Lima City Councilman Derry Glenn is seeking changes to an Ohio Senate bill surrounding expungement.
Glenn announced today a petition is underway to amend Ohio Senate Bill 337. Glenn said he's spoken to ten people who have had difficulty getting a job being convicted felons. Glenn is seeking an amendment to have specific felonies expunged for people hoping to get a second chance. They wouldn't want a general change, but rather a judge to look on a case by case basis. Glenn said the age range impacted the most are those 18 to 21 years old, as well as juveniles. The petition will be going around Lima as well as surrounding communities.
"And I heard some people, 'Oh Derry they won't work, Derry,' yes they will work," Glenn said, 6th ward councilman. "You give them some opportunity with some benefits, good paying. And these are the good jobs that you have to have everything expunged if you want one of them good jobs like that. And I think everyone should have an opportunity for that."
Iyisha Russel said no two people are alike and no two cases are alike, her reasoning behind a case by case evaluation.
"It's quite emotional for me because I do not want to be defined for my felony for the rest of my life," Iyisha Russell said, petition organizer. "And that is what is projected to happen. So many other people, they take it a certain way. Their mindset never changes and that is what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to change the heart and mindset of everyone in this community."
They are looking to have 2500 signatures before meeting with local representatives.
