Politics

I have long articulated the following view: the legal scheme of Oklahoma county-level governance is antiquated and better situated to the 1800s when political bosses…

Those who have read these articles during the past year will know that I have regularly opposed the many ongoing tax increase proposals because they…

On a cold, wintery day in January 2004, my family and I drove to the north side of Marshall, Oklahoma where I solicited the support…

It was deja-vous. A few days ago, the State Purchasing Director attempted to walk the Government Modernization Committee through the ins and outs of state…

Voting on legislation is the singular most important part of the state representative’s job and in that role, I have endeavored to cast the approximate…

Consider the following statement one might hear if they stay around the capitol very long: “If there is one consistent thing about that legislator, it…

I have enjoyed the opportunity to observe the leadership of six different Speakers of the House. It’s said to be the most powerful position in…

I have frequently expressed my view of the inappropriate influence of lobbyists over the legislative process.

I once watched, “The Best Government Money Can Buy,” a documentary that details the considerable influence of lobbyists over the development and implementation of policy.

It is the time of year when legislators file legislation for the next session. Every so often I feel it important to write an article…

Here is an antiquated House procedure that should be corrected: members of the House of Representatives vote on key legislation during a limited two-minute time…

Here’s some encouraging news: notwithstanding this year’s repeated ferocious attack by the Legislature upon the wallet of Oklahoma taxpayers, there is hope for the future.

For much of Oklahoma’s history, the conservative fiscal values of Oklahomans were upheld because state officials were unable to issue general bonded indebtedness without first…

When asked to point out what I believe to be the most wasteful and inappropriate form of government spending, I can answer without hesitation. Without…

“We have a LOT of travel! There are a lot of savings to be found in this area.”

How would you reduce the state budget? To answer this question, I have maintained the following framework for restoring a responsible and fiscally conservative budget…

Observing the Legislature over the past 11 years have given me much perspective. I now have a tremendous appreciation for those courageous legislators who are…

I have made it a practice to keep on file notable correspondence both written and emailed. From time to time, I go through these archives….