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The Times

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The Hooker Advance

memory of Maxine Ralstin.

contact any member for details.

2)%VXSSRUWV64
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
President Tom Buchanan announced, The Right to Farm
amendment [S.Q. 777] is perfect in its form and protects both
agriculture and the people of
Oklahoma into the future. However, critics of the measure have
twisted my words in another attempt to mislead voters.
He added, State Question
777 not only protects farmers and ranchers, but ensures
Oklahomans can continue to

vote with their dollar as they

are offered the healthiest, most
abundant and most affordable
food supply in history. The use
of the compelling state interest
language ensures all new legislation is backed by research and
science, not on the whims of activist legislators and groups.
Buchanan concluded, The
outside interest groups opposing Right to Farm have resorted
to lies and deceit to cloud the
judgment of Oklahoma voters.

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The Apache News

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The Bigheart Times

A12 | THE BIGHEART TIMES | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

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SQ 777: Right to Farm or Right to Harm?

By Oklahoma Policy Institute

The Gist
SQ 777 is a constitutional amendment that would
give Oklahoma residents
the right to engage in farming and ranching practices
and employ agricultural
technology. The amendment bans any new law
regulating or prohibiting
an agricultural practice
unless it can be shown to
have a compelling state
interest. That means any
new agricultural regulations would have to pass
strict scrutiny, the legal
standard used for laws that
deprive people of fundamental rights like free
speech, gun ownership, or
religious freedom.
No other occupation or
industry in the state enjoys
such protections.
Background Information
SQ 777 was placed on
the ballot by the Oklahoma
Legislature. The measure
is modeled after an initiative that was approved by
voters in North Dakota in
2012 and Missouri in 2014.
The Farm Bureau in these
states and in Oklahoma
have been major backers of
the initiatives.
SQ 777 has been called
the Right to Farm Amendment by its supporters
and Right to Harm by opponents.
By requiring strict scrutiny of any new laws affecting agriculture, the amendments would make it much
more likely that these laws
can be struck down in
court. A UCLA study found
that state laws challenged
under strict scrutiny in federal courts are struck down
77 percent of the time and
local ordinances are struck
down 85 percent of the
time.
SQ 777 has been supported primarily by agricultural trade groups such as
the Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association, and the
Oklahoma Pork Council.
Opponents of the measure
include the Oklahoma Municipal League representing
mayors and city councils,
the Inter-Tribal Council of

the Five Civilized Tribes,

the Humane Society of
the United States, and the
Oklahoma Food Cooperative representing small
farmers.

Supporters Say
* SQ 777 will give farmers another tool in their
toolbox to defend themselves from unwarranted
laws and regulations,
including ballot initiatives
funded by deep-pocketed
animal-rights groups.
* By guarding against
overly restrictive laws and
regulations, SQ 777 will allow consumers to make the
choice about what farming and ranching practices
they want to support.

Opponents Say
* SQ 777 creates an
advantage for large, industrialized factory farms by
preventing new state laws
to protect small farmers
and natural resources.
* SQ 777 undermines
democracy by preventing
Oklahomas elected leaders
from establishing reasonable standards for food
production, environmental protection, and animal
welfare.
* SQ 777 would make
it much harder to protect
Oklahomas drinking water
from pollution by animal
waste disposal.

Ballot Language
This measure adds Section 38 to Article II of the
Oklahoma Constitution.
The new section creates
state constitutional rights.
It creates the following
guaranteed rights to engage in farming and ranching:
* The right to make use
of agricultural technology,
* The right to make use
of livestock procedures,
and
* The right to make use
of ranching practices.
These constitutional
rights receive extra protection under this measure
that not all constitutional
rights receive. This extra
protection is a limit on lawmakers ability to interfere
with the exercise of these

rights. Under this extra

protection, no law can interfere with these rights,
unless the law is justified
by a compelling state interesta clearly identified
state interest of the highest order. Additionally, the
law must be necessary to
serve that compelling state
interest. The measureand
the protections identified
abovedo not apply to and
do not impact state laws
related to:
* Trespass,
* Eminent domain,
* Easements,
* Right of way or other
property rights, and
* Any state statutes
and political subdivision
ordinances enacted before
December 31, 2014.

Q&A from the

Kirkpatrick
Foundation:
Ive heard SQ 777
called Right to Farm.
Does it give Oklahomans
the right to farm?
No, because Oklahomans already have the
right to farm, just as they
have the right to engage in
any other industry or livelihood. Whats more, every
state in the Union already
has a Right to Farm law
on the books, which protect preexisting farms and
ranches from nuisance lawsuits.In this context, Right
to Farm is a marketing
term for the political campaign proposing passage
of 777. Similarly, Right to
Harm is a phrase used by
some opposition groups.
Does SQ 777 protect the
family farmer?
It depends on who you
ask. Agribusiness leaders
say that SQ 777 protects
the farmer from unnecessary regulation. Opponents
to the amendment say that
corporate monopolies and
vertical integration in the
marketplace have already
destroyed the Oklahoma
family farmers ability to
compete. For example,
from 1992 to 2012, coinciding with the hog industry explosion in Oklahoma,

the number of hog farms

shrunk by 43%.
Farm occupations have
the second highest number
of fatalities in the United
States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Would SQ 777 prevent
the enactment of labor laws
to protect farming and
ranching employees?
Yes.
Do any other Oklahoma
occupations or industries
enjoy the type of protections and exemptions from
basic governance and regulation proposed by SQ 777?
No.
If the US Department of
Agriculture reversed the
ban on horse slaughter in
the United States, could my
town enact an ordinance to
prevent a horse slaughter
facility from locating there?
Your town could enact that ordinance, but
it would qualify as a law
that abridged the right to
employ livestock production (and possibly ranching
practices, too). So a company that wanted to open
a horse slaughter facility
could sue your town under
777, and the towns lawyer
would have to appear in
court and prove that the
ban could beat the strict
scrutiny standard, which is
extremely difficult.
How did SQ 777 get to
Oklahoma?
In 1996, the American
Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, a group that
brings together corporations and state lawmakers
to write pro-business bills,
came up with model legislation that would expand
existing right-to-farm laws
to grant wide-ranging legal
rights to farms of all sizes.
ALECs bill, intended as a
template for state politicians, voided local farm
ordinances and made it
harder to lodge complaints
about animal mistreatment, pollution, and noise.
The model was later adjusted to call for amending
state constitutions in lieu
of state legislation.

Ahead of the 2012 elections, the North Dakota

Farm Bureau asked a local
lawyer to prepare the basic
language contained in SQ
777, and an organization
called the North Dakota
Feeding Families Committee pursued a signature-petition drive to put a constitutional amendment on the
ballot that said, The right
of farmers and ranchers to
engage in modern farming and ranching practices
shall be forever guaranteed
in this state. No law shall
be enacted which abridges
the right of farmers and
ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern
livestock production and
ranching practices. Opponents of the measure
included the North Dakota
Farmers Union, the state s
largest general farm organization. The amendment
passed with 66.89% support.
Ahead of the 2014 elections, Missouri State Representative Bill Reiboldt,
a Republican, sponsored
a version of SQ 777. The
measure said, That agriculture which provides
food, energy, health benefits, and security is the
foundation and stabilizing
force of Missouris economy. To protect this vital
sector of Missouris economy, the right of farmers
and ranchers to engage in
farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state, subject
to duly authorized powers,
if any, conferred by article
VI of the Constitution of
Missouri. The state Farm
Bureau once again supported the measure, and the
states Farmers Union once
again opposed it. The measure passed, with 50.12% .
In April 2015, Oklahoma State Representative
Scott Biggs sponsored a
resolution to place SQ 777
on the ballot. The resolution received support from
a majority of the Oklahoma
House of Representatives
and the Senate, and was
placed on the 2016 general
election ballot. An identical
measure is also pending in
Nebraska.

