated goals. They have often been among the worst abusers of the “corporate personhood” doctrine.

As always I appreciate this issue. I am enclosing another well written law review article on this issue. My concern remains with the approach of amending the Constitution. This is in my opinion a step too far. The issue you wish to resolve is a result of a court’s interpretation of the Constitution. The FEC or Congress is better suited to remedy the situation. I do support FEC and Congress regulating so-called dark money.

I appreciate the efforts of the Move to Amend organization to seek ways to inform voters of the effects of large corporate donations to political campaigns. While I do agree that politicians should not be beholden to mega-donors or corporate lobbyists, I am not convinced a Constitutional amendment is an effective way to confront this issue. This is my reason for not supporting the Move to Amend pledge. I do believe that voters at the ballot box are the ultimate means to hold elected officials accountable and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard.

Thank you for the information. In my current position as Troy City Council Member at Large, I don’t feel this applies to any decisions I will be making.

Thank you for sending me your questionnaire and request to support the MOVE TO AMEND and WE THE PEOPLE Amendment to the United States Constitution. If you remember, I supplied a response dated March 31, 2023 to your questionnaire and request to support the constitutional amendment. My beliefs outlined in that response still stand unchanged.

I believe that while money can corrupt, money has been a vital part of our political process on a national, state and local level since before the beginnings of the United States of America. However, most Americans do not donate to support political candidates or causes. To “level the playing field” through regulating, limiting or prohibiting political contributions will not achieve Move to Amend’s stated goal of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, have access to the political process. They already have access. On a local level, Troy City Council holds meetings the first and third Monday evening every month. Troy City Council committees hold committee meetings the second and the last Monday evening of the month. The meeting schedules are posted on the city website and sent to other media for publication. What is exciting to me is that folks come to these meetings and participate in the process of governing through their comments and questions. I enjoy talking to the attendees before and after the meetings to learn more about “Why”” they are attending. I welcome phone calls and emails for the same reason. Whether a resident of Troy or not, everyone has access to these meetings and is encouraged to participate in the process of governing with no restrictions and on a level playing field.

Corporations are prohibited from tapping corporate treasuries for direct contributions to federal candidates and national political parties. On a limited basis, some states allow direct corporate contributions to state and local candidates, parties and committees. Corporations may use funds for direct independent expenditures that may target a specific candidate as long as the effort is undertaken independently from the candidate’s campaign or party committee. Unfortunately, we are currently experiencing the downside of corporate and mega-millionaires contributions to the political process. This reflects more on the character of the recipient than the process itself. What we are experiencing now is not the norm, but an exception to the political process that has worked well for so many years and to the good character of our prior political leaders.

As a member of Troy City Council, I have no state constitutional authority to enact legislation or implement any other processes through Troy City Council to change any election laws in the state of Ohio or on a national level. I do not use my position as a member of Troy City Council to promote issues not related to the workings of the City of Troy. While I do not support the ideas of MOVEMENT TO AMEND the CONSTITUTION, I applaud their work ethic, their energy and their perseverance. I strongly support their desire to effect change in our political process as is their right under our Constitution. If they are successful in their endeavors. I will abide by whatever changes may come from their efforts, as the new law of the land.

Again, thanks to the MOVE TO AMEND MIAMI COUNTY supporters for sending me this questionnaire. I appreciate the opportunity to reply and offer my beliefs.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully decline the invitation to endorse the "Move to Amend" amendment.

While I understand and appreciate your hard work, my decision is influenced by the majority opinion of the Supreme Court in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. The Court's ruling affirmed that corporate entities have certain rights to free speech under the First Amendment, and this legal precedent plays a significant role in shaping my stance on this matter.

As an elected city council member, my primary responsibility is to uphold the rule of law and respect the decisions made by our judicial system. The Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution is a guiding factor in my decision-making process, and I believe it is important to adhere to these established legal principles.

I recognize the passion and dedication of those advocating for the "Move to Amend" amendment. However, my commitment remains to serve the residents of Troy by:

1. Ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars, fostering a pro-business environment, and eliminating wasteful government spending.

2. Supporting our law enforcement and first responders by securing the necessary resources to protect our families and communities.

3. Prioritizing the modernization and upkeep of our city's infrastructure to enhance quality of life for all residents.

Thank you for your understanding.