Bob Valladao runs cattle on 1,000 acres in Klamath County. But Measure 37 is threatening to put an end to that way of life. There are Measure 37 claims covering 57,776 acres in Klamath County, much of it on prime agricultural land. Bob is concerned that Klamath County, and indeed the whole state, will lose important pieces of its agricultural land base.

“What it’s going to do to our state and to our county is take us out of competition for agriculture. We’ll be completely destroyed,” Bob says. “I don’t want to see anyone taking our agricultural land and that’s what would happen if Measure 37 stays in effect,” Bob says.

“Klamath Falls is a very nice area to live in. You would get a tremendous amount of people,” he says. With those new homes and residents also comes the need for more services, such as firefighters, police and schools.

“If we have to give up any of our water, we’re out of business,” Bob says.

“There are a few people who want to develop land to make money and they don’t care about agricultural land. They’re not telling you the truth on TV. Measure 49 is not taking away anyone’s rights away but Measure 37 is taking our agricultural land away,” Bob says.

The Valladaos support Measure 49 because it will allow farmers who wish to build a second or third home — or even up to 10 homes — to do that, “which I think is more than fair,” Bob says. “If you want to build a home for your child or mother or mother-in-law, I think you should be able to, and 49 will let you,” he says.