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The Blanchard News

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State Question 777

There are seven (7) measures that have been certified to appear on the HYPERLINK https://
ballotpedia.org/Oklahoma \o Oklahoma Oklahoma ballot on November 8, 2016.
The most controversial measure is
HYPERLINK https://ballotpedia.org/
Oklahoma_Right_to_Farm_Amendment,_State_Question_777_(2016) \o Oklahoma Right to Farm
Amendment, State Question 777 (2016) State Question 777. It was designed to establish a constitutional
guarantee for farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices.
Another HYPERLINK https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_initiatives_filed_for_the_2016_ballot \o
Ballot initiatives filed for the 2016 ballot 13 initiatives were filed for potential spots on the 2016
ballot but Oklahomas laws make it very difficult to qualify an initiative for the ballot. As a result,
from
1998
to
2014,
only
HYPERLINK
https://ballotpedia.org/
History_of_Initiative_%26_Referendum_in_Oklahoma \o History of Initiative & Referendum in
Oklahoma three statewide initiatives qualified for the ballot.
The final official ballot title is as follows:

Robert Floyd
City Manager

This measure adds Section 38 to Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution. The new Section creates the following guaranteed rights to
engage in farming and ranching:
* The right to make use of agricultural technology;
* The right to make use of livestock procedures;
* The right to make use of ranching practices.
These constitutional rights receive extra protection under this measure that not all constitutional rights receive. This extra protection is
a limit on lawmakers ability to interfere with the exercise of these rights. Under this extra protection, no law can interfere with these
rights, unless the law is justified by a compelling state interest a clearly identified state interest of the highest order. Additionally, the
law must be necessary to serve that compelling state interest. The measure and the protections identified above do not apply to and do
not impact state laws related to:
* Trespass;
* Eminent Domain;
* Dominance of mineral interests;
* Easements;
* Right of way or other property rights, and
* Any state statutes and political subdivision ordinances enacted before December 31, 2014.
Constitutional changes
The proposed amendment was designed to add a Section 38 to HYPERLINK https://ballotpedia.org/
Article_II,_Oklahoma_Constitution \o Article II, Oklahoma Constitution Article II of the HYPERLINK https://ballotpedia.org/
Oklahoma_Constitution \o Oklahoma Constitution Oklahoma Constitution. The following text would be added by the proposed
measures approval:
To protect agriculture as a vital sector of Oklahomas economy, which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security and is the
foundation and stabilizing force of Oklahomas economy, the right so citizens and lawful residents of Oklahoma to engage in farming and
ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state. The Legislature shall pass no law which abridges the right of citizens and
lawful residents of Oklahoma to employ agricultural technology and livestock production and ranching practices without a compelling
state interest.
Nothing is this section shall be construed to modify any provision of common law or statutes relating to trespass, eminent domain,
dominance of mineral interests, easements, rights of way or any other property rights. Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify
or affect any statute or ordinance enacted by the legislature or any political subdivision prior to December 31, 2014.
Support
The Yes on 777 campaign is leading the support for State Question 777. It list the following endorsements:
* American Farmers and Ranchers
* Oklahoma Farm Bureau
* Oklahoma Cattlemens Association
* Oklahoma Pork Council
* Oklahoma Cotton Council
* Oklahoma Sorghum Association
* Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council
* Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association
* Oklahoma Agri-Women
It protects the rights of citizens and lawful residents to engage in farming and ranching practices. It prohibits the Legislature from
passing laws that would take away the right to employ agricultural technology and livestock production without a compelling state
interest. It provides for interpretation of the Sectionnot about water issues. Oklahoma Farm Bureau.
Opposition
The campaign leading opposition against State Question 777 is the Oklahoma Stewardship Council/No on 777, led by former Oklahoma
Attorney General HYPERLINK https://ballotpedia.org/Drew_Edmondson \o Drew Edmondson Drew Edmondson.
* Oklahoma Stewardship Council
* Oklahoma Municipal League
* Sierra Club
* Humane Society
* Humane Society of Tulsa
* Humane Society Fund
* Cherokee Nation
* Oklahoma Food Cooperative
* Bella Foundation
* Save the Illinois River
* Oklahoma Coalition of Animal Rescuers
* Oklahoma for Food, Farm & Family
* Oklahoma Rising
* Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma
* Nebraska Ag Leaders Working Group
* Nebraska Farm Bureau
* Oklahoma Animal Welfare League
* Best Friends of Pets
* Oklahoma Alliance for Animals
* Oklahoma Coalition of Animal Rescuers
* Bella Foundation
Measure would not only take away the power of the Legislature and municipal governments to regulate agricultural practices, it
effectively takes away the power of the people to vote on such changes. The world of industrial agriculture is changing with chemical
additives to feed, growth hormones and genetic modifications. I can understand why they want to be free from scrutiny and regulation,
but I cannot understand why we should let them. Drew Edmondson
You be the judge and decide theRIGHT TO FARM issue in Oklahoma on Tuesday, November 8, 2016!

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The Blanchard News

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Superintendent of
Blanchard Public
Schools
Dr. Jim Beckham
In addition to my educator role, I also have a cow-calf
operation in southern Garvin County on Rush Creek. Id call
myself a rancher, but many friends might believe its a stretch
since my ranching skills are somewhat suspect. As an educator
and rancher, I believe State Question 777 or Right to Farm
has implications for public schools and local farmers/ ranchers.
Supporters of SQ 777 (which is an amendment to our State
Constitution) say that it guarantees us (family owned farms and
ranches) the right to make use of agricultural technology, the
right to make use of livestock procedures, and the right to make
use of ranching practices. Many family farmers and ranchers
and other opponents of SQ 777 say that we already have those
rights, I know I do. Kim Barker, a family farmer from Fairview,
Oklahoma, says My familys been on the farm for 123 years,
five generations. Ive got the right to farm, thats not what this
is about. This (SQ 777) is not written for farmers by farmers,
its written by corporations for corporations, and not Oklahoma
corporations, but out of state and even international. Barker
goes on to say that SQ 777 will not protect him or other family
farmers, but will empower corporate agricultural interests at the
expense of our family farms and ranches. The real agenda of
those behind SQ 777 becomes clear in the second part of the
question, where it declares that these rights get extra protection
that not even all other constitutional rights have. This extra
protection, it states, would be a limit on lawmakers ability to
interfere with the exercise of these (corporate) rights.
As an example of an international corporate farm which is
supporting SQ 777, one must take a look at Seaboard Foods in
Guymon, Oklahoma. In 1998, Time magazine published The
Empire of the Pigs, an article by investigative journalists Donald
Bartlett and James Steele that chronicled how an extremely
resourceful corporation plays the welfare game, maximizing the
benefits to itself, often to the detriment of our local farmers and
ranchers. A case of misappropriation of land by corporate farms
is documented during the 1930s Dust Bowl. Suitcase farmers
(corporate farmers) swept into western Oklahoma and the
Oklahoma panhandle during the 1920s, taking advantage of
unregulated wheat farming practices and generous federal
subsidies all in the name of corporate profits and corporate
welfare. Of course, we now know the economic damage caused
by these suitcase farmers was catastrophic and Oklahomans
almost did not recover. These corporate farms ended many of
our family farms and ranches, in more ways than one. My
grandfather, Virgil Beckham, lost his life in November, 1933,
when a wall of sand and wind hit him and his mule. The mule,
spooked by the sudden sandstorm, dragged Virgil to death as
his arm was wrapped tightly with the lead rope. There is naturally
no love lost between my family and corporate farming
methods. In 1979, I helped a friend, B.T. Ferguson, build a pig
farm down on Rush Creek south of Lindsay, Oklahoma. It wasnt
long, however, before corporate pig farms put him completely
out of business. This is what corporations do they enter an
area, and then proceed to run all competitors out of business,
whether its local business owners, family owned farms and
ranches, or even our local public schools (in the case of State
Question 790). As a matter of fact, SQ 777 and SQ 790 are
closely related, in that SQ 777 is designed by corporations to
destroy our family farms and ranches, while SQ 790 is designed
by corporations to destroy our public schools. Ill be voting NO
on both bills. As a matter of fact, Ill also be voting for the Senate
and House candidates who oppose SQ 777 and SQ 790. How
would one know which candidates oppose these bills and which
ones support these bills? Simply ask them. As a matter of fact,
several candidate forums are scheduled for Garvin and McClain
County September 24 in Pauls Valley, and as yet to be
determined in Purcell, so maybe one could find out then as to
how they stand. One candidate has already answered the question
What is your stance on the right to farm bill? Tim Downing,
during a Blanchard Citizens United forum, answered by saying
it is up to a vote of the people, but I plan to vote YES, I support
farmers. Whether one is for or against SQ 777, I hope this
information (other than right to Farm) provides some clarity
as to whether to vote YES or NO on November 8.

