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Tuesday, April 30, 2019
[MuskogeePolitico.com] Governor Stitt vetoes three bills; Neese joins CD5 race
from MuskogeePolitico newsletter Archive Feed
Stitt vetoes three bills
So far in the 2019 session, Stitt has received 152 Senate Bills, signed 120 of them into law, and vetoed 2 more. He has been sent 125 House Bills, signed 110 of them, and also vetoed 2 bills.
Here are his reasonings for yesterdays vetoes:
Senate Bill 44 would define the term "instructional expenditure" to mean expenditures for instruction and instructional staff support services, including those that directly relate to providing instruction and for activities that assist with classroom instruction. The definition proposed does not align our state with the federal definition of instructional expenditure, which will not allow Oklahoma to measure our instructional expenditures across state lines.
For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 44.
Senate Bill 566 would allow private commercial hunting guides to operate on lands managed or owned by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (the “Department”). The Oklahoma Constitution limits the use of Department fees, monies, or funds to the “control, management, restoration, conservation, and regulation of the bird, fish, and game and wildlife resources of the State... and for the administration of the laws pertaining thereto and for no other purpose.” (Okla. Const., Art. 26, § 4). The use of Department lands, paid for with fees, monies, or funds, for the monetary gain of private companies is not permitted pursuant to the Oklahoma Constitution. This prohibition is recognized in the Department's administrative rules, which include a general prohibition on the operation of private or non Departmental business on any Department managed lands.
In addition, significant portions of Department managed lands are not Department owned and are subject to specific terms of the applicable agreements between the Department and the land owners. Senate Bill 566's mandate to allow private commercial hunting guides to operate on Department lands may force the Department to violate these agreements, which could result in the elimination of an unknown amount of acreage currently available to Oklahomans.
For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 566.
House Bill 1968 would insert state government into contract disputes between firefighter and police officer unions (“unions”) and municipalities. These disputes are best resolved through arbitration, as currently provided in statute. The insertion of state government in these disputes is improper and not in the best interest of Oklahomans.
For the aforementioned reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1968.On a related note, Governor Stitt and his staff have done a superb job at keeping the press abreast of his activities. As a blogger, I am sent or subscribed to a lot of press releases from various elected officials or government departments. Governor Stitt's office sends out the Governor's public schedule on every Monday, with updates throughout the week if his calendar changes and new events are added or modified. Additionally, any action he takes on legislation is sent out to the press list as well, noting what legislation was signed (with links to each bill) or vetoed, with his veto messages included.
This is a dramatic change from Governor Fallin's administration. Kudos to Governor Stitt and his staff for being dedicated to transparency and responsiveness.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Stitt appoints five to State Board of Corrections
GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES FIVE APPOINTMENTS TO THE STATE BOARD OF CORRECTIONS
“I am pleased to welcome five new members to the State Board of Corrections,” said Stitt. “They will each bring a diverse perspective to the Department of Corrections in order to implement needed change and innovative ideas. I look forward to working with the board to move our criminal justice and correction system forward.”
The appointments are as follows:
Reginald Hines retired from the Department of Corrections after 37 years of service. During his career with the Department of Corrections, he held various positions from Correctional Officer to Deputy Director. Hines served on the Justice Roundtable Committee in Washington D.C. for the powder versus crack cocaine disparity and sentencing. He was elected to the American Correctional Association’s Board of Governors and was also presented the Oklahoma Correctional Association Achievement Award for his work in criminal justice. Hines is also a graduate of the Leadership Oklahoma, class of XXVIII. Hines is the current President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice and the Working Together Prison Ministry. He is also the ambassador for the Making of Men youth organization. Along with his many other accomplishments, Hines is always seeking solutions that impacts our youth of today through gang violence, teen pregnancy, drugs, and drinking and driving among other items that has infected the youth population. Hines resides in Oklahoma City.
Dr. Kathryn LaFortune is a licensed Oklahoma health service psychologist and attorney who currently works at the Tulsa County Juvenile Bureau to provide forensic psychological services in delinquency, deprived cases and juvenile competency. Prior to working at the Juvenile Bureau, she worked for Congressman Jim Bridenstine and the Mental Health and Veterans Courts after leaving a 13 year career as Chief of Forensic Services for the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. She also worked at the Oklahoma Forensic Center as a staff forensic psychologist for her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral experience for three years before working as the mental health director of the David L. Moss Criminal Justice Center in 1999. LaFortune attended Duke University in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and then worked for Bell Telephone Laboratories in Murray Hill as a research associate. She then returned to Oklahoma to attend The University of Tulsa College of Law and worked as a Tulsa Municipal Public Defender before returning to The University of Tulsa to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with the goal of understanding the interface of the legal system and mental health. She has published and co-authored research articles in a variety of peer reviewed journals and currently sits on the American Psychological Association Committee on Legal Issues. LaFortune has received many awards including, the Oklahoma Psychological Association Distinguished Service Citation, the New York Law School Otto L. Walter Distinguished Writing Award, and The University of Tulsa College of Law Distinguished Alumni. She has served as Chair of the Criminal Law Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association and served as a board member of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, the Tulsa Regional Child Death Review Board, and the Quality Assurance Panel for Juvenile Competency at the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth. LaFortune has also taught classes at a number of colleges, including the New York Law School, the University of Tulsa, TCC, OSU, Rogers State University and Langston University.
