Issue 27 gets support of religious groups

UPDATE: A third religious groupo, the Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati, has also endorsed. Here's the press release.

The Baptist Ministers’ Conference, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and the Faith Community Alliance jointly are endorsing Issue 27, the sales tax increase to build a new jail and fund public safety programs.

The sales tax proponents say the religious leaders support Issue 27 because "it is a comprehensive safety plan that addresses root causes of crime and high rates of recidivism, in addition to improving enforcement and corrections."

"Specifically, the ministers applaud the efforts in the Comprehensive Safety Plan to address at-risk youth, issues of addiction and mental illness, and the unacceptably high percentage of inmates who re-offend after serving a sentence."

The groups represent many churches working throughout Cincinnati. They did not endorse last year’s jail ballot issue, or prior efforts, according to the Issue 27 campaign, because those plans only were to build jails, and did nothing to address root causes of crime.

"We're thrilled to receive the support of leaders who work everyday, at the grassroots level, to lift the spirit and hope of thousands of members of the community," said Kathleen Binns, Issue 27 campaign manager. "They've studied the plan closely, and we're honored to receive their endorsement."
endorse.doc