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The Cheyenne Star

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Analysis of SQ 777 Oklahomas Right to Farm

Oklahomas agricultural industry is a big part of our states economy
and impacts our way of life on a daily basis. State Question 777, the
Right to Farm amendment, will secure Oklahomas economic future,
expand food choice for Oklahomans and help address food insecurity
across our state. It will also protect the rights of Oklahoma farmers of
all sizes, including small, organic and family farms.
Ninety-eight percent of Oklahoma farms are family-owned and
operated. SQ 777 would protect their right to operate in a safe and
responsible manner without overregulation by the government or outof-state activist groups.
Our Oklahoma farmers and ranchers provide affordable options
to more than 656,000 Oklahomans who struggle with food insecurity.
SQ 777 will help prevent unnecessary government intervention that
FRXOGGULYHXSWKHSULFHRI IRRGIRUFRQVXPHUVDQGPDNHLWGLIFXOW
for farmers to do their jobs.
________________________________________
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
________________________________________
What is Right to Farm, State Question 777?
State Question 777 is a proposed amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution that will protect farming and ranching practices for farmers
large and small across our state, giving consumers more choices and
more affordable food options. Oklahomans will have an opportunity to
vote on the amendment at the general election on Nov. 8, 2016.
How did SQ 777 get on the Oklahoma ballot?
After seeing the negative impact national activist groups were having
on farms and ranches in other states, families across Oklahoma presented
the Right to Farm amendment to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. The
Oklahoma Farm Bureau membership recognized the importance of
this issue and added it to their public policy priorities.
In April 2015, Rep. Scott Biggs supported these family farmers and
ranchers, sponsoring a resolution to place SQ 777 on the ballot. The
measure passed overwhelmingly in both chambers with a 39-6 vote in
the Oklahoma Senate and an 85-7 vote in the Oklahoma House of
5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV2Q$SULOWKHDPHQGPHQWZDVOHGZLWKWKH
Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Who supports SQ 777?
Oklahomans across our state in rural and urban areas support SQ
777, including Oklahoma family farmers and ranchers, who make up 98
percent of Oklahomas farms, as well as numerous grassroots agricultural
groups. Organizations supporting the question include Oklahoma Farm
Bureau, Oklahoma Cattlemens Association, Oklahoma Pork Council,
Oklahoma Agricultural Cooperative Council, The Poultry Federation,
American Farmers and Ranchers, Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association, Oklahoma Grain and Feed Association, Oklahoma Agribusiness
Retailers Association, Oklahoma Cotton Council and the Oklahoma
Sorghum Association.
Why is Right to Farm necessary?
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our citizens constitutional right to work and manage their personal
property. SQ 777 would protect these constitutional rights by limiting
lawmakers ability to interfere unless the health and safety of Oklahoma
citizens is threatened or another compelling state interest arises, such as
water quality. SQ 777 would:

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livelihoods for their families, while supplying essential food to families
across the state.

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food, which is vital to the 17 percent (656,000) of Oklahomans who
struggle with food insecurity.

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urban, organic and hobby farmers, allowing consumers to have access
to a wide range of locally grown food choices.

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WRDFFHVVVFLHQWLFDOO\SURYHQWHFKQRORJ\WRSURGXFHTXDOLW\IRRGDQG
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interest groups.

(QVXUHUHODWHGODZVVWDWXWHVDQGRUGLQDQFHVHQDFWHGSULRUWR
Dec. 31, 2014, are upheld.
What does the amendment say?
The full text states:
To protect agriculture as a vital sector of Oklahomas economy, which
SURYLGHVIRRGHQHUJ\KHDOWKEHQHWVDQGVHFXULW\DQGLVWKHIRXQGDWLRQ
and stabilizing force of Oklahomas economy, the rights of citizens
and lawful residents of Oklahoma to engage in farming and ranching
practices shall be forever guaranteed in this state. The Legislature shall
pass no law which abridges the right of citizens and lawful residents of
Oklahoma to employ agricultural technology and livestock production
and ranching practices without a compelling state interest.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify any provision

of common law or statutes relating to trespass, eminent domain,

dominance of mineral interests, easements, rights of way or any other
property rights. Nothing in this section shall be construed to modify or
affect any statute or ordinance enacted by the Legislature or any political
subdivision prior to December 31, 2014.
What is a compelling state interest? and why is that language
included?
The Right to Farm amendment will protect agriculture, but not to the
detriment of Oklahomas water quality, animal welfare or public safety.
The compelling state interest language is a safeguard to protect the
health, safety and welfare of Oklahoma citizens. Laws and regulations
that are necessary and are already in place to protect the health, safety
and welfare of Oklahoma citizens, animal welfare, water quality, etc.,
will not be affected by SQ 777.
How will SQ 777 impact Oklahomans?
Provide Food Choice
SQ 777 will protect your right to choose the food you feel is appropriate for your family, with access to affordable, local food options. Those
choices are available when farmers and ranchers are afforded the freedom
to make production decisions based on their natural resources, landscape,
weather patterns, insect and disease pressures, and family and business
dynamics. In some states, activist groups have succeeded in lobbying
legislators to pass laws that limit or change farming and ranching pracWLFHVUHVXOWLQJLQOHVVFKRLFHDQGKLJKHUFRVWIRRG7KLVKDVDVLJQLFDQW
impact on low-income consumers, who need access to the affordable,
safe and healthy options. SQ 777 would protect against activist groups
lobbying for their own agenda to the detriment of Oklahoma citizens.
Strengthen Oklahomas Economy
Agriculture directly provided more than 200,000 jobs with a total
economic impact of $39.6 billion in 2013. One in nine Oklahoma exports is an agricultural commodity, contributing $1.9 billion to the states
HFRQRP\,QWKH2NODKRPD'HSDUWPHQWRI &RPPHUFHLGHQWLHG
agriculture and bioscience as the fourth strongest economic industry
in the state with regard to growth potential, wages, wealth generation
DQGRWKHUGHQLQJFULWHULD
Protect Animal Welfare
Oklahomas farmers and ranchers are dedicated to the health and
welfare of the animals under their care. As such, farmers and ranchers
implement animal husbandry best practices based on extensive research.
To ensure all Oklahomans are caring for animals appropriately, the
state has enacted strong animal welfare laws that will not be changed
or impacted by SQ 777.
Ensure Food Safety
The formulation and application of any crop protection product must
be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, which places
priority on protecting our people and environment. The United States
Department of Agriculture is responsible for testing crops to ensure
they meet regulatory requirements and the Food and Drug Administration has authority to enforce penalties for noncompliance. With SQ
777, farmers and ranchers will continue to be required to comply with
EPA, FDA and USDA regulations.
Encourage Environmental Stewardship
Oklahomas farmers and ranchers have, and will continue to make
great strides in conserving the states natural resources. Advances in
technology allow them to harvest more bountiful commodity crops
and produce more meat, milk, eggs and produce while using less water,
reducing soil erosion and using fewer chemical inputs. Due to the voluntary conservation practices of farmers, ranchers and private landowners,
Oklahoma leads the nation for EPA recognized water-quality success
stories. Since 2007, 55 streams that drain 3.9 million acres of land have
been removed from the impaired list 1.5 million more acres than any
other state. During Oklahomas record drought that ended in 2015,
voluntary conservation practices by farmers and ranchers prevented
the state from experiencing another Dust Bowl. SQ 777 will allow
Oklahomas farmers and ranchers to continue to improve on voluntary,
best management conservation practices.
Secure Private Property Rights
Oklahomas successful agriculture framework is built upon the ideals
that individuals have the right to own property and use it to produce
VRFLDODQGHFRQRPLFEHQHWVIRUWKHPVHOYHVDQGWKHLUFRPPXQLWLHV64
777 will help protect all Oklahomans private property rights, prohibiting
unnecessary and burdensome laws and regulations that would dictate
KRZSHUVRQDOSURSHUW\FDQRUFDQQRWEHXVHGWRSURGXFHIRRGDQGEHU
products in the state.
Sustain Oklahomas Agricultural Legacy
Oklahoma was founded with agricultural roots. By 1907, the new
state had more than 62,000 farms. Today, Oklahoma is home to 78,000

