With the federal government shutdown behind us now, things seem to be returning to a more normal pace as far as state government is concerned. I don’t know if there were any winners, I just hope this doesn’t happen again for some time.
The Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts held its annual area meeting last week in Wilburton. I was invited to participate in a panel discussion about all things legislative. It was moderated by our own Clay Pope. I always enjoy this particular gathering as 30 years ago I served on the Latimer County Conservation Board as a district director and attended many of these meetings. To have sat in the audience as a director and now return to the podium as a legislator just seems full circle.
Also last week, East Central Electric Cooperative held its annual legislative dinner in Okmulgee. I attended to show support for all the work they do. Rural electrification is something we tend to take for granted, but I have to believe most of its expansion has occurred in my lifetime. Availability of electricity will be an issue we continue to address in the Legislature as new industries emerge that are large consumers. We have to protect our residential users first.
I was pleased to see that our state Supreme Court ruled that one person can serve on the governor’s cabinet and also lead a state agency. I never understood our attorney general ruling this could not happen. Specifically, having one individual heading both the Oklahoma Department of Transportation as well as Oklahoma Turnpike Authority made sense to me. I’m glad to see our Supreme Court agrees.
As we head into Thanksgiving, I 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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