Have patience, courage!

Remember to vote today. Besides the all-important Presidential campaign there are also major state issues to be decided.

*A proposed Constitutional Amendment to provide for earlier filing deadlines for statewide ballot issues.

*A proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizing the state to issue bonds to continue the Clean Ohio Program for Environmental Revitalization and Conservation

*A proposed Constitutional Amendment to amend the Constitution to protect private property rights in ground water, lakes and other watercourses.

*A Referendum on legislation making changes to check cashing lending (sometimes known as "Payday Lending") fees, interest rates and practices.

*A proposed Constitutional Amendment to amend the Constitution by initiative petition for a casino near Wilmington in Southwest Ohio and distribute to all Ohio counties a tax on the casino.

Have patience today. The Fulton County Board of Elections is predicting a large voter turnout, possible one the highest percentages in many years. As of yesterday over 3,000 county residents had already cast ballots. Because of the large number of candidates and issues on the ballot, it will take longer to cast your ballot. Expect long lines and waiting.

Have patience tomorrow. Hopefully, it will be a decisive victory, whether the winner is John McCain or Barack Obama. A clear margin of victory could mean no challenges to the results, delaying the announcement of the winner.

Have patience and courage in upcoming months. Whoever wins, one thing is absolutely certain - don't anticipate overnight miracles. It took several years to get in the fix we're in. It will take all of the new President's efforts, and a lot of time, to turn it around.

In the meantime people will continue struggling to overcome the hardships the economy has brought. We will worry about how to pay our bills, save our homes, feed our children, keep our jobs.

Worry will result in fear. We will need to demonstrate courage as the next President works through this crises. Have patience. Have courage. We will persevere!