farms, more than 98 percent of which are family-owned and operatHG:KLOHPDQ\RWKHULQGXVWULHVDUHFKDUDFWHUL]HGE\ODUJHGLYHUVLHG

corporations, agriculture in Oklahoma is dominated by family farms.
This is in large part due to the fact that agriculture faces a unique set of
challenges requiring extensive knowledge of the local soil, pests, animal
behavior and weather patterns; knowledge passed down through many
generations of family farmers and ranchers. The average age of farmers
and ranchers in Oklahoma is 58. To sustain and grow Oklahomas agriculture industry, the state must encourage young people to get involved.
SQ 777 will foster an environment where young, beginning and small
farmers and ranchers have an opportunity to succeed.
What other industries are protected by a constitutional amendment
like SQ 777?
In 2008, Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved SQ 742, the
2NODKRPD5LJKWWR+XQWDQG)LVK$PHQGPHQW+XQWLQJDQGVKLQJ
SURYLGHV D WUHPHQGRXV HFRQRPLF EHQHW WR 2NODKRPDV WRXULVP LQdustry. While the Right to Hunt and Fish is protected in the Oklahoma
FRQVWLWXWLRQKXQWLQJDQGVKLQJLVVWLOOVXEMHFWWRUHDVRQDEOHODZVDQG
regulation to protect the health, safety and welfare of Oklahoma citizens
and game species. For example, there are legal hunting seasons and
limits on the number of animals that can be harvested; and hunting is
prohibited in certain geographical areas. Similarly, Right to Farm will
protect Oklahomans and the agriculture industry which contributes
VLJQLFDQWO\WRRXUVWDWH
Where else has Right to Farm been passed? What effect has this had
on those states?
Right to Farm has been passed in Missouri and North Dakota. In
each of these states, the amendment has provided extra protection for
the rights of farmers and ranchers. These farmers and ranchers continue
to use responsible farming and ranching practices and remain dedicated
to the welfare of their animals and the environment.

Cheyenne 100 Years Ago

By Dale Tracy. Last Tues. the
lady teachers who are attending
training school, played the town
girls a game of basketball. The
game was close and snappy from
WKH UVW ZKLVWOH DQG UHPDUNDEO\
free of fouls owing to the fact that
the girls were out of practice. The
teachers team was composed of
a part of the famous Cheyenne
High School team, who dealt all
the neighboring teams many a
deadly blow. Miss Tracy and Miss
Falconer were the stars for the
teachers, Miss Lester and Miss
Cunningham showed remarkably
good teamwork for the locals. In
fact all the girls showed up in the
limelight. Line up for teachers
were M Falconer, L. Tracy were
forwards; centers were L. Franklin, K. Potter and guards were B.
Kendall and Miss Ayers. Lineup
for the locals were forwards L.
Cunningham and F. Lester, Centers were B. Tunnard and M.
Turner and guards were M. Tracy
and L. Fields. Hezzie Cox, son of
Don Cox passed away at the age
of nineteen. The ladies of the ME
Church have made improvements
to the interior of their church and
contemplating many more in the
near future. Mrs. Willie West underwent an operation at Elk City.
Born to Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Gillam
ODVW7XHVGD\DQHEDE\ER\0UV
Gillam and the young preacher
are reported to be getting along
nicely. The ladies of the Baptist
Church put on a parcel post sale
at the T.L. Turners furniture store,
realizing $26. The proceeds will
be used in defraying the improve-

ments done to their church. A.T.

Burge of Strong City has been
attending the teachers training
course here. Others here: J.L. Ivy
a staunch Democrat of Roll area,
Uncle Frank Kendall Strong City,
A.H. Crawford candidate for Co.
Commissioner, George Bashaw,
candidate for Co. Trea. both of
Hammon, James Atwood, T.H.
Gillespie, Grimes, F.A. Beavin
Roll, W.R. Potter Durham. Mr.
and Mrs. G.B. Lovett returned
after extended visit with friends
and relatives in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Cross went to Okla. City
to buy notions for Miller-Cross
Dry Goods Store. A.L Randall of
Randall Mercantile Co. in Okla.
City on business.
Cheyenne Star, Aug. 30, 1916

We have something
for every budget,
big or small
Line or Display Ads

Call
580-497-3324 or email
FKH\VWDU#GREVRQWHOHFRFRP


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Canton Times

mber 22, 2016

Acre discusses SQ 777 at Senior Citizens luncheon

Sep
22
2016
Page
A002
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O
O
T

Senior Citizen News

Friday was a mice day. We

had twenty people join us for
lunch. We missed Rusty Ferrel. He had gone to the doctor
in Enid.
Robert Acre was a guest
speaker. He explained about
the farm Question 777. Lots of
people asked questions about
the bill.
The carpet people were
also at the Center measuring
WKHRRUIRUXVRQ)ULGD\
We really enjoyed talking
to Rusty Ferrals daughter,
Mary, who is hear visiting
from a town just outside Pittsburg, PA. She works for CVS
drug store there. I mentioned
that Boyd Hooten brother and
family lived in Belle Vernon,
P:A until they passed. Barbara
Hooten still lived in Washington, PA. She said she knew
what town I was talking about.
Shes such a nice person, I really enjoyed talking to her.
She will be leaving Thursday
for PA.

