Several area school elections, Jenks city vote set on Feb. 9
Voters in Tulsa (districts 4 and 7), Jenks, Collinsville, Sperry and Union school districts plus the City of Jenks will go to the polls Feb. 9 to select board members and decide the fate of bond issues.
In District 4, Anna America is running for the District 4 board seat against incumbent Bobbie Gray. Incumbent Matthew Livingood faces Dr. Lois Jacobs in District 7 in Tulsa.
Patty Bryant, secretary of the Tulsa County Election Board, urged voters to take their voter identification cards with them to the polls.
“Your voter identification card can help precinct officials find your name in the Precinct Registry and it may also help them resolve the problem if you are not listed in the Precinct Registry,” Bryant said.
Voters whose names are not found in the precinct registry or a voter who disagrees with the information shown in the Registry may need to cast a provisional ballot, which is sealed in a special envelope and counted after election day if the voter’s information can be verified by the county election board.
Jenks voters as of the February 9, 2010, will begin electing their school board members by election district. The school district was required by law to begin electing by board member election district once their average daily attendance reached 10,000.
According to the Jenks School District, this number was reached in October of 2009. Electing a school board member by election district allows only voters who are registered to vote at an address within the Office Number 5 board member area of the Jenks School District to vote for the Office Number 5 School Board position.
Any registered voter within the city limits of Jenks may vote on the city bond issue. The boundaries for the city and the school district in Jenks are different.
Jenks city voters will go to the polls Feb. 9 to decide the fate of a $6.7 million bond issue and sales tax increase. If it passes, the sales tax in Jenks will rise to 9.267 percent - one of the highest rates in Tulsa County and in the State of Oklahoma. The $6.7 million bond issue would be used to help fund three federally supported street improvements, including a signal at Main and Koa streets.
It would also pay for storm water improvements.
The borrowed funds would remodel the police station and public works offices at Jenks City Hall and would buy new fire trucks and pay for sewer improvements.
City officials say property taxes for a house worth $100,000 would increase $34 a year if the tax hike passes. The tax would run at least five years. The sales tax vote would permanently raise the rate by three-quarters of a cent. Jenks now charges 8.517 percent - the same as Tulsa and Broken Arrow. The new rate would be 9.267.
Glenpool has the highest sales tax rate in Tulsa County at 9.517.
Candidates for city council races in Bixby (Ward 4), Sand Springs (wards 1 and 2), Owasso (Ward 5) and Collinsville (mayor and wards 3 and 4) filed from February 1-3 at the Tulsa County Election Board.
Bryant said a non-partisan primary election would be held for Collinsville, Owasso, Sapulpa and Sand Springs on March 2, with a general election, if necessary, for the Collinsville, Owasso and Sand Springs on April 6. There will be a general election only for the City of Bixby, also on April 6.
A filing period is also being held for the city of Sapulpa, Ward No. 5, at the Creek County Election Board during the same time period. However, the City of Sapulpa Election only affects a few Tulsa County precincts. The City of Sapulpa Primary Election will be March 2 and a general election, if necessary, on May 11.
Bill would move back school starts
Sen. Joe Sweeden has filed legislation that will move back the starting date for Oklahoma public schools to the last full week in August.
Sweeden said the measure could result in important savings in the midst of a budget crunch.
“At a time when scarce resources have resulted in furloughs and layoffs at a number of schools, it’s important that we consider common sense proposals like this,” said Sweeden, D-Pawhuska. “By moving back the start of the school year, we could limit the extraordinary cost of cooling schools through the first weeks of August. Additionally, the extreme heat places greater strain on students involved in outdoor extracurricular activities.”
Sweeden’s legislation would have no effect on the length of the school year, and schools would still complete the semester by Christmas break.
The Pawhuska Democrat said passage of Senate Bill 1852 would also be favorable news for the state’s tourism industry and state parks.
“Moving back the start of the school year gives us a chance to save money and boost sales taxes, making the proposal a win-win for the state,” Sweeden said. “Other states have enacted similar legislation with favorable results. This proposal gives us a chance to act in the best interest of both the state and our students.”
Sweeden noted that in 2007, Texas enacted a law barring schools from starting prior to the fourth week in August.
