Ohioans responding in large numbers to a question about state control of nuclear plant siting overwhelmingly rejected the idea that Jerry Cirino and fellow lawmakers should be able to override local communities and decide where reactors go.
In more than 500 responses I gathered this week, readers of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer voiced strong support for local control, broad distrust of Columbus and deep skepticism that state leaders would act in the public interest.
The reaction was not subtle. Many called the proposal a power grab. Others said lawmakers who failed Ohio during utility corruption scandals should not be handed even more authority over energy decisions. Some simply answered with one emphatic word: “Yes.” As in, yes, local voters should absolutely have a say…