There was about 100 people who attended the Retired

Senior Volunteer Program
Banquet party at the Fairgrounds at Watonga last Friday night. Also attending was
State Senator Mike Sanders
RI.LQJVKHU+HZDVVRQLFH
he presented the Volunteer
awards to different people.
There was six counties represented. They opened with
prayer. The Sniders served
the dinner. It was delicious.
7KHWKHPHZDVWKH/RVWV
tonight. The Klopfensteins
was the entertainers. They
were brother and sister. They
sang songs that Elvis Presley
made famous. They really did
a wonderful job. The young
man didnt make the money
that Elvis did, but he really
sounded like Elvis.
They gave awards for total
hours that volunteers gave
to their communities. Amy
Yount was the 2016 Recipient.
We had a total 291 volunteers and they gave 74,543
volunteer hours. Opportunities
Inc. R.S.V.P. is funded by the
Corporation of Nationa and
Community Service, Federal
Agency and the State of OklaKRPD '+6$JLQJ 6HUYLFHV
si sponsored by Opportunities
Inc.
The decorations were pictures, especially a cardboard
John Wayne, balloons in the
shape of a hunk of cake with
a cherry on top. The tables

_________ Obituary __________

Jacqueline Rosalie (Wallis) Ake
July 24, 1926 - September 13, 2016
Jacqueline Rosalie (Wallis)
Ake, of Chester, OK passed
from this life on September
13, 2016 in Seiling, OK at the
age of 90 years, 1 month, and
20 days. Jackie was born July
24, 1926 to Jake and Lillian
(Hampton) Wallis in Clinton,
OK.

______
plan and purpose and share
it with their gifts from God.
The writer of Psalm 44 in
verse one makes this clear;
We have heard with our
ears, O God, our fathers have
WROGXVZKDW\RXGLG+RZ
blest children are when they
can say with the children of
the writer of this Psalm those

Jackie married Frank Elias

Ake on June 5, 1943 in Taloga, OK, a union of 70 years
until his passing in 2013.
The couple made their home
in Chester where she was a
homemaker and helped Frank
with the farming. She enjoyed
knitting, crocheting, painting,
vegetable gardening and taking care of the chickens.
Jackie was preceded in
death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Robert Ake
and Gary Ake; her sister, WinQLH%RZLHQDQGEURWKHUV'RQald Willis, Jerry Wallis, and
A.C. Wallis.
She is survived by her son
Frankie Ake of Chester, grandsons; Steve and Saundra Ake
of Tupelo, OK, Rick and Susie
Ake of Wichita, KS, Mike Ake
of Seiling, and granddaughter
Sh d l d J
L df d f

had cardboard cars made in

the 50s. The volunteers really did a wonderful job. You
would think you were back in
the 50s.
The 2016 Advisory Council
members were Callie Waldrop,
Chairman, Mary Ann Morris,
Secretary, Russell Morrison,
Glen Garrett, Carol Calhon,
Sharon Gates, Bob Klassen,
Carol Adamson and James
Calhoun.
Closing the meeting was
Carla and Meghan. We will
look forward to next year.
Gods blessing on these people.
I had brought three guests
and I received a very nice
compliment from a stranger
from El Reno who won the
pair of pillowcases that I had
made. I won the El Charros
JLIW FHUWLFDWH IURP &DQWRQ
Bessie Lucus won an egg carry
and my other guest won wooden crosses.
I visited with lots of different people, even the singers. I
had gotten there a little early as
I had extra gifts to be tagged
for prizes. Everyone had a
wonderful time. Maybe more
people will come next year.
Prayer List: Oscar Gonzales, hes back in the hospital
as of last Friday, blood sugar,
SRVVLEOHWKHUDS\'HQQLV:HVWfahl has cancer. Earnie Martin,
they are weaning him off oxygen, hes still in Virginia Hospital; Eric McCurdy, cancer;
&ODXGLQH9RZHOO'RUD)XTXD
*DU\ &\SHUW JKWLQJ FDQcer; Betty Burghardt, moved
to Okeene Nursing home,
EURNHQ OHJ /RLV 0F'RQDOG
JKWLQJ FDQFHU 'HQQLV /DX
hes Cheryl Garriott Laus
husband, Alva nursing home;
/RQQLH .HSKDUW JKWLQJ FDQcer, Joanie Cavett Koos.
Our deepest sympathy to
the families of Ron Milligan,

DOVRWKHIDPLOLHVRI(DUO'HDQ
Schoonmaker. The families of
Jackie Ake of Chester, OK.
She was a member of the
2NLH0LVWFDPSLQJJURXS
We travelled all over the state
of Oklahoma. Theres just
three people left of our camping group, Juanita Rauh, Tracy
'LFN\DQGPH+D]HO+RRWHQ
The Christian Church has a
fall kickoff of activities. Bible
study is on Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is
invited to come and join. This
is a Times of Learning and
'LVFXVVLRQIRUFKDSWHUVRIWKH
Holy Bible.
The Christian Church is
starting up the choir again this
fall. Teacher is Twilla Alexandar. If you enjoy praising God
through singing, consider joining the choir.
The Junior and Senior High,
6th through 12th grade youth
begin meeting on Wednesday
evening from 6:00 to 8:00
p.m.. Bring your Bible so you
can learn about God and invite
your friends.
Awana Bible Club will meet
on Sunday evening for kids K
through 5th grade from 5:00 to
7:00 p.m. Bring your kids for a
great time of learning and fun.
If you want to receive your
church news letter and have
changed your address, get in
WRXFK ZLWK -R\FH 'RZOLQJ ,I
you want to email them, they
FDQ EH VHQW WR -R\FH'RZOing1942@gmail.com.
Happy Birthday to my great
granddaughter, Lainey Kate
Moris of Enid. She turned 13
years old. She had a birthday
party last Saturday.
The big news in my family is that my grandson, Justin,
Jessika and kids are moving
from Las Angeles, California to Baton Rouge, Louisana
where he will be working for
the Federal Government.

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

The Hobart Democrat Chief

Kiowa County Farm Bureau holds

Annual Meeting, passes Resolutions
Sep
22
2016
Page
0005
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Kiowa County Farm Bureau

members and guests gathered
September 15th, 2016 at the
Western Technology Center in
Hobart for their Farm Meeting.
Following the meal prepared
by Greg Holt and the Womens
Committee, the President of the
Kiowa County Board of Directors, Tom Null, presided during
the business meeting. Tom
1XOOOHGWKHDJVDOXWHDQG5RQ
Boelte gave the invocation.
Special Guests included:
Representative David Perryman; District 2 Director - Monte Tucker; District 2 Womens
Leadership Committee Member Paula Sawatzsky; Agency
Manager Dawayne Smith; and
Kiowa County Commissioners
Tim Binghom and Stan Funkhouser.
District 2 Director Monte
Tucker spoke to the members
and guests about the upcoming
election in November about
State Question 777. He explained what the State Question
was all about and he stressed
that production agriculture
needs this to pass. He said it
has nothing to do with water,
puppy mills or Saving the Animals, what it does do is give the
farmer a right to farm by using
current procedures as well as
any future procedures needed to
farm.
Members approved last
years annual meeting minutes.
The entertainment was provided
by Roy Rodriquez and he did an
outstanding job of keeping the
crowd entertained. They had 5
meat giveaways throughout the
night and one donated gift giveaway given by David Perryman.
Winners of the $25.00 drawing donated by the Womens
Committee were: Brad Lanig,
Roosevelt, Johnny McElroy
Snyder, Ben Kliewer, Mountain
View and Linda Gann, Snyder. The winner of the $100.00
drawing donated by the Kiowa
County Farm Bureau Board of
Directors was Tuffy Mace of the
Mountain View/Gotebo area.
Also, Representative David
Perryman graciously donated a
FRRNERRN IRU WKH UDIH DQG WKH
winner was Betty Freeman of
Hobart.
Kathy Hancock conducted the memorial service for 24
Farm Bureau members who had
passed away in the last year.
The Board of Directors recognized Marilyn Scott for her 10
years of service and presented
her with a clock and a bouquet
RIRZHUV
The Womens committee
chose Joe and Cathy Lanig of
Roosevelt as the 2016 Farm
Family of the Year. They will
represent District 2 at the convention in November. They
were presented a clock and a
ERXTXHWRIRZHUV
The ladies also chose Tuffy
Mace as Farm Woman of 2016
and she was presented a plaque
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Congratulations to all!
Johnny McElroy, Resolutions Chairman, presided as the
membership considered eight
resolutions and added two more
IURP WKH RRU WKDW ZLOO EH VHQW
to the Farm Bureau organization
for further consideration. They
are as followed:
1.
Be it resolved that new
State tax incentive programs
should have stated targets and
criteria for measurement in
terms of long term job creation
and revenue generation.
2.
Be it resolved that we
strongly endorse the work of