Michael Masters running for seat
Michael T. Masters, a government teacher and a resident of Bixby, has announced he will run for the Tulsa County Commissioner in District 3.
Masters was born and raised in Glenpool. After graduation he attended The University of Oklahoma.
He then moved back to Bixby where he resides with his wife and two young boys. Masters is the AP government teacher for Owasso Public Schools.
Masters initially filed to run for State House District 80. Upon discussing this effort with a number of elected officials, as well as Rep. Mike Ritze, R-District 80, Masters decided to run in Tulsa County District 3.
That seat is held by Tulsa County Commission Fred Perry, a Republican who said he would run for a second term in 2010.
“I felt that I would have a larger, more positive impact within the county. Speaking with Dr. Ritze encouraged me that his efforts are solid and as a constituent of district 80, I support him in his re-election bid,” Masters said.
Masters said he would “bring sensibility and the common person’s viewpoint to the office with a focus on economic development for the district.”
“I believe District 3 has a lot to offer economically if the right opportunities are acted upon.” said Masters. “I will look at the job from the viewpoint of the everyday taxpayer - always keeping their interests in mind I, as most of the constituents within the district, work very hard to raise a family and make ends meet. It has become extremely difficult to do that these days. I really think the job at hand is focusing on issues that directly affect the people, not playing into partisan politics as we are seeing blatantly happening these days. We must bring common sense back to the county in terms of taxes and spending. I believe the people deserve better, more accountable representation than what is currently in place.”
This is Masters’ first run for public office and he said he is hopeful he can have a positive effect for District 3 and the state as a whole.
Masters is a conservative Republican. He and his family attend Life Church in Bixby.
OHA offers scholarship opportunity
The Oklahoma Heritage Association’s Scholarship Competition provides an opportunity for Oklahoma high school students to earn cash scholarships and tuition grants for college.
With more than $500,000 available to students statewide, the association offers $1,000 in cash or grants to students in each county who earn high scores on an Oklahoma history and geography examination. Each county has at least four tuition grants available.
“This program is designed to reward Oklahoma students who have taken an interest in the rich history of our great state,” said Shannon Rich Nance, Oklahoma Heritage Association and Gaylord-Pickens Museum president. “We hope that it also encourages our students to stay in state to attend college and remain here to live and work after receiving their degrees.”
Individual donors and Oklahoma colleges and universities provide the cash scholarships and tuition grants in the counties of their choice.
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma Christian University, Bacone College and The University of Science and Arts have made tuition grants available in all 77 counties.
The test will be given on April 24 at 16 locations across the state. Students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to take the exam, and all students must pre-register by April 16.
In addition to the Oklahoma Heritage Scholarship Competition, the Oklahoma Heritage Association offers the four-year, $10,000 John W. and Mary D. Nichols Scholarship.
As the name implies, the late John and Mary Nichols of Oklahoma City generously fund the scholarship each year.
The Nichols scholarship is given to a high school senior who has not only demonstrated that he or she has paid attention in Oklahoma history classes, but also excelled in academics, citizenship and leadership. The student must also commit to attend college in Oklahoma. Students must be nominated for the scholarship by an adult, and the deadline is March 5.
To see a list of scholarships available in each county, to register for the test, to download a study guide or to download the Nichols Scholarship nomination form, visit www.oklahomaheritage.com or call 405-235-4458. For information about becoming a scholarship donor, call Gini Moore Campbell, director of publications and education, at 405-523- 3202.
Tulsa GOP will meet on Saturday
The Tulsa County Republican Party will host an open county-wide meeting on Saturday at the TTC Lemley Campus at 3420 S. Memorial Drive. It will begin at 9 a.m.
The purpose of this meeting will be to report on current GOP activities in Tulsa County and to offer GOP voters time to meet some of the candidates running in the 2010 elections.
For more information, contact Tulsa County Republican Party Chair Sally Bell at chairman@tulsagop.org.
Bingman is Legislator of the Year
Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, an association of industrial companies that employ thousands of Oklahomans, honored State Sen. Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, as the 2009 Legislator of the Year for his dedication to ensuring a business-friendly environment for industries in Oklahoma.
The announcement was made in Oklahoma City.
