Strict Ethics in Government - End Lobbyist Control 

No Gifts from Lobbyists to Ohio Office Holders.

Ohio office holders should not be allowed to accept items of any value more than $5,  meals of any value, honorariums for speaking at or attending events, consulting fees, etc.

Candidate campaigns should not be allowed to accept contributions of values which would make the candidate unduly obligated to any individual or group.  Contributions should be relatively small and from large numbers of contributors. 

The current law allows contributions up to $10,000 to state candidates from an individual and or political action committee (PAC) in an election (primary or general) cycle.  In comparison, FEC limits on Federal candidates are $2300 for an individual and $5000 for a PAC contribution.  The $10,000 limit allows individuals and PACs to have undue influence on candidates.  The limits should be reduced to $500.

Limit Lobbyist Access to the Legislature

Meetings between lobbyists and members of the Legislature should open to public scrutiny.  Such meetings should be in Legislative offices or in other public places.  Such meetings should be recorded and minutes should be taken.  Legislators should be required to document the date, time, location, and such meetings and submit a copy of the minutes and the recording to a central repository.