the Oklahoma Incentive Evaluation Committee in determining

which State tax incentive programs actually work to generate
VLJQLFDQW QHZ 6WDWH UHYHQXH
therefore, we urge the Committee to speed up its evaluations,
SXEOLVK LWV QGLQJV DQG LVVXH
calls to action for the legislature
to repeal or adjust incentive programs already in place as necessary.
3.
Be it resolved that
Wind Energy Production companies should incur production
taxes similar to the Oil and Gas
Industry in addition their Ad
Valorem asset taxation.
4.
Be it resolved that we
encourage the legislature to
effect changes to the Oklahoma Tax Commissions current
guidelines for Ad Valorem taxation of Wind Energy assets. The
Department has reduced depreciation schedules from 25 to 12
years and altered the trending
factor. Both actions have had
major negative impacts on valXDWLRQV DQG KDYH VLJQLFDQW UHduced valuations for Counties
and School Districts.
5.
Be it resolved that we
encourage the legislature to effect changes to the Oklahoma
Tax Commissions decision to
revise its new practices for Motor Vehicle collections the revision should restore the level of
funding previously reserved for
and provided to the State School
Districts.
6.
Be it resolved that the
Vehicle operators requiring a
CDL that are involved in an at
fault accident with injury while
operating a commercial vehicle
shall be required to retake and
successfully complete the written and driving CDL exam within 1 year of the accident in order
to maintain their license. For
a second at fault accident, the
CDL should be suspended for 6
months.
7.
Be it resolved that Insurance companies that insure
Oklahoma operators requiring a CDL shall be required to
certify annually that they have
reviewed and understand Oklahoma Law concerning the operations of the vehicles.
8.
Be it resolved that the
state government extend the existing gross production tax to include tax on rock, sand, gravel
and all other aggregate materials
extracted from within the State.
Furthermore, that the revenues generated from such tax
shall be divided in the following
manner:
a.
to ALL public
schools in the counties of severance,
b.
to the County road &
bridge fund for the counties of

severance,
c.
to the ambulance
VHUYLFHV  WKH UH GHSDUWPHQWV
in the county of severance,
d.
to build water storage and water utilization infrastructure within the county.
Regardless of product, the minimum tax rate for said surface
mining shall be $0.50 per ton of
production as measured by sales
or trade.
9.
Be it resolved that we
support AACO (Association of
County Commissioner of Oklahoma) proposal to provide services to county district schools.
10. Be it resolved that
Oklahoma Farm Bureau hereby goes on record as supporting the transfer of horse shows,
livestock shows and other agricultural conventions, consumer
and commercial activities out
of Oklahoma City if the OklaKRPD &LW\ HOHFWHG RIFLDOV JR
on record or has gone on record
as being against State Question
777.
Board members re-elected to
the board were: Johnny McElroy, Snyder; Zac Harris, Hobart;
Joe Hancock, Mountain View
and Virgil Payne, Mountain
View.
The meeting was adjourned
at 7:45 p.m.

1950 Graduates
invited to cookout
The Hobart graduating class
of 1956 would like to invite all
1950s graduates to a cook-out
and visitation at 5:30 p.m. on
Friday, September 30th at the
Putnam City Original softball
complex at 8601 NW 50th St. in
Bethany.
There will also be a hospitality meeting from 10 a.m.-4
p.m. Saturday, October 1st at
the Holiday Inn on SW 15th and
Meridian. Dinner reservations
will be at 6 p.m. at Toby Keiths
Bar and Grill in downtown
Oklahoma City.
If you would like more information contact Dave Northcutt
at (405) 826-8029 or Gene Taylor at (405) 627-9333.

Clothes Closet
summer hours
The Clothes Closet is open
the second Monday and second
Wednesday of every month.
Times for Mondays is 9:30
a.m. for donuts, coffee and
prayer and the doors will be
open from 10-11:30 a.m.
Time on Wednesdays will be
6-7 p.m.
It is located on the south end
of the FBC parking lot.

V
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(580) 482-0617
1-800-245-0617
108 N. VETERANS DRIVE
ALTUS, OKLAHOMA

ZZZZLOPHVVXSHUVWRUHFRP

Over 100 New Vehicles in Stock

Your Full Service Dealer With
Sales ~ Service ~ Body Shop

Warrior Brothers of
Lone Wolf, OK

Presents:

Aim to Be Like Christ

Skeet/Trap Shooting Contest Prizes awarded for top 3
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The Perkins Journal

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Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

Sep 2016 Page

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The Geary Star

FORUM

OKFB President Issues Response

to Compelling State Interest Claims
Sept. 20, 2016 Groups in
opposition to State Question
777 used comments by Oklahoma Farm Bureau President
Tom Buchanan out of context
in order to misguide Oklahoma
voters. Buchanan issued the
following statement in response.
The Right to Farm amendment is perfect in its form, and
protects both agriculture and
the people of Oklahoma into

the future. However, critics of

the measure have twisted my
words in another attempt to
mislead voters.
State Question 777 not
only protects farmers and
ranchers, but ensures Oklahomans can continue to vote
with their dollar as they are offered the healthiest, most abundant and most affordable food
supply in history. The use of
the compelling state interest

V t R i t ti

language ensures all new legislation is backed by research

and science, not on the whims
of activist legislators and
groups.
The outside interest groups
opposing Right to Farm have
resorted to lies and deceit to
cloud the judgment of Oklahoma voters. We in agriculture
and in Oklahoma stand united
in voting yes on SQ 777 on
Nov. 8.

D dli

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

The Geary Star

OKFB President Tom Buchanan

Sep 2016 Page

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Vinita Daily Journal

Public invited to state question forum

Our whole intent is to send people

to the pols more informed...
Kelli Beisly Minson

Denton Thomason
Journal Reporter

The public is invited to attend a public

forum Thursday night that will discuss
state questions appearing on the ballot
during the November general election.
The forum will be held at Cherokee

1DWLRQ9LQLWD+HDOWK&HQWHUEHJLQQLQJDW
6 p.m., and is being hosted by the Craig
County Democratic Party.
.HOOL%HLVO\0LQVRQVWUHVVHGWKDWWKLVLV
not a partisan forum, but instead an event
intended to inform voters.
See Forum Page 12

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Vinita Daily Journal

Forum
Continued from Page 1
Our whole intent is to send
SHRSOH WR WKH SROV PRUH LQ
formed, Beisly Minson said.
The forum will be facilitated
by Ray Claggett, chairman of
the Craig County Democratic
Party.
State Sen. Charles Wyrick
will provide a legislative

Miami

ny drug and property crimes

as misdemeanors; SQ 790,
which is about using public
funds for religious purposes;
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venience stores.
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sentative from the Kirkpatrick
Foundation will be speaking
as an opponent of the bill.
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homa Farm Bureau and the
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cords show.
ciation have been invited to
Anyone with information speak in favor of the bill.
C bl
h
b
i

background on each of the

state questions before taking
questions from the public.
6WDWH TXHVWLRQV WR EH GLV
cussed include: SQ 776,
which deals with the death
penalty; SQ 777, which is a
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cent statewide sales tax to
IXQGWHDFKHUUDLVHVDQGHGXFD
tion; SQ 780 and 781, which
ZRXOG UHFODVVLI\ VRPH IHOR

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Sep 2016 Page

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Bristow News & Record-Citizen

Bristow News

SQ 777
District Nine Director with the
Oklahoma Farm Bureau Phyllis
Holcomb spoke at the Bristow
Lions Club meeting Wednesday about State Question 777.
If passed, State Question 777
would add section 38 to article II of the Oklahoma Constitution, protecting the rights of
citizens and lawful residents
to engage in farming and
ranching practices. It would
prohibit the state legislature
from passing laws that would
take away the right to employ
agricultural technology and
livestock production without
a compelling state interest. All
the practices we as farmers
and ranchers do, are to help
the animals, not to harm
them, said Holcomb. I want
everyone to weigh both sides
equally.

