This year’s modernization interim studies
The Government Modernization Committee will conduct a series of interim studies next month.These studies are designed to bring attention to the implementation of past modernization…
Local Government
The positive impact of the new legislators
The Legislature has greatly benefited this year from the influx of a large number of freshmen members elected during the 2010 election cycle. Because they…
More About the 2011 Modernization Reforms
I wanted to write just one more article describing some of the reform in this year’s successful Government Modernization legislation. These reforms put into place…
Consolidating State Agencies
Last week I wrote about the large number of modernization initiatives that were approved this year by members of the Government Modernization Committee, the Legislature…
23 Modernization Initiatives Going Into Law
This year was by far the most successful year for legislative state government modernization reform proposals. In all, 23 significant government modernization initiatives have been…
Pavement marking projects set for Sept. 26
This week we received word from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation that four safety striping projects in Logan County are scheduled to begin Monday, Sept….
Too Many Tuition Increases
Later this month, State Representatives Corey Holland, Leslie Osborn and I, in conjunction with the Oklahoma Council on Public Affairs (OCPA), will conduct a study…
A Really Annoying Excuse – How State Agencies Are Fighting Reform
In recent weeks, I have started to hear some of the most aggravating logic coming from state bureaucracies.
Sales tax dollars continue to stay on par
The City of Guthrie continues to receive good news when it comes to sales tax numbers.
Cutting Logan County Taxes
It is my belief thatLogan County’s high sales tax rate has been a deterrent to retail-based economic growth. In 2005, the county made the unfortunate…
Sale of hospital means lower sales taxes
With the sale of Logan Medical Center to Mercy Health System of Oklahoma, residents of Guthrie and Logan County will soon see the sales tax…
How Many State Employees Are Paid More Than the Governor?
There is no question that when properly used, technology provides the public with insight into government as never before. All too often, people will express…
Partnering with the Iowa Tribe
In 1878, Iowa Tribal members began moving into Oklahoma. In 1883 they were given lands within the Sac and Fox Reservation. Originally the tribe’s main…
Differences in City and County Government
The recent wind storm which damaged so many trees in south Logan County generated several phone calls regarding debris removal. Some who called mentioned…
Murphey Receives a 100% Conservative Rating
State Representative Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) has received a rating of 100% from Oklahoma’s longest running conservative publication for his work during the 2011 legislative session.
Staying Focused
Earlier this year, I wrote about my decision to help bring attention to the need for a federal balanced budget amendment. I enjoyed the opportunity…
Water Treatment Plant makes it grand opening
After a couple of years construction and just over 10 million dollars, the Guthrie Water Treatment Plant had its grand opening Wednesday morning as a…
Storm damage questions and answers
Due to the number of calls we’ve been receiving at District 1 from those who suffered recent storm damage, I wanted to address the questions…
The County Prepares for August Auction
The District 2 road crew has been working hard to finish rebuilding Harrah Rd. from SH 105 to CR 75 which was damaged in the…
Consideration of Bills in Committee
In last week’s article, I articulated my support for the proposal to change House rules so that all bills receive a hearing in committee. I…