BY RUSSELL TURNER
QUESTIONS AND MORE QUESTIONS
Over the past several days I have had several people ask my opinion about the state questions we Oklahomans will have on our ballots next Tuesday. First of all, I urge everyone to research the issues and try to make a logical decision when you go into the ballot box. I will share the reasons I will vote for or against each question.
State Question # 793 mainly deals with allowing retailers such as Wal Mart to allow Optometrists to practice in their facilities. In other states where this is allowed the cost for consumers to purchase eyeglasses has dropped drastically. Being a conservative I believe in competition and the free market system. Many people in our state are not having proper eye exams because of the cost, many are using over the counter reading glasses to get by. With more competition the cost should become more affordable for all Oklahomans. I will cast a YES vote for SQ 793.
State Question # 794 is touted as granting more rights and protections for crime victims. While I do agree with granting more rights to crime victims, when you read the question some rights we currently have will be eliminated. I do not believe in sacrificing protections that we currently have and trading them for others that may or may not be better. I will cast a NO vote for SQ 784.
State Question # 798 deals with changing the way we elect Lieutenant Governors and Governors. In the future those offices would run as a team much like the President and Vice President. If approved, the legislature would have the duty to write the procedures to accomplish the joint ticket. I have little faith in our legislature to do the right thing; have we forgotten the fiasco over the medical Marijuana issue earlier this year? I will cast a NO vote for SQ 798.
State Question # 800 would create another trust fund to siphon taxpayer money into; the fund would be called the Oklahoma Vision Fund. This fund would create another bureaucracy and increase the size and scope of government. It would also allow that money to be invested in the volatile stock market, which the state cannot do at this time. We currently have a trust fund to fill in gaps during hard economic times; it is called the Rainy Day Fund. While there are limitations to the Rainy Day Fund, I feel it would be a better idea to modernize that fund instead of creating an entirely new one. I will cast a NO vote on SQ 800.
State Question # 801 would allow Ad Valorem tax revenues to be used for any school operations. Currently Ad Valorem revenues are limited to building and repair of school buildings. SQ 801 would also permit voters to approve an increase of up to 5 mills per $1000.00 of assessed value to raise money for a school building fund. If this question is approved, we voters would be removing a protection for taxpayer money. If the Ad Valorem tax money is not spent wisely we could have a situation where the buildings are falling into disrepair and the only recourse would be to vote in additional bonds to fund the repairs. I am not for removing protections for the taxpayer, therefore I will cast a NO vote on SQ 801.
These issues are very important to all Oklahomans; these are my personal opinions. I urge all voters to take the time to look at the questions and get as much information as possible. Sample ballots are available at your county election board; take the time before you enter the voting booth to make your decision.
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