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MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — Officials say Muskogee school organizations cannot sell bulk sausage for fundraisers now that the sausage company is promoting the passage of the so-called "Right to Farm" ballot initiative on its packaging.
The Muskogee Phoenix (http://bit.ly/29IrZ1j ) reports that the Blue & Gold Sausage Co. sells its products exclusively to schools, youth groups and other nonprofit organizations.
Muskogee Public Schools spokeswoman Melony Carey says the district's students cannot sell the sausage with the label that promotes the passage of State Question 777, the "Right to Farm and Ranch Amendment."
Carey said that the school district encourages voters to participate in the political process.
"We've never encountered this problem before — this is the first we have heard about Blue and Gold's decision to endorse SQ 777," Carey said. "Our attorney advises us not to sell it with that label because districts do not tell voters how to vote."
State Question 777 would prevent lawmakers from passing legislation to regulate agriculture.
Proponents of the measure say it would stop overreach from lawmakers and regulators, while opponents say it would open doors to practices that harm animals and the environment.
The idea to place the promotion on product packaging came from Brett Ramsey, who owns the company. The company was founded by his father, Don Ramsey.
Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Louisa McKune has been involved with a nonpartisan analysis of the measure and education outreach for the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit. She also has children in Oklahoma public schools.
"I thought this might be one of those one-off deals — maybe it was made specifically for the vote yes campaign," McKune said. "I thought surely my kids aren't going to be duped into selling something like this political messaging, but I called the owner who said absolutely this is going to be sold through the schools."
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Information from: Muskogee Phoenix, http://www.muskogeephoenix.com
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