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November 1, 2012

Chamber apologizes for sending Switzer letter

Transcript Staff The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Couple says they didn’t authorize, sign off on letter

A letter to the editor supporting State Question 766 — purportedly written by Barry and Becky Switzer of Norman — was not authorized by them and should not have been published in Tuesday’s Transcript, the Switzers and the state Chamber of Commerce that submitted the letter said Wednesday.

“I did not write and sign that letter and neither did my wife,” Switzer said Wednesday. “I want a retraction.”

The letter was sent to The Transcript on Friday by the State Chamber of Oklahoma. Asked on Monday for signature verification before publication, the state chamber’s director of communication Jennifer Monies said, “He did sign it with his wife.”

On Wednesday, an apologetic Monies was attempting to find the communication breakdown within the state chamber. She said she was assured it was approved.

“I asked the question multiple times,” Monies said Wednesday.

The letter was not sent to other publications.

Late Wednesday, the chamber sent a statement clarifying what happened with an apology to the Switzers and The Transcript.

“We received information that Mr. and Mrs. Switzer are supportive of State Question 766 and drafted a letter to the editor to that effect to submit on their behalf. Unfortunately, they never signed off on the final draft of the letter that was submitted,” Monies said.

“We spoke with Coach Switzer today (Wednesday) and he remains supportive of State Question 766 but did not approve of the language in the letter. We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication on this issue.”

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