A group of private property rights protectors adopted a proposal for a statewide umbrella organization and endorsed two candidates for the U.S. Congress at their gathering Saturday in Cabool. They also heard speeches outlining what they could do to “make a difference” in determining rules and regulations placed on the use of their land and the people making those rules.
The tenth annual Private Property Rights Conference sponsored by the Ozarks Property Rights Congress heard from candidates running for offices to be decided in the upcoming elections.
OPRC chairman Russell Wood proposed an action presented to the group by Ray Cunio to create an inclusive body to speak as one voice for the several groups scattered throughout the state which were represented at the gathering. The new entity will enable the various groups to speak with a larger voice on common matters when appropriate, Cunio said.
Carolin and Bill Burch were honored with the group’s Real Conservationist award given each year for extraordinary work in the effort to preserve private property rights. Wood said their recognition was long over due after years of tireless effort to the cause.
Carolin Burch pointed out that OPRC had never endorsed a candidate before.
Featured speakers at the all-day event which was opened with a greeting by State Representative Don Wells, were Cunio, Paul Hamby, Doreen Hannes and Ron Calzone.
