Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio, Inc. |

Columbus- Today We Are Ohio began airing a new television ad featuring great-grandmother Marlene Quinn entitled “Marlene Speaks Out” in all major media markets across Ohio. In the new ad, Marlene Quinn reiterates her support for Ohio firefighters and why she voted NO on Issue 2 to stop Senate Bill 5.

The ad is in response to Issue 2 supporters’ underhanded attack on Marlene and first responders. Their deceitful ad twists Marlene’s words and makes her appear as if she supports Issue 2, when previously she very clearly stated she urges a no vote on Issue 2. The outrageous ad was pulled from the air by more than 30 television stations. An editorial in the Cleveland Plain Dealer also blasted Issue 2 supporters for the ad. The editorial called the ad “clumsy and disingenuous, casting an Ohio woman's views in a false light.” The editorial went on to say that “Even worse, when Quinn objected, Building a Better Ohio didn't do the right thing by apologizing and pulling the ad.”

Yesterday, first responders held a press conference in Columbus to condemn the ad and ask for Governor Kasich and Issue 2 supporters to apologize to Marlene for distorting the truth. To date, no such apology has been issued.

Marlene first appeared in an ad for We Are Ohio to show her appreciation for the firefighters who rescued her great-granddaughter Zoey Quinn and her son Jan Quinn. A quick response time, well-trained firefighters and appropriate staffing levels made the difference between life and death for Zoey and Jan. Senate Bill 5 makes it illegal for first responders to discuss safe staffing levels.

We Are Ohio is a citizen-driven, community-based, bipartisan coalition that has come together to repeal SB 5 by voting NO on Issue 2, the unfair and unsafe law that will hurt us all. We Are Ohio includes public and private sector workers and employees, police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, pastors, small business owners, Republicans and Democrats, local elected officials and business leaders, students, Moms, Dads, family members, and your neighbors.

To view the ad visit: www.weareohio.com/marlenespeaks