Oklahoma transparency laws drawing national attention
Last month I received some great news. A report entitled “State Open Data Policies and Portals” was released by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Data…
Local Government
Does your elected official understand the budget?
Here’s a not-so-secret but still shocking fact. Many elected officials do not possess even a basic, high-level comprehension of the budget over which they have…
Why I am thankful I lost that election
This last week represents the 10 year anniversary of the sudden end to a fascinating eight month rollercoaster ride which started for me on Saturday,…
Voters say yes to county tax and no to city sales tax
The votes were counted on Tuesday and it concluded with mix results for two sales tax propositions. Voters approved a three-fourths of one percent tax for…
Legalized plunder
About 15 years ago, as I became involved in public policy, I read a book which has significantly guided my decisions, both as a voter…
The logrolled tax increase coming to Logan County
Do you know how many television channels you subscribe to? If you are like many, you probably never watch 90% of those for which you…
The Logan County disputed zone finale
Those wishing to understand the devastating impact of a well-meaning but overreaching federal law should read a peer-reviewed paper by Guthrie City Councilman and UCO…
The Logan County Disputed Zone Part II
I enjoy fielding help requests from members of the local constituency. Many have contacted my office when they’ve encountered a problem with state government, and…
Logan County’s disputed zone
Star Trek watchers may recall the episode from the original series entitled, “Day of the Dove.” In this episode, Captain Kirk and his crew are…
County jail being paid off early; officials hopeful for county sales tax
Logan County’s citizens may remember, in 2005, they passed a ten year sales tax proposition to fund the building, operation and maintenance of the new…
Voter registration deadline is August 1
Friday, August 1, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the August 26 City of…
Holding government accountable for Open Meeting violations
A few weeks ago I wrote about the recent success of three important government transparency proposals which will go into law this year.
Taxpayer-funded lobbying survives for another year
Imagine owning a business and entering into a contract with a vendor. As you prepare to sign the contract, the vendor puts forward one final…
The rise of regional government
I have recently written about bills from the last legislative session which mostly escape wide public purview but contain far reaching policy. The news has…
How voting against a tax increase fixed the problem
I enjoy sharing the encouraging news about Oklahoma’s significant progress towards funding county roads, upgrading state highways and replacing many of its dilapidated bridges.
Poll: Breaking down the proposed one percent sales tax increase proposal
Several questions have risen since the City of Guthrie announced they will be seeking a one percent sales tax increase to the citizens with a vote on Aug. 26.
Goodman with a narrow win over Sharpton for county commissioner
Southern Logan County voters made a statement on Tuesday’s primary election in the County Commissioner District No. 1 race by voting out the incumbent.
Murphey wins fourth term in a landslide
With no Democrat or Independent opponent in the race for the District 31 State Representative, Jason Murphey is now preparing for his fourth term after a…
Grifiin wins re-election for state Senate
Perhaps the most anticipated race locally was the state Senate District 20 office between incumbent A.J. Griffin and Republican challenger Dan Ladd. With just over 5,000 votes, Griffin…
Elections and earthquakes
This next week features primary elections on Tuesday, June 24, and our earthquake town hall meeting on Thursday, June 26.