The impending State budget deficit
It’s a state budget shortfall which some believe could run as high as one billion dollars. Despite this large number, next year’s budget downtown could…
State Government
The persistent Logan County resident who would not give up
The proposal went it into effect this Sunday; however, it was many years in the making. I first filed the proposal as a bill in…
New car seat state law begins Nov. 1; 251 new laws added
Over 250 new laws begin on Nov. 1 for the state of Oklahoma, including the requirement that all kids eight and younger must be in some kind…
Your bill idea
Last week I wrote about how this is the time of year when legislators start to shore up their list of legislation for the next…
Getting your emails noticed
We are at that time when legislators start to finalize their list of bills for the next legislative session. Some of these bills are sponsored…
Legislative hearings this fall
This is the time of year during which it is customary for legislators to conduct hearings before the various legislative committees. This year I am…
The co-opting power of cynicism
He was a good legislator. He had the best of intentions, a driving desire to do right, and had staved off the co-opting forces of…
The death of the reprimand
I wrote an article in 2011 about a new, disturbing trend of political correctness which I strongly believed presented a real danger to the ability…
OK Historical Society and a new way to learn from past mistakes
Local news outlets recently highlighted the planned implosion of two buildings in downtown Oklahoma City. Media footage featured cheering crowds as the historic buildings fell.
Superintendent: Oklahoma taxpayers fund education lower than all surrounding states
We’ve had a very smooth start to our school year at GPS. Our teachers and staff are hard at work every day working with our…
The State releases newest Transportation Improvement Plan
I am preparing to wrap up my latest series of articles, the intent of which has been to focus almost exclusively on positive happenings. I’ve…
A foremost strategy of an effective legislator
There are amazing benefits and learning opportunities available to those who closely monitor the state legislative process. I have learned much about human behavior and…
Losing a kindred spirit
I remember that day in 2009 as one of those busy days in which I struggled to keep up with work. I was almost certainly…
The Senate transparency conundrum
Regular readers of the state’s appropriations bill were greeted by something new as they opened this year’s version of the venerable legislation.
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…
The opportunity for the State Chamber of Commerce to find its soul
As an office holder, it didn’t take long for me to observe the sharp tension between many of those who make up the grassroots, small…
Logan County short-changed millions of dollars from state funds
The Logan County Commissioners learned they will receive nearly $3 million additional dollars to spend over the next five years on roads and bridges after…
District 1: Waterloo expected to be reopen in coming days
Good news for the week, Waterloo road between Western and Santa Fe should be reopen very soon. Repair began Tuesday, July 28. The new tin…
Fantastic news for the taxpayer
It is perhaps the best news from this legislative year and a reform for which legislative and state leaders should rightly take credit. It could…
Opening the door to the golden cage
It’s a program so effective that other states are seeking to copy it. It was featured on the local news last week as News 9’s…