November 11 is the most sacred day for our country. It is a day to remember and honor those who have served and sacrificed for our American freedoms. I want to pause and send a heartfelt Thank You to all veterans in our community and those around our great nation and the world.
Election Day was a testament that the Electoral College works as it was intended, to protect rural interests and rights with the election of the United States president. Even though former President Trump won the popular vote, he also secured enough electoral college votes to win. This demonstrates that the electoral college served Oklahoma and rural areas well. This also verified that there is a great divide between rural and urban areas of the United States. This new chapter in our nation brings new hope that we all can unite and work together as one nation under God.
The month of October moved quickly, and there were lots of events within the district.
On Oct. 3, Terry and I attended the Air Force Ball at Vance Air Force Base at the Stride Bank Center. This was a celebration of 77 years of Air Force heritage and the Greater Enid Community’s partnership with Enid AFA Chapter 214.
On Oct. 12, Terry and I participated in the Town of Lamont’s Fall Festival and Parade. This was an enjoyable day for families and an opportunity to celebrate the Lamont community.
During the interim, there have been several interim studies conducted. Interim studies are used to help legislators drill down into important topics, which may be used for legislation in the next session. On Oct. 21, I attended the Agriculture and Rural Affairs interim study at the Oklahoma Capitol. The topic was the Invasion of Woody Species on State-Owned Properties. When non-native plants are introduced to our ecosystem, our native plants must compete for sunlight and water which interferes with the natural balance of the environment. Since the State owns many acres in Oklahoma, this was an important study.
The United Way of Enid held its NW 37th Annual Chili Cook-off on Oct. 25. I participated in the taste testing which I always enjoy. Participants of the Chili Cook-off shared their culinary skills. This was a fun event for everyone and an opportunity to raise money for a great foundation.
At 2 p.m. on Nov. 13, I was officially sworn in for my final term as your Oklahoma State Senator for District 19. Other senators who won their respective seats, along with 14 new senators, were also sworn in. It is an honor for me to be sworn in for my final term as your Oklahoma State Senator. I want to extend my sincere appreciation for you putting your trust in me to represent you at the State Capitol.
The Soil Conservation Area 1 meeting in Cherokee was held on Nov. 14. This was a great opportunity for me to speak to the importance of Soil Conservation, and I shared the updates of the drought commission. I want to emphasize the importance of soil and water conservation practices in the state of Oklahoma. Together, we must protect our soil and water resources for the future.
In closing, please feel free to reach out to my office if I can be of service to you and your family. If you need assistance, please reach out to my office. You can reach me at 405-521-5630 or Roland.Pederson@oksenate.gov.
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