Dear Friend,

You know that there are 11 executions scheduled for 2016. You know that OTSE has been laying the groundwork to fight this immensely unprecedented level of death penalty activity. Now is the time to act; let’s make this the Summer to Stop Executions. Read on below to learn what’s in the works:

Bipartisan Repeal Bill introduced in July

Republican Representative Niraj Antani was joined by Democratic Representative Nicki Antonio in the introduction of a bill to repeal Ohio’s death penalty. At the press conference, Rep. Antani said, “There doesn’t seem to be any positive movement [for the state] to acquire [execution] drugs. If we’re not going to be able to acquire the drugs and we’re certainly not going to go back to other methods of execution …, that provides yet another reason to repeal the death penalty.” This exciting initiative is an indicator that conservative leaders who oppose the death penalty in Ohio are beginning to grow in rank. Support lobbying for anti-death penalty legislation by giving to the OTSE Action Fund!

OTSE is hiring for 2 Positions – Do YOU know the ideal candidate?

Digital Communications Specialist –

The Digital Communications Specialist reports directly to the Executive Director and has vast creative responsibilities for OTSE’s digital strategy. The position requires an understanding of various communication and web technologies that enable the smooth and effective functioning of our state-wide campaigns. The ideal candidate should be an excellent writer and employ a creative mind. Learn More & Apply

Administrative Assistant –

The executive administrator performs administrative duties and assists the executive administrator director in a variety of functions. The executive administrator reports to the executive director. OTSE seeks an energetic staff member with a passion for social justice issues. Learn More & Apply

Walk to Stop Executions

On Sunday October 4, with leadership from the Fellowship of Reconciliation and other co-sponsors including OTSE, abolitionists from Ohio and beyond will begin a 7 day 83 mile walk from the Lucasville prison where death row inmates are executed to the Statehouse in Columbus. Those unable to participate in the full walk can join the final two hour leg in Columbus on Saturday, October 10, the World Day Against the Death Penalty, or attend the 12 noon rally at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 E. Broad St. across from the Capitol. Plan now to join us in calling for an end to capital punishment, as proposed in two bills pending in the House and Senate. Keynote speakers at the rally include OJPC director David Singleton and two murder victim family members – Sam Reese Sheppard, and OTSE President Melinda Dawson. Learn More & Get Involved

Hard work this summer will take us one step further away from the 11 executions scheduled for next year. Stay tuned for more legislative, educational, an activist developments in the coming weeks.

Yours,



Kevin Werner

Executive Director

PS: The easiest way to support the 5 pieces of anti-death penalty legislation in Ohio is to give to the OTSE Action Fund. Your dollars go straight to lobbying efforts that fight to stop executions in our state.