There are five proposed constitutional amendments on the August 2014 ballot.

On Aug. 5, registered voters across Missouri will have the opportunity to vote in primary elections. They will also find five ballot measures that would amend the Missouri Constitution should they be passed by voters.

Amendment 1 - Right to Farm

The official ballot title for Amendment 1 reads:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to ensure that the right of Missouri citizens to engage in agricultural production and ranching practices shall not be infringed?"

"The potential costs or savings to governmental entities are unknown, but likely limited unless the resolution leads to increased litigation costs and/or the loss of federal funding."

I oppose Amendment 1 because communities should have local control over farming ordinances that will harm the environment and the health of citizens. Missouri law already guarantees rights to family farmers; but the so-called “Right to Farm” would extend these rights to corporations and foreign owners of land.  Mass farming operations known as CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) would be allowed to setup farms near residential neighborhoods regardless of local ordinances forbidding them.  There will be extensive costs in litigation when residents try to protect their homes from being polluted by these mass operations run by large foreign corporations. 

Furthermore, large breeding operations would be allowed to forgo rules that voters put in place to protect the well-being of animals.  Amendment 1 is a backdoor way to undue Proposition B that was passed by voters in 2010.  This is the first and only time there has been a constitutional amendment that takes away the rights for Missouri citizens.

Therefore, I urge you to vote NO on Amendment 1.

Amendment 5 - Right to Keep and Bear Arms

The official ballot title for Amendment 5 reads:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to include a declaration that the right to keep and bear arms is a unalienable right and that the state government is obligated to uphold that right?"

State and local governmental entities should have no direct costs or savings from this proposal. However, the proposal’s passage will likely lead to increased litigation and criminal justice related costs. The total potential costs are unknown, but could be significant."

After reviewing this amendment, I decided to oppose Amendment 5 because it will lead to costly litigation and jeopardize the current rights granted in the Missouri and U.S. Constitution to bear arms.

Amendment 7 - Temporary Sales Tax for Transportation

The official ballot title for Amendment 7 reads:

"Should the Missouri Constitution be changed to enact a temporary sales tax of three-quarters of one percent to be used solely to fund state and local highways, roads, bridges and transportation projects for ten years, with priority given to repairing unsafe roads and bridges?"

"This change is expected to produce $480 million annually to the state's Transportation Safety and Job Creation Fund and $54 million for local governments.  Increases in the gas tax will be prohibited.  This revenue shall only be used for transportation purposes and cannot be diverted for other uses."

This measure would impose a ¾ of one percent increase in the state sales and use tax for 10 years to be used for transportation purposes.  Low-income Missourians are not charged state sales tax for groceries, prescription medicine, rent, or mortgage.  I agree this is a small regressive tax, but, that will be overcome by the $800 million in transportation jobs and increased road safety.  The East-West Gateway Association informed the Missouri Department of Transportation of their preferences of projects.  Click here, for a list of projects pre-approved by the Missouri Department of Transportation for each region.

I support this tax increase because it is the only viable way to fund road improvements and it allows the local authorities to have discretion on how to spend funds, including improvements for mass transit and bicycles.  Toll roads and increasing the gas tax are not feasible options in order to rebuild St. Louis' infrastructure to allow for better access to public transportation.  Please contact Citizens for Modern Transit to continue to advocate for public transit in St. Louis and support Amendment 7.

Amendment 8 - Veterans Lottery Ticket

The official ballot title for Amendment 8 reads:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to create a "Veterans Lottery Ticket" and to use the revenue from the sale of these tickets for projects and services related to veterans?"

"The annual cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown, but likely minimal. If sales of a veterans lottery ticket game decrease existing lottery ticket sales, the profits of which fund education, there could be a small annual shift in funding from education to veterans’ programs."

I support this measure as it will ensure that veterans have a steady stream of state funding to meet their ever-growing needs and to thank them for their service.

Amendment 9 - Electronic Data Protection

The official ballot title for Amendment 9 reads:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended so that the people shall be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures as they are now likewise secure in their persons, homes, papers and effects?"

"State and local governmental entities expect no significant costs or savings."

I support this measure in order to protect data from unreasonable searches.

To read more about these constitutional amendments or the election process, visit www.sos.gov.

Discover Nature-Fishing Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations

Location: Forest Park: Old Fish Hatchery
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 – 15 years old and families with children. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. For reservations, please call 636-441-4554, by Aug. 4. For more information on Discover Nature-Fishing please visit http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175

Predator and Prey in the Forest

Location: Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in Forest Park
Date: Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, 10 a.m. to noon
Who eats beetles? Who eats skunks? Who is a vegetarian in the forest? We’ll be in the forest today examining animal interactions, what they eat and how they compete to stay alive. Interested youth ages 7-12 should meet at the JFK Memorial Forest and Outdoor Classroom (Pavilion #14). Bring a water bottle and be sure to dress for the weather. The event will take place rain or shine. Reservations must be made by Aug. 7 by calling 314-877-1309.

Discover Nature- Fishing Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook

Location: Forest Park: Old Fish Hatchery
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2014, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lesson 2: How to Tie a Knot and Bait a Hook combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families intermediate fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn to tie an improved clinch knot and how to properly secure a variety of baits to various types of hooks. Participants are limited to anglers ages 7 – 15 years old, and families with children. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. Adults who do not wish to fish must accompany their child(ren) at all times. For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554, by Aug. 18. For more information on Discover Nature-Fishing please visit http://mdc.mo.gov/node/27175.