“Senator Brian Bingman has diligently worked to create an environment in Oklahoma where businesses, large and small, can succeed and flourish,” said Tom Schroedter, executive director of OIEC. “Senator Bingman is also keenly aware that Oklahoma businesses are competing with businesses in other states and countries and that utility costs can be an important factor in the success of Oklahoma businesses, as well as in the recruitment or expansion of business in Oklahoma.”
During 2009, Bingman chaired the Oklahoma State Senate’s Energy and Environment Committee, working to ensure that industries in Oklahoma would not be adversely impacted by ill-conceived, anti-business legislation.
Bingman represents the 12th District of Oklahoma. He lives in Sapulpa with his wife, Paula, and three children. He is currently the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.
Jim Williamson will replace Fred Morgan on Senate staff
Former state legislator Fred Morgan has resigned from the staff of the State Senate to head the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce.
Morgan will be replaced by former State Sen. Jim Williamson, a Republican from Tulsa.
“Fred Morgan is a respected former legislator as well as a trusted and valued senate staffer,” Sen. Glenn Coffee said.
“His experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the State Capitol and his history of bipartisan cooperation will serve the State Chamber well. I wish my friend, Fred Morgan, all the best in his new endeavor.
“But as disappointed as I am to see Fred leave, I’m equally pleased to announce that former Senator Jim Williamson of Tulsa will join our team for the 2010 session. Senator Williamson was Republican Leader during our last budget crisis in 2003-04, and played a major role in crafting a budget that met the needs of the state and saw our state through to better times, very similar to where we are today.
“On behalf of the entire Republican caucus, I welcome Senator Williamson to the leadership staff.”
Rural GOP Caucus
Senate Republican Rural Caucus Chairman Ron Justice and members of the Senate Republican Rural Caucus have unveiled their policy agenda for the 2010 legislative session, which began Feb. 1.
Justice said the Senate Republican Rural Caucus pledged to continue their efforts in protecting the resources and assets that are vital to the well being of Oklahoma’s economic development and job growth.
The Republican Rural Caucus 2010 agenda includes:
• Protect agriculture tax exemptions.
• Continue our efforts to direct more motor vehicle taxes and fees to the improvement of county roads and bridges.
• Oppose any legislation that requires the forced consolidation of public schools.
• Ensure the protection of property rights.
• Improve access to rural health care professionals and facilities.
• Enhance access to ambulance and fire services in rural Oklahoma.
• Address first responder training issues in rural Oklahoma.
• Continue to support rural conservation issues.
Despite the difficult budget circumstances that lie ahead, Justice said the caucus stands ready to work diligently on behalf of rural Oklahoma.
“Oklahoma citizens have seen their fair share of difficult times,” said Justice, R-Chickasha.
“Even now, families across our state and throughout rural Oklahoma are forced to make tough decisions in order to deal with the struggling economy. Rural Oklahoma has so much to offer our state and nation and we as a caucus feel it is important now more than ever to defend this fundamental element of our lives.
“Our vision for rural Oklahoma continues to be one of strength and growth, and we believe the reforms we discuss provide achievable goals that will continue us in a positive direction.”
The Republican Rural Caucus is made up of 13 members from rural Oklahoma and those with rural Oklahoma roots: Senators Patrick Anderson of Enid, District 19; Don Barrington of Lawton, District 31; Jim Halligan of Stillwater, District 21; Harry Coates of Seminole, District 28; John Ford of Bartlesville, District 29; Mike Johnson of Kingfisher, District 22; Brian Bingman of Sapulpa, District 12; Todd Lamb of Edmond, District 47; Bryce Marlatt of Woodward, District 27; David Myers of Ponca City, District 20; Mike Schulz of Altus, District 38; and Anthony Sykes of Newcastle, District 24.
Line item veto
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled in a 5-4 vote that the governor has line-item veto power on sections of legislation that place “conditions or restrictions on previously appropriated funds.”
That decision followed a legal challenge from Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, and House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa.
“This was never a hostile lawsuit, nor was it an attack on the governor’s constitutional right to line-item veto. We were merely seeking clarification on the proper use of the line-item veto, which we have now received from the courts,” said Benge.
“While we disagree with the ruling, and agree with the dissenting opinion that ‘today’s ruling wholly ignores the unambiguous requirements of an appropriation bill set out in the Oklahoma Constitution and implicitly overrules the time-honored principles governing the line-item veto,’ we respect the court’s decision.”
