According to Judicial filesJudge Jeff Virgin noted that the referendum request was not valid and judged that it was struck to appear on a ballot for a public vote.
“After having examined the procedural acts presented as well as lawyer arguments, the court concludes, for the reasons set out in the procedural acts of petitioners / Protestants as well as oral presentation, that the essence contained in the referendum petition 2425 -I is insufficient “, the document read. “As such, the court judges the referendum petition 2425-I invalid and it must be struck by the ballot.”
Paul Arcaroli, one of the three residents who filed the petition in the name of Oklahomans for responsible economic developmentsaid it was unfortunate that Virgin governed in this way, but they will appeal the decision.
“It is necessary to appeal because it is the legal means to obtain our day in court, so to speak. The initial hearing is only part of the process, but the right of appeal is just as important, “said Arcaroli. “I always think we have done the right thing, and I think we will have a good chance of calling on.”