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…
State Government
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…
Unnecessary Government spending does not mean better service
Imagine the following absurdity: a business owner divides his business into 140 different divisions and gives the head of each division control over a free-standing…
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…
The pivot and the latest earthquakes
Oklahomans are coming to terms with the decision of this year’s Legislature to slow the amount of motor vehicle funds going to roads and bridges…
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…
Absolute power
During the last fifteen months I have mostly resisted the temptation to write about my feelings regarding the current state of transparency in the Oklahoma…