Shirley Todd photo

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

Vinita Daily Journal

State Question 777 not hardly

about Oklahomans right to farm
Sep
23
2016
Page
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Note: This opinion piece is

authored by Rusty Fleming,
who publishes Grand Lake
News Online and serves as
the Executive Director of the
South Grand Lake Chamber.
This opinion in no way is to be
FRQVWUXHG DV WKH RIFLDO SRVL
tion of the chamber related to
this issue.
If State Question 777 is defeated in November, one thing
is a given, farming practices in Oklahoma will not be
changed. For the lobby effort
supporting this bill, led by
the Farm Bureau and with the
help of Attorney General Scott
Pruitt, to be able to entitle this
state question the Right to
Farm is a total misrepresentation if not bordering on fraud.
Its all about barring any future
legislation or supervision from
municipal governing bodies,
the Department of Agriculture
or any other state agency with
respect to farming operations.
Now lets rebuke the myth
Im a city boy with no knowledge of farming and ranching practices. My Dad was
raised on a farm, but we lived
in Oklahoma City, where he
owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store; one
complete with charge accounts
where everybody knows your
name, brand of coffee and favorite cut of meat he butchered
up to the customers specs.
Trips to the Wilson and Armour meat packing plants at
the Oklahoma City Stockyards
were routine and observing
how animals were prepared for
market. But he never lost his
farming roots and trips to our
country farm between Newcastle and Blanchard were
common place.
It was there where I learned
the art of converting bull
calves to steers, that de-horning was necessary for protection of ones investment, the
art of sewing seed from the
back of a drill, and cutting,
baling and hauling hay. I was
also subjected to the practice
of rising at 5 a.m. with Dad to
travel to the farm to feed the
herd and return to the city for
the 8 a.m. opening of the family store.unless an untimely
birth in January or February
was encountered and then the
plans changed slightly and
those grocery store customer
had to wait or my Mom opened
the store. This all to point out
Im no stranger to the family
IDUPEXWGHQLWHO\RSSRVHGWR
State Question 777 for a multitude of reasons.
The most compelling for me
LVWKHIDFWWKLVZRXOGEHWKHUVW
amendment to our states constitution, which by-the-way
is already the longest in the
United States, which provides
SURWHFWLRQIRUDVSHFLFLQGXV
try. Having been in Stillwater
a couple of weeks back for our
states strongest earthquake on
record, I can visualize the oil
industry wanting to neuter the
Corporation Commission next
and relieve themselves of any
responsibility in the damages
they have helped create.

Its sad commentary when

there isnt enough support in
the Legislature to address this
issue through legislation, but
a powerful lobby can get it on
the ballot as a state question,
misname it to appear the question is about allowing farming
in an agricultural state while
readily admitting the quesWLRQVODQJXDJHLVDZHG7KH
following is a portion of a story published in the Norman
Transcript covering the latest
meeting of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, where both
sides were represented:
2./$+20$ &,7<  &RP
ments yesterday from a chief
proponent of State Question
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ber of Commerce shows even
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As reported by the Norman
Transcript, when it comes to
State Question 777s ballot
ODQJXDJHUHTXLULQJDFRPSHO
OLQJVWDWHLQWHUHVW)DUP%X
reau President Tom Buchanan
told the Norman Chamber of
Commerce yesterday that, I
wish that language werent in
there.
Drew Edmondson, chair of
the Oklahoma Stewardship
&RXQFLO DQG IRUPHU VWDWH DW
WRUQH\JHQHUDOVDLGWKHDGPLV
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cate of the proposal proves SQ
777 is faulty.
Even the YES campaign
now admits their question
JRHV WRR IDU VDLG (GPRQG
son. Weve been saying all
along that a measure like this
KDVQRSODFHLQRXUVWDWHFRQ
stitution.
The comment from Buchanan
came after a Norman attorney
attending his speech opined
that requiring compelling
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tional amendment would make
LW QHDUO\ LPSRVVLEOH IRU ODZ
makers to pass laws to protect
local water supplies and air
quality, leaving everything in
WKH KDQGV RI WKH IHGHUDO JRY
ernment.
The term compelling state

LQWHUHVW LV D OHJDO WHUP DS

plied to fundamental rights
protected by strict scrutiny.
Compelling state interest
is generally associated with
such constitutional rights as
freedom of speech and religion
and not with local water and
air quality. Many legal experts
LQ2NODKRPDKDYHVDLGWKDWUH
TXLULQJ FRPSHOOLQJ VWDWH LQ
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Norman, Buchanan disagreed
with the legal experts.
As we have said for
months, Edmondson said,
SQ 777 poses serious legal
SUREOHPV IRU 2NODKRPDV OHJ
LVODWXUHVWDWHUHJXODWRU\DJHQ
FLHVFRXQWLHVDQGPXQLFLSDOL
ties, while doing nothing for
Oklahoma family farmers.
The South Grand Lake
Area Chamber of Commerce
hosted representatives from
both sides over the past two
months;
Oklahomans for
Food, Farm, and Family, represented by their spokesman
Bud Scott, presented the oppositions view in August and
James Fuser, a Farm Bureau
Director representing Ottawa
County was on hand to represent the proponents views in
September. It was clear to me,
after hearing both, that this
was a bad idea in my mind.
For those who missed the
chamber meetings, there is another opportunity to hear both
sides of the issue scheduled for
Thursday evening in Vinita at
the new Cherokee Health Center. Things will get under way
at 6 p.m., with the event being
sponsored by the Craig County
Democrats and by local farmer and rancher Ray Claggett,
who serves as the chairman
of the organization. Also on
hand will be Senator Charles
Wyrick and Representative
Chuck Hoskin to help explain
the other state question being
addressed on the November
ballot.
Attend and be an informed
voter.
See Ya Around the Pond!

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Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

The Clinton Daily News

Sep
24
2016
Page
A006
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State Question 777 will

help me do my job
Dear Editor:
Its easy to take life for granted. Its
easy to not appreciate whats right
in front of you. Its not always easy
to stand up for what you believe, but
Im standing with Oklahomas farming and ranching families in support of SQ 777, Oklahomas Right to
Farm. SQ 777 would add an amendment to Oklahomas constitution
that protects farmers and ranchers
of all types and sizes.
For most of us, food isnt hard to
come by. We can drive down to the
store or go to a farmers market to
get fruits, vegetables and meats. But
how often do we think about where
that food comes from?
I think about it every day, because its my job. My wife, son and
I operate a midsize farm with just
over 1,000 acres of wheat. My family has farmed for several generations. Were part of the 98 percent
of Oklahoma farms that are family
owned and operated.
Times are changing, and special
interest groups are making it harder
for us to make a living. The harder
it becomes for us to do our job, the
harder it becomes for you to have
access to affordable, nutritious food
options.
We asked Oklahomas Legislature
to protect our rights in April 2015.
The measure passed overwhelmingly (39-6 in the Senate and 85-7 in the
House). Now Im asking you to vote
with us on Nov. 8 by voting yes
on SQ 777. Help protect my familys
legacy and the future of farming and
food choice in Oklahoma.

