Lifting the veil of secrecy
Most people have probably heard of those secretive government money accounts known as revolving accounts or carryover funds. These funds contain either excess money not…
State Government
State Rep. Jason Murphey: “Guthrie District is once again at the crossroads”
State Rep. Jason Murphey released a statement to Guthrie News Page after a failed $2.4 million bond election for Guthrie Public Schools on Tuesday evening.
Flo Olds continues her tradition of voting since 1944
Every year during elections many are encouraged to get out and vote. Flo Olds made sure she casted her vote despite having to do it from a hospital bed. Of…
What your ballot will look like on Tuesday
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4 with the polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The 26 percent property tax increase
If I vote to approve the issuance of new school bonds, how much will my property tax increase?
Ending benefits from traveling on the taxpayer dime
Former Oklahoma Attorney General Jan Eric Cartwright once took two of his employees on a taxpayer-funded trip to Louisiana for a meeting between the attorney…
What I learned from the highest paid State employee
Over the years I have become a big believer in the wisdom of learning from observing others.
Upcoming legislative hearing on earthquake issue
I suspect most readers still remember the sensation of feeling their first earthquake. For those of us who have spent a lifetime in Oklahoma, this…
Holding State government accountable
At first glance, it was just like many other emails sent by area residents. The writer, a constituent of South Logan County, expressed his frustration…
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…
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…
James Lankford visits Guthrie to speak on health care
Congressman James Lankford visited Guthrie Wednesday morning as he spoke with citizens during a meet and greet inside Golden Age Nursing Home.
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…
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.