Welcome 2012! I have always liked the changing of the year because I like writing a new number. I get bored with the same old numbers and 2011 was certainly not a very exciting one. It was very straight forward and plain. The year was great, but the numbers not so much. But…..2012 adds some excitement, variety and panache. The number 2 can be written in so many different ways. Go ahead, try it, I guarantee you will at least smile!
It is just a coincidence that my day to do an article is also my birthday, which means it’s natural to look back in time on days like these. I was born in Shawnee, raised in Shawnee and graduated from Shawnee schools. I decided to join our family business, which is now more than 100 years old. I have worked in the business since the 1960’s and have managed it for over 30 years.
As we transition into the holidays, I think we should remember the importance of family and friends. It is not about how much money we have, or how many gifts are under the tree. So many people put themselves in financial trouble trying to keep up with the Jones’. It is just stuff! The stuff we get this year will be the stuff in next year’s garage sale. Don’t get me wrong, I like stuff as much as the next person, but I think we should put the stuff in perspective.
The issue: Providing alcohol to minors
Our opinion: Charges should serve notice
In the last several months, on two occasions, murder charges have been filed against persons accused of providing alcohol to minors involved in fatal traffic accidents.
Throughout our nation’s history, our liberty has been secured by the men and women of the Armed Forces.
Because of their heroism at home and abroad, we live today in a nation where our citizens can freely pursue their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Shawnee has the opportunity to become one of the premier Vocational Agriculture chapters in the state.
Oklahoma is not “home” for me. My husband and I have actually only been in Shawnee just barely over a year and a half. I was born and reared near Bingham, Ill., (good luck finding that on a map!), a very small, small town in a very, very rural part of the state and, what most people would consider – “the middle of nowhere.”
The issue: Capital improvement projects
Our opinion: Commission should readjust priorities
As Shawnee city commissioners continue to discuss and ponder the capital improvements list, they should give strong consideration to increasing the funds they have projected to spend on infrastructure.
Pottawatomie County lost two good men this past weekend, who were serving in the line of duty. Reserve Sheriff Deputies Mike Roberts and Tim Lowry were preforming their duties when they died in a tragic traffic accident east of Asher.
Services for Roberts are this afternoon in the First Baptist Church in Saint Louis. A wake service for Lowry is tonight and his funeral Mass is Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church Catholic Church in the far southeastern portion of Pottawatomie County.
The issue: School bond issues
Our opinion: Present law is antiquated
This past session of the state Legislature lawmakers, as far as we know, failed to address an important issue regarding the ability of school districts to pass bond issues. If there was any consideration of it, it was low key and no definitive action was taken.
The supermajority requirement often hamstrings many school districts from passing general obligation bond issues. This is the only method schools have to improve their facilities, build new buildings, handle major remodeling projects, even upgrade their transportation fleet.
The issue: More efficient use of taxpayer money
Our opinion: School consolidations would provide savings
One lawmaker wants to reduce the size of the State Legislature. A couple of others want to drug test welfare recipients like Florida has begun doing.
The issue: Capital improvements
Our opinion: Focus on what benefits citizens the most
As Shawnee city commissioners continue to ponder and work to finalize the capital improvements list, their focus should be on those projects which will benefit local and area citizens the most.
The issue: Reforming the state’s tax code
Our opinion: Be careful with personal income tax
Some state legislators seem adamant on wanting to eliminate the personal income tax. Before that happens, though, they better determine first how they are going to replace that source of revenue.
Sincere congratulations to the “green” people in our community and at our work places. They are making an impact on both conscience and sub conscience levels of our minds often without our knowing.
The issue: 10th anniversary of 9-11
Our opinion: Don’t take freedom for granted
It was 10 years ago this morning the unthinkable, the forever unforgettable happened. Two planes, carrying hundreds of passengers, plowed into the twin towers World Trade Center. A third destroyed a portion of the Pentagon.
The issue: Capital improvements
Our opinion: Spend city’s money wisely
The Shawnee City Commission will soon decide whether or not to call an election on two important tax issues.
The issue: DHS and its ineptness
Our opinion: Workers must be held accountable
Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services failed Serenity Deal. Had critical information not been withheld from the Pottawatomie County/Lincoln County District Attorney’s office, the little helpless 5-year-old might still be alive today.
I cannot begin this article without making a statement about the weather. I can hardly wait until I have to wear a coat to try and get to the temperature I have been staying all summer. Enough said on the weather.
It’s time for school again! Over the last couple of weeks it has been great to see all the kids heading towards school as I head towards work. It reminds me of a time not that long ago when I was anticipating that first day as well. This time of year is filled with so many emotions and new things for each student, but it also includes many things for the teachers and administrators of each school.
In the state of Oklahoma, we each have our unique roles to fulfill. Specifically in government, officials are elected to serve the people of our great state and generate public policy that reflects Oklahoma values. Among the many roles as lieutenant governor, I have the privilege of being an ambassador on behalf of Oklahoma.