“The Supreme Court today in a one vote majority expanded the powers of the governor’s veto pen. I am disappointed and respectfully disagree, as do four sitting justices, with the Court’s decision,” said Coffee. “We were seeking clarification on the breadth of a governor’s power regarding the line item veto, and the court has provided that clarification. We will accept the court’s decision and move forward.
“However, this ruling leaves the issue of the disposition of any funds subjected to a line-item veto as unclear and ambiguous.”
Rainy Day Fund cap
State Sen. John Ford said he was encouraged by Gov. Brad Henry’s announcement that he supported increasing the cap on the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
Ford originally filed legislation raising the cap from 10 to 15 percent to be heard in the 2007 session, however that measure did not make it into law. This past November he announced he had filed the same proposal with Senate Joint Resolution 47 and would push for its passage in the 2010 legislative session.
“When I first filed this legislation for the 2007 session, the economy was good and there wasn’t a lot of interest in raising the cap. Obviously, that’s all changed now, and I’m pleased to see the governor has voiced his support for this measure,” Ford said. “I’m only sorry there wasn’t more support earlier on for this concept.”
Ford, the Republican caucus chairman and chair of the Senate Education Committee, said if the higher cap had already been in place, Oklahoma would have a much larger cushion to ease the impact of the current budget shortfall. The senator, who represents Craig, Washington and Nowata counties, said once approved by the House and Senate, the measure would then go to a vote of the people.
“We could have had an emergency fund of nearly $900 million, compared to the $600 million in the Rainy Day Fund today,” Ford said.
“The oil bust of the 1980s taught us the importance of having an emergency savings account. This recession has shown us we need to expand that fund.”
Anti-big government bill
State Rep. Paul Wesselhöft said he has filed an “anti big brother, big government” bill.
House Bill 2569, by Wesselhöft, protects Oklahomans’ driver’s licenses from government intrusion by preemptively disallowing state and local governments from tracking a person’s location or obtaining personal information from an individual’s driver’s license.
“Through technology, governments, corporate and private entities can track a person’s location and personal information if one’s driver’s license is embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip or special ink,” said Wesselhöft, R-Moore.
“They can be tracked by satellites, radio towers and even through doors in buildings as ones walks through them.”
The Moore Republican said two states have passed such laws, and the U.S. Congress is considering S. 1261, the PASS ID act, which would “federalize” and make state driver’s licenses into a national ID card.
The Pass ID Act (S. 1261) also contains a provision for an “enhanced driver’s license,” which means, according to Wessselhöft, a radio-frequency identification (RFID)-embedded driver’s license.
If Congress’ bill becomes law, Oklahoma could be legally exempted by Wesselhöft’s bill.
“The legal issue would then be determined by the courts,” said Wesselhöft.
“If the congressional bill is made into law, it would violate the 4th Amendment of the Constitution which states - ‘the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated’.”
Wesselhöft believes a strong argument can be made that one’s driver’s license is a person’s “papers, and effects.” He also believes obtaining locations and information from one’s driver’s license constitutes an “unreasonable” search.
“If one breaks the law while driving, police can pull over and demand a person’s driver’s license, fair enough,” said Wesselhöft. “However, if one is not breaking the law, one’s location and personal driver’s license information is not the government’s business nor any other entities’ business, period! This would be big brother at its worse.”
“It is a state law that people cannot be embedded with a microchip or permanent mark,” added Wesselhöft.
Wesselhöft said his “preemptive” bill extends the state law to include a person’s driver’s license.
OKWU student gets U.S. citizenship
On January 13, Oklahoma Wesleyan University student Kossi Gaglo was sworn in as a U. S. citizen at a naturalization oath ceremony in Owasso.
Gaglo was born and raised in Togo, West Africa. His journey from Togo to Oklahoma is inspiring.
While on a trip to the United States visiting a cousin in Georgia, Gaglo became acquainted with a missionary from Gospel for Asia, whom he then helped to sponsor.
As a follow-up to their introduction, Gaglo received a Voice of the Martyrs magazine in the mail. VOM is a non-profit, interdenominational organization with a vision for aiding Christians around the world who are being persecuted for their faith in Christ.
