Dear Oberlin Community,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the recent election results and their potential impact on our City and community.  

As a collective response from the three of us, we want to express our heartbreak and disappointment with the overall election outcomes.  One of the most pressing concerns for our community was the opportunity to address gerrymandering through state redistricting reforms, which unfortunately did not pass.  

The failure to implement redistricting reforms will continue to disproportionately affect our City by diluting the representation and voice of our residents at both the state and local levels. Gerrymandered districts often marginalize certain communities, creating long-term challenges for equitable policymaking, resource allocation, and ensuring that all voices are heard. The fact that Issue 1 didn’t pass was especially troubling because ending gerrymandering has always had widespread support in Ohio. In this case, the party in power intentionally misrepresented what the bill would do in their ballot language to circumvent the will of the people. 

We want the community of Oberlin to know that we are actively working together to ensure that Oberlin remains a safe haven for its residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable and whose human rights are constantly under attack. We are very committed to fostering a community that prioritizes equity, safety, and the dignity of all individuals, no matter the challenges we face.

– Jessa New, OC ’01; Joe Waltzer, OC ’98; Libni López;

Oberlin City Councilmembers