October 12, 2024 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024 + 11 MERRITT i ath wa Letter to the Editor & Oklahomans: Nearly three decades ago, my times in which we live, our fam- straints, supplychain issues, the parks the most beautiful and de- family started a humble barbe- ily's reputation and business rising cost of building materials, licious dining destinations for cue stand in a Walmart parking are under attack. However, our to navigating the difficulties of a in-state and out-of-state tourists, lot. It has grown to eight success- family knows the truth will be large-scale project in rural areas However, personal political ful restaurants under the proud revealed because of the same under a government manage- conflicts apparently entered the Swadley's BBQ family-owned unwavering Christian faith that ment team with strenuous time- arena. Governor Stitt and Lt. and operated restaurants that built Swadley's BBQ and the lines and the constant changes Governor Pinneli were up for we are honored to run today. loyal customers who made it the that were requested by the De- reelection, perfect timing for This dream, rooted in Christian remarkable success it is today. partment ofTourism. a political storm as the former faith and a strong work ethic, We felt a deep sense of pride district attorney, who we believe Governor Stitt, Lt. Governor was born from a simple desire: and responsibility when selected had a beef with the governor, was Pinnell, and tourism's then-exec- to serve our community with to renovate and enhance six res- utive director, Jerry Winchester, leaving office, Now, the state at- integrity and great food. For ex- taurants within Oklahoma's state inherited a neglect problem torney general, said to be plan- ample, we honor the sabbath and parks. Still, we hesitated at the in- from previous administrations. ning to run for governor of our close our restaurants on Sunday timidating size of this task. Our During construction, we uncov- great state, has gotten involved so our employees can spend time family had never done it before, ered years of rot and wear and and is pushing a false, politically with their families. Our commit- so we relied on the state for their tear on the facilities, which led to motivated narrative accusing us ment to these values has never guidance. constant changes in the size and of purposely misleading the gov- wavered, even in the face of re- ‘The challenges we faced were scope of the project. We all had ernment. Nothing could be fur- cent accusations. significant, from adapting to the best intentions and wanted ther from the truth. Due to the politically charged the COVID-19 pandemic re- the same thing-to make our state Students compete at Elk City/Miss Queen of the West Teen Contest Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK We proudly support the students, staff and administration at CBA Schools Lipscomb 580.225.1525 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram LocalLoanGroup.com Kyle Zybach, CPA, MBA [email protected] Moran Equipment We proudly support the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ZYBACH & 319 Industrial PAWY FAIRCHILD,CPA Elk City, OK 73644 Great Plains Bank First National Bank 980.225.2575 Phone: 580.225.1883 Lipscomb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 2302 W. Third St. Mobile: 405.406.8179 Elk City, OK 73644 Fax: 580.225.1897