"At a time when Ohio faces a $5 billion budget deficit and leads the nation in the number of young workers fleeing the state, Issue 1 sends the wrong message to our 21^st century workforce," Plusquellic said. "Rather than telling these people that they are not welcome in Ohio, we should find ways to attract these entrepreneurs and young professionals, regardless of their race, religion, household or family structure. As taxpayers we cannot afford to pass a constitutional amendment that will drive away jobs. And I believe Issue 1 will do just that."

Issue 1 would amend Ohio’s constitution by adding the words:

"Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions.

This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage."

Plusquellic said Ohio needs to take its lead from major corporations who offer benefits to non-married workers and their partners in an effort to attract intellectual talent to their workforce.

"IBM has provided unmarried partner benefits since the 1990's. Ohio should follow that lead, not forever forbid it by changing the constitution." He continued, "Ohio’s Attorney General – who is charged with interpreting and defending Ohio’s constitution – has confirmed that Issue 1 will dictate to private and public employers what benefits they can legally offer their employees." Plusquellic added, "That’s needless intrusion and hampering of the free-market."

Akron’s mayor noted that the Ohio legislature has already defined marriage. (It) may only be entered into by one man and one woman. "This is an economic development issue," Plusquellic said.