Update on Findlay City Council Meeting June 16,2026.

New Ordinance introduced 2026-076. Part of the Ordinance is for the City of Findlay to purchase 21.5 acres of land for $1,050,000 to
develop for a park. This is part of the area in the development that Casto does not plan to develop. What are your thoughts? This is land being developed off 99 in the north side of the city.

My letter to Sen. McColley about the change in signature requirements for referendums:

Dear Senator McColley,
It has come to my attention that, through HB 96 last year, the signature requirement for municipal referendum petitions was increased from 10% to 35% of the electors. In practice, this change has made it extraordinarily difficult for citizens to exercise their right to challenge an ordinance through the referendum process.

In Findlay, the new requirement translates to approximately 5,000 signatures collected within 30 days to place a referendum on the ballot. Under the previous 10% requirement, the threshold was roughly 1,200 signatures. While I understand the need to prevent frivolous challenges, the current requirement appears so high that it effectively eliminates a meaningful opportunity for citizens to seek a public vote on controversial legislation.

I am currently assisting with a referendum effort, and even with a large number of volunteers and substantial community support, it is a very difficult task to gather the required 5,000 signatures within the allotted timeframe. The result is that residents who disagree with an ordinance are left with little practical recourse.

The referendum process exists to provide a check on local government and to ensure that citizens have a voice in significant legislative decisions. When the threshold is set so high that it becomes virtually unattainable, that voice is diminished.

I respectfully ask that you consider supporting legislation to revisit and correct this change. A reasonable signature requirement should balance the need for serious public support with the public’s constitutional right to challenge local legislation. The current standard does not appear to achieve that balance.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate any information you can provide regarding the rationale behind this change and whether there is interest in revisiting it.

I just walked out of @ODNIgov HQ for the last time. Thank you President Trump - I remain grateful for the profound honor of serving the American people and our nation as the Director of National Intelligence.

@DNIGabbard, out.