National news is at the forefront this week, with the United States Military striking Iraq’s nuclear facilities. It’s more than my mind can conceive that a plane can leave Missouri, drop two 30,000-pound bombs in Iraq and return to Missouri nonstop. I believe that this swift but firm action follows our president’s “peace through strength” initiative.
On the local front, I believe a big win for rural Oklahoma this past session was the passage of Senate Bill 1027. This measure will require signatures from all our counties, not just signatures from our most populated counties, as we seem to favor. It’s possible that some petitioners have visited our “neck of the woods” for signatures and I have just never seen them. Hopefully, this will change and allow more regional voices to be heard.
I want to congratulate McAlester Regional’s newest class of residents, who completed their Doctor’s training and are ready to enter the workforce. This program, in collaboration with Oklahoma State University Medical, has produced four new doctors this year, with more in the three-year pipeline. It is believed that if doctors complete their residency in a rural area, they are more likely to stay. So far, this seems to be true, as two of the four who received their degrees plan to stay in the McAlester region. I had the opportunity to attend their graduation reception. It is always great to be a part of this celebration.
I also addressed the local chapter of McAlester AARP this past week. I always enjoy sharing perspectives with this group. I have always believed that there is no substitute for experience. Thank you for asking me to speak.
Lastly, how about the Thunder bringing the NBA championship to the Heartland! It seems people always question whether a team from a small market can compete with the likes of New York and California teams. Guess we can put these questions to rest! Thunder Up!
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.
Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and part and Pittsburg County.
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