Harrison pushing Issue 2
By KAY SEDGMER, Times Leader Staff WriterCADIZ - Putting the facts on the table, a group of Harrison County residents gathered Tuesday night to promote Issue 2 which will be on the ballot this November.
During the meeting, held at the Puskarich Public Library in Cadiz, information was presented which has been compiled by Ohioans for Livestock Care Political Action Committee.
The initiative, if approved, will create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board which will bring together a full-range of Ohio animal care expertise to set animal care policy.
Many farmers from across the state support Issue 2 as it meets changing expectations and reassurance for the consumer.
The board will be comprised of Ohioans, including three family farmers, two veterinarians, a food safety expert, a representative of a local humane society, two members from statewide farm organizations, the dean of an Ohio agriculture college, and two members representing Ohio consumers.
Leaders said the board is necessary because an out-of -state activist, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUA), has signaled they intend to bring an initiative of their own to Ohio. Their intent is to set rigid, inflexible and impractical rules for how livestock and poultry are housed.
Opponents believe the move would lead to higher costs for consumers, put food safety at risk, cause thousands of farmers to go out of business, and endanger the health and well-being of Ohio's flocks and herds.
However, voters will have the opportunity to vote on the creation of the board through a bipartisan resolution according to Michelle Specht, Harrison County Farm Bureau's organization director. She also noted it passed the Ohio General Assembly in July by an overwhelming majority.
"Our leaders realize the importance of the issue," Specht said. "When this passes the board will set the standards for Ohio agriculture."
The group stressed the commitment of Ohio's farmer to provide responsible care for not only their animals but also the land amid rumors of pending activity of the group known as the Humane Society of the United States.
The organization, which has been successful in other states to initiate laws in other states limiting the ways in which a farmer may operate his business.
Specht noted that in California regulations have led to cuts in farming statewide.
"Their goal is to make this nation a vegan society," she said. "They do not want us to eat meat, eggs or dairy products. That is the bottom line."
"The fact is a healthy animal is a happy animals," said Sam Cunningham of the Freeport area.
The group discussed ways to promote passage of Issue 2 including visiting county, township and village meetings. Supporters also plan to talk to groups, organizations and the general public in coming weeks.
They will be asking for support through a endorsement resolution from governmental groups.
"Other states are watching Ohio and how we deal with this initiative," Specht said. "We stood up to the HSUA and said we are going to fight this."
"If Ohio goes so will go the Midwest," said Jon Jones.
To learn more about the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, to volunteer on the Issue 2 campaign, to donate, or to talk to a supporter, visit www.ohiolivestockcare.com or contact your local farm bureau.
Promoters plan to hold a second meeting on Sept. 29 at the library beginning at 6 p.m.
Sedgmer may be reached at ksedgmer@timesleaderonline.com
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RolloTomassee
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08-26-09 9:50 PM
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This is a MAJOR ISSUE that everyone should take notice of. The Times Leader is a large source of information for the residents of Harrison County. I suggest if you only want local gossip, hang out at a local eatery or gas station.
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susanTtalker
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08-26-09 10:39 AM
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Not really sure why the TL cares so much about Harrison County when it doesn't sell newspapers out there. Wonder what's happening with the fire investigation on Fourth Street, where three houses were on fire? The sheriff's department and all its legal problems? Martins Ferry's water situation?
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