Lawrence Sawatzky
Clinton, OK
Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

Vinita Daily Journal

SQ 777 a
hot topic
at forum

Sep
24
2016
Page
A001
Clip
resized
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Denton Thomason
Journal Reporter

on

ee
y.

s
of
e
a
of
s
e
H

State Question 777, a legislative initiative commonly

known as the Right to Farm,
was a big topic of discussion
during Thursday nights forum
held at Cherokee Nation Vinita
Health Center.
More than 80 citizens attended the forum, which was
hosted by the Craig County
Democratic Party.
SQ 777, which proposes an
amendment to the Oklahoma
Constitution, reads: This
measure adds Section 38 to
Article II of the Oklahoma
Constitution. The new section
creates state constitutional
rights. It creates the following
guaranteed rights to engage in
farming and ranching:
7KHULJKWWRPDNHXVHRIDJ
ricultural technology.
 7KH ULJKW WR PDNH XVH RI
livestock procedures.
 7KH ULJKW WR PDNH XVH RI
ranching practices.
These constitutional rights
receive extra protection under
this measure that not all constitutional rights receive.
This extra protection is a limit
See SQ 777 Page 6

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

Sep 2016 Page

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Vinita Daily Journal

Page 6 - Vinita (Okla.) DAILY JOURNAL, Weekender, September 24, 2016

terfere with the exercise of

these rights.
Under this extra protection,
Continued from Page 1
no law can interfere with
on lawmakers ability to in- these rights, unless the law is

SQ 777

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state interest of the highest
order.
Additionally, the law must
be necessary to serve that
compelling state interest. The
measure, and the protections
LGHQWLHGDERYHGRQRWDSSO\
to and do not impact state laws
related to: trespass; eminent
domain; easements; right-ofway or other property rights;
and any state statutes and political subdivision ordinances
enacted before December 31,
2014.
Two guest speakers spoke
on the issue during the forum.
Jess Kane of Bartlesville, a
IWKJHQHUDWLRQFDWWOHPDQDQG
fourth-generation
attorney,
spoke in favor of SQ 777 as a
representative of the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association.
My true love and heart is
with farming and ranching.
We really do think that it is
good policy for the state of
Oklahoma. All were asking
is to protect that heritage and
this vital part of the Oklahoma
economy, Kane said.
Simply put, the purpose is
to protect farmers and ranchers from overly burdensome
regulation. We need a state
policy to protect our way of
life. All it says is that the Legislature shall pass no law regulating farming and ranching
without compelling reasons,
Kane said.
SQ 777 is preventative.
Nothing in SQ 777 would
affect regulations already in
place. We just ask the Legislature to do their homework
before passing regulations
affecting farmers and ranchers. With regulations, you
have less options every time,
Kane said.

Kane said that small farming and ranching operations

would not have the money to
litigate against restrictive regulations.
Only corporations have
ODZ\HUV WR JKW WKH UHJXODWR
ry hoops. Small groups dont
have that ability, Kane said.
Kane argued that out-ofstate organizations, some hostile to ranching interests, are
pushing their agenda on Oklahomans.
The vote no campaign is
overly funded by the Humane
Society of the United States.
Their goal is the elimination
of meat for our diet. That is
their goal. They have lots of
money and lots of lawyers
to send all over the country.
Thats whos against SQ 777,
Kane said.
What is a compelling state
interest? We really do think
this is good policy to protect
Oklahoma, our way of life
and our heritage, Kane concluded.
Oklahoma City attorney
Bud Scott, speaking on behalf of Oklahomans for Food,
Farm and Family, spoke in
opposition of SQ 777.
Scott is also a board member
of the Oklahoma Food Cooperative and oversees the Oklahoma Farm & Food Alliance.
He cited that the language
of the bill, particularly the
word compelling, is a key
factor for those organizations
against the bill.
You can support farmers
and ranchers, but oppose bad
public policy. We see this as
bad public policy, Scott said.
He cited a long list of organizations against the bill, including the Cherokee Nation,
the Chickasaws, Choctaws,
Seminoles and other tribes,

adding that Oklahoma City

recently adopted a resolution
opposing SQ 777. Tulsa is
next, Scott said.
Its a pretty complicated
issue. Part one is that farming
and ranching is a wonderful part of our economy and
something we want to protect, Scott said.
Part two is that it says the
Legislature will pass no law
opposing the right to use
modern agricultural technologies - such as genetics, water
harvesting or infrastructure.
Compelling state interests
is the reason for this opposition, Scott said.
It means that anytime a
law would be construed to
be restricting state interests,
it would have to go to court,
turning over our ability to
regulate our food and water to
be determined by the court,
Scott said
There are so many interpretations - and were going
to add it to the Constitution?
Imagine if the oil industry wanted to do this. Were
talking about an industry.
Why would we want to give
away our right to protect our
water and food, Scott said.
He explained that legislation
regulating industrial-scale operations were passed in the
1990s when large-scale swine
facilities came to Oklahoma,
adding that not one law regulating agriculture has been
passed in the last 10 years.
SQ 777 is a solution looking for a problem, Scott said.
Were not California. To
use this fear-based argument
as an attack on Oklahomans
simply is not true. SQ 777
cannot restrict what the federal government does. Federal
issues will not change. It will

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.

change state issues and our

ability to address issues when
they come up. Well have to
go to court, Scott said.
We support Oklahoma
farmers and ranchers, but this
proposal isnt the way to do
it, Scott concluded.
Following their presentations, Scott and Kane took
several questions from the
public.
When asked if this bill included puppy mills, Scott and
Kane disagreed.
No! There are already laws
against puppy mills, Kane
said, noting that puppies are
QRWFODVVLHGDVOLYHVWRFN
Scott said the law could be
interpreted to include puppy
mills, as laws pertaining to
puppy mills fall under agricultural statutes.
Both men also disagreed
on the bills impact on water
rights.
Kane said that water would
be deemed as a compelling
state interest and that nobody
cares more abut access to
clean water than farmers and
ranchers.
Scott said that opponents of
the bill believe that the future
of water rights would be affected.
Both men also disagreed on
the origin of SQ 777.
Scott said that the bill originated in Washington, D.C.,
and is being pushed on Oklahoma from outside groups.
Kane disagreed and said,
What did originate in Washington is the opposition.
When asked about one of the
opposition groups, the American Legislative Exchange
Council, Kane described them
as a milquetoast think tank
of guys who bat ideas around.

Alva Review-Courier

Summary of
state questions

Sep
25
2016
Page
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Seven state questions will appear

on the Nov. 8 general election ballot.
Legislative referendums are placed
on the ballot by the Oklahoma
/HJLVODWXUH ,QLWLDWLYH SHWLWLRQV DUH
placed on the ballot by gathering
signatures from citizens. Each
question is reprinted here as it will
appear on the ballot followed by a
brief summary.
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67$7(48(67,21
67$7(48(67,2112
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12
This measure adds a new section
to the Oklahoma Constitution,
Section 9A of Article 2. The new
Section deals with the death penalty.
The Section establishes State
constitutional mandates relating to
the death penalty and methods of
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United States Constitution.
Death sentences shall not
be reduced because a method of
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 :KHQ DQ H[HFXWLRQ PHWKRG LV

declared invalid, the death penalty

imposed shall remain in force until
it can be carried out using any valid
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The imposition of a death
penalty under Oklahoma law as
distinguished from a method of
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cruel or unusual punishment under
Oklahomas Constitution, nor to
contravene any provision of the
Oklahoma Constitution.
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on death row, and it states that the
death penalty shall not be deemed
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proposal is approved, a new section
would be added to the Oklahoma
Constitution that allows the state
to continue to impose the death
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Death sentences would remain in
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See Questions Page 6

Property of OPS News Tracker and members of the Oklahoma Press Association.