Among the pages of the magazine was an advertisement for Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The mission of OKWU really resonated with Gaglo and after much prayer and consideration, he applied for admission. He moved to Oklahoma in 2004 and enrolled as a ministry major, graduating in December 2009 with a bachelor of arts degree in pastoral ministry/Biblical studies.
While a student at OKWU, Kossi worked for campus security for which, among other duties, he opened every building by 7 a.m., seven days a week, no matter what the weather or occasion. He took part in short-term mission trips to Haiti, Nigeria and France during summer and Christmas breaks rather than traveling home.
Dr. Mike Fullingim, OKWU’s specialist professor of Intercultural Studies and Linguistics, became deeply involved in Kossi’s education.
“The first time I met Kossi, I was immediately impressed with his multi-lingual skills (fluent in several languages of West Africa, as well as French and English) and a strong desire to pursue his God-given calling of ’serving people’ in some type of ministry capacity - be it in Togo, Nigeria, Haiti, or here in the United States,” Fullingim said. “In all my years of teaching, I can think of no student who was more serious about his (or her) studies, maintained a more diligent work ethic, or who projected a greater attitude of respect to everyone - and I do mean everyone - around him.”
Gaglo now plans to return to Togo in March to pursue his dream of purchasing land and building an orphanage and clinic. He is looking for an area big enough to raise crops and livestock to support his efforts.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University is a four-year, Christian university of the liberal arts and sciences that is fully accredited by the North Central Association.
Branson Zipline to open this spring
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, now under construction in Branson, Missouri plans to be open this spring.
Construction of the platforms for the new Eco-Adventure is ahead of schedule. Branson’s newest attraction, located on Highway 65 only seven miles north of downtown Branson, will introduce visitors to a unique form of outdoor entertainment. “This is a completely different experience,” said General Manager Emma Hamilton, “and there is no other attraction that comes close to combining ecology and adventure in a fun activity that is both exciting and safe for people of all ages.”
Using a system that originated in the jungles of Costa Rica, the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour will allow guests to soar in the Ozark Mountains. As visitors “zip” from observation platform to platform, through and over the trees, certified guides will accompany participants pointing out unique topographical and historical features of the Ozarks. Certification for the guides will be provided by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), as will be the accreditation for the courses themselves.
Branson visitors will be able to experience the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour - a two-and-a-half-hour, interactive tour which will feature a variety of zip lines, walkways and platforms; and the Blue Streak Fast Line, a one-stop ride from the top of the property to the base.
Hamilton adds, “Visitors will be able to experience the Ozark Outdoors through all the seasons, as we run year round…only pausing for lightning.”
The Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour is the only facility of its kind in the region.
“We can take up to 12 people at a time on each tour, so there is a very limited capacity.” said Hamilton. “In many areas, zip line canopy tours are sold out weeks and months in advance, so we strongly advise making reservations now.”
Tours begin May 1and can be booked now by visiting www.BransonZipline.com or by calling 417-561-2500. The course has been designed to be a low impact activity that is appropriate for all ages.
Simonson to speak February 9th
Terry Simonson, chief of staff for Mayor Dewey Bartlett, will speak to the Republican Women’s Club luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 9 at Holiday Inn Select (on I-44 and Yale Avenue).
Lunch is $12. To RSVP, send an e-mail to tulsarwc@cox.net or call Nancy Rothman at 742-8822.
Free fitness for police, fire fighters
Due to the recent budget crisis in the City of Tulsa, Platinum Fitness Center announced it will begin waving fees normally charged to members of the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Fire Department.
“We currently offer a discounted rate to these public servants and many of them already use our facility,” said Platinum Fitness general manager Mike Budnik. “Moving forward we will be freezing the dues of those that are current members and any of the other officers or fire fighters will be allowed to use our facility free of charge.”
Platinum Fitness Center has a list of those eligible for this benefit. “We are a locally owned and operated fitness center, unlike others in the market, and so we feel it is our duty to give back to the community and assist locally as much as we can,” Budnik said.
This offer is just an extension of another program that has been in place for quite some time providing a complimentary membership to immediate family members of military personnel currently serving in any branch of the military. Their membership includes use of the facility and free daycare.