Realizing the benefits of transparency
I have always believed that citizens are the best positioned to hold government accountable. Unlike legislators, citizens are not subject to co-option by bureaucracy, unlike…
Politics
It feels like we are working for a startup
I knew the concern was legitimate, but believed the benefit from doing the right thing would outweigh the downside — as it always does.
Senate Minutes: Earthquakes leave you feeling more than just a little shaken
Statewide, there were 109 quakes in 2013 that were measured at a magnitude of 3 or higher. In 2014, that number was 585. According to…
Most notable government reform I have seen
It has long been theorized that the wars of the future will not be fought on the battlefield or at sea but instead will be…
The next abandonment of principle
The first warning sign happened last year on April 2nd of 2014. By a 20-3 vote, a legislative committee unexpectedly approved a 30 million dollar…
Commission presents Guardian Award to Sen. Griffin for family advocacy
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) recently presented the 2015 Guardian Award to Sen. AJ Griffin, of Guthrie, at…
Rep. Murphey Present for 99.3% of All Votes
OKLAHOMA CITY – State Representative Jason Murphey (R-Guthrie) made sure that he was representing House District 31 citizens by being present to vote in 872…
Congressman Frank Lucas to host town hall meeting
Congressman Frank Lucas will hold a public town meeting on Wednesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. in the meeting room at the Guthrie Public Library (201 N….
Why the governor must veto the proposed state budget
Local officials are struggling to deal with the millions in damages upon roads as a result of this weekend’s unprecedented rain and flooding. It’s ironic…
Oklahoma Women’s Coalition holds annual meeting and celebration
OKLAHOMA CITY – The primary organization responsible for raising awareness and educating about issues related to women and girls is hosting a statewide meeting Wednesday,…
Voting no on the American Indian Museum debt proposal
A few days ago, a prominent Oklahoma City official seemed to express a confusion which is likely shared by most Oklahomans.
Motorists hopeful Waterloo Road benefits from new law
It’s no secret, traffic in southern Logan County is at an all-time high. With more and more vehicles on the roads, Waterloo Road is one of several…
I feel like collateral damage in a war zone!
I recently received an encouraging email that brought back memories from my time as a city councilman. This email came from a group that petitioned…
New law will close loophole on zone of safety protecting kids from sex offenders
Calling it a victory for Oklahoma children in rural communities, State Sen. AJ Griffin said she was pleased that Gov. Mary Fallin had signed legislation…
Logan County tax reform to go into law
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has signed the proposal to reform county government election law. House Bill 1400, proposed by State Representative Jason Murphey and State…
Never, ever retaliate
In the middle of April 2014, I finished my work for the day at the House of Representatives and drove to the Cedar Ridge neighborhood…
Senate Minutes: There’s a lot to consider
When we talk about the issues that come before us at the state Capitol, there’s a lot to consider. What kind of input have I…
The difference between state government debt and your home mortgage
As we near the end of the legislative session, the Legislature will be presented with last minute, late session emergencies in order to compel legislators…
New law makes county assessors more transparent when lowering assessment ratios
Beginning Nov.1, county assessors in Oklahoma will need to follow protocol when it comes to decreasing the percentage of real or personal property. Gov. Mary Fallin…
Oklahoma earthquakes are uncovering an academic conflict of interest
Oklahoma policy makers must come to terms with an evolving conflict of interest. This conflict has been exposed by events that just a few years…