Creating a Pro-Business Environment in State Government in 2004 With the election two years ago of Justices Maureen O’Connor and Evelyn Stratton to the Ohio Supreme Court, and the subsequent appointment last year of Justice Terrence O’Donnell, there are encouraging signs that our state’s highest court is leaving behind the anti-business bias that made Ohio’s legal climate less than competitive for nearly a decade. While the road to restoring fairness and balance to our Supreme Court was long, and the process of educating Ohio’s business leaders and other voters about the court’s impact didn’t occur overnight, progress has been steady. This November, we’ll have the chance to cement the new, balanced majority on the court. Unfortunately, though, control of the court could just as easily be returned to justices who permit their personal views to guide their judicial decisions. That’s because, for the first time since 1970, Ohioans will elect a majority of the court at one time. Once again, there are stark philosophical differences between the candidates. The three candidates that best understand the proper role of the judiciary is not to make law, but rather to interpret the law, are Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, Justice Terrence O’Donnell and Judge Judith Lanzinger. Electing these three judges will secure for all Ohioans a fair and balanced Supreme Court for the foreseeable future – one that won’t “court” disaster for our rebounding economy. The Ohio Chamber considers the campaigns for the Ohio Supreme Court to be the most important priority for businesses in this year’s elections. As such, we will continue to educate Ohioans about the proper role of the court and the impact its decisions have on our economy. We invite you to make this effort a priority, too. While our focus is on the judiciary, we recognize that important legislative objectives still need addressed, and that we also need to elect knowledgeable lawmakers who will aggressively champion the free enterprise system. Seven legislative candidates that fit this description comprise our slate of Chamber Choice candidates for 2004. These individuals are engaged in some of the year’s most hotly contested races, and Ohio Chamber members can help foster a better business climate by supporting our Chamber Choice candidates. Other legislators and candidates have also earned our endorsement by demonstrating an understanding of important business issues and support for a business-friendly agenda. From the courthouse to the statehouse, the 2004 elections present an opportunity to create a pro-business environment in state government. Let’s seize it.