I had a breakfast meeting recently with Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troop D out of McAlester led by Commander Jack Choate. We talked about trooper academies and the need for increased pay for our troopers as well as the overall situation with the Highway Patrol. It was good to touch base about the needs of the OHP and discuss ways the Legislature can help. I’m thankful for the work these troopers perform in keeping our citizens safe as they drive on our highways.
I also met recently with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell about the needs at Lake Wister State Park. The Lt. Gov. serves as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage on the governor’s cabinet. I told him about the conditions of the boat ramps at the park as well as about potholes in the road and the fact that the facilities at the park are not handicap accessible. I’m hoping this discussion results in some upgrades for this park.
Pinnell also met with some community leaders while he was in our area, and he stayed for the LeFlore County GOP meeting to answer some questions.
Speaking of Wister Lake is a reminder that after the 2022 election, our House District will lose part of the town of Wister to House District 1 as a result of the redistricting process. However, we’ll gain Cowlington, Panama and Shady Point from District 15. I’d like to welcome people from those communities.
I’ve been going to local Christmas parades. I’ve already attended ones in Arkoma and Poteau, and by the time this column prints, I will have attended ones in Monroe, Panama and Wister, and a tree lighting in Shady Point. Heavener’s and Spiro’s parades are Dec. 18. I hope to see many people there.
I also recently attended the Carl Albert State College Foundation gala, a fundraiser for scholarships. It was a packed house, and I know a lot of dollars were raised to help young people attend this local college.
On another note, I received some updated information recently on American Rescue Plan Act funds that are available to towns in Oklahoma with populations of less than 50,000. Howe, Panama and Shady Point already have applied for their share of these funds. Cameron, Fort Coffee and Rock Island are entitled to this funding as well. I’m working with them on the application process so their residents benefit. Funds can be used to support public health expenditures; to invest in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure; to address negative impacts experienced during the pandemic; to replace lost public sector revenue; or to provide premium pay for essential workers.
On a final note, I’ve been at the Capitol recently working on requesting drafts of bills I will file for the coming legislative session that begins Feb. 7. I’ll discuss my legislation in detail in future columns.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
- Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
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