Steven Harpe is the Chief Information Officer of Gateway Mortgage Group, one of the nation’s largest, independent mortgage companies. Harpe is a Georgia native who made Broken Arrow his home in 1979, after his father’s service in the United States Air Force. He has more than 30 years of experience managing technology solutions globally for companies such as American Airlines, Sabre, HireRight, Capital One, and CGI. He has also worked on initiatives for the United States Navy and Marines requiring high level security clearances by the United States Federal Government. He serves on the 501 Technet Advisory Board, an organization that provides eligible nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma with high quality, donor subsidized or partner discounted technology expertise, products and services. Additionally, he serves in several technology leadership groups, such as the Oklahoma CIO's and the Tulsa CIO Forum organizations. These groups bring senior level technologists in Oklahoma together to collaborate on technology transformation and cyber security initiatives. Steve has been married for 24 years to his wife Jody, and has three children Jillian, Ethan and Jenna. They have lived in the Broken Arrow area for 40 years, and are passionate about serving their local community.
Rodney Thornton currently serves as the Owner and President of Thornton Construction Company, Inc. He also owns and operates Eagle drilling, which specializes in oil and gas drilling rigs and equipment, and RT Properties, which is a real estate management company. He holds an MBA from Oklahoma City University and a Bachelors in Economics from the University of Oklahoma. He resides in Norman and is a member of the University of Oklahoma Seed Sower Society.
Betty Gesell lives in Bixby, Oklahoma and is a former small business owner (1998-2012) and Senior Account Representative at Mead Data Central/Lexis Nexis (1995-2000). Gesell holds both a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Nebraska.
The Board of Corrections is a nine person board with five members appointed by the Governor, two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The board is the governing body for the department. Members are responsible for establishing and reviewing policies and confirming the appointment of wardens or unit heads.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Monday, April 29, 2019
Music Monday: Have Faith in God (Muskogee's hymn)
This week's Music Monday is Have Faith in God, was composed in Muskogee in 1934 by the great Southern Baptist hymn-writer B.B. McKinney. Here's a little more about the Muskogee tie to this hymn:
B. B. McKinney was assisting in a revival meeting at the First Baptist Church, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Dr. C. C. Morris, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Ada, Oklahoma, was the evangelist during this meeting, January 21 to February 4, 1934. The depression of the early thirties had taken a serious toll. Family fortunes and even meager savings had been wiped out unexpectedly as businesses failed and banks closed. In these days of uncertainty McKinney felt keenly the need of secure faith in God. One evening, during the sermon, he began the writing of this hymn; it was completed, both words and music, later that evening after he returned to his room in the Severs Hotel. The manuscript was sent to Robert H. Coleman, who copyrighted it in 1934 and then published it in his Glad Tidings (Dallas, 1935).Enjoy!
In the Baptist Hymnal 1956, the tune to Have Faith in God bore the name Muskogee after the town in Oklahoma where it was composed.
Lyrics:
1. Have faith in God
When your pathway is lonely
He sees and knows all
The way you have trod
Never alone
Are the least of His children
Have faith in God
Have faith in God
Chorus: Have faith in God
He's on His throne
Have faith in God
He watches o'er His own
He cannot fail He must prevail
Have faith in God
Have faith in God
2. Have faith in God
When your pray'rs are unanswered
Your earnest plea
He will never forget
Wait on the Lord
Trust His word and be patient
Have faith in God
He'll answer yet
3. Have faith in God
In your pain and your sorrow
His heart is touched
With your grief and despair
Cast all your cares
And your burdens upon Him
And leave them there
Oh leave them there
4. Have faith in God
Tho' all else fail about you
Have faith in God
He provides for His own
He cannot fail tho'
All kingdoms shall perish
He rules He reigns
Upon His throne
April 15th, 2019: The Government Can
March 25th, 2019: Transcendental Étude No. 4, "Mazeppa"
March 18th, 2019: St. Patrick's Day in the Morning
March 11th, 2019: What Wondrous Love is This
March 4th, 2019: Scandinavian Waltz
February 18th, 2019: Adagio for Strings
February 11th, 2019: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 4th, 2019: Columbia, Gem of the Ocean
January 7th, 2019: Loch Lomond
December 31st, 2018: Auld Lang Syne
December 24th, 2018: Remember O, thou Man
December 17th, 2018: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 10th, 2018: Carol of the Bells (medley)
December 3rd, 2018: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 26th, 2018: Happy Birthday
November 19th, 2018: My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness
November 12th, 2018: Hymn to the Fallen
October 29th, 2018: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
October 22nd, 2018: Hymn to Red October
October 15th, 2018: Indian Reservation ("Cherokee People")
October 8th, 2018: Wagner's 'Columbus Overture'
October 1st, 2018: Danny Boy
September 24th, 2018: Dvorak's 'From The New World' Symphony, 4th Movement
September 17th, 2018: Deep River
September 10th, 2018: Muleskinner Blues
September 3rd, 2018: Boomer Sooner
August 20th, 2018: Psalm 23
August 13th, 2018: Ashokan Farewell
August 6, 2018: How the West Was Won
July 23rd, 2018: I Just Can't Wait to Be King
July 16th, 2018: 'Jupiter' from 'The Planets'
July 9th, 2018: Hail to the Spirit of Liberty
July 2nd, 2018: Turn The Tide
June 25th, 2018: Good Guys Win
June 18th, 2018: Watching You
June 11th, 2018: Adoration
June 4th, 2018: March from 'A Moorside Suite'
May 28th, 2018: Taps
May 21st, 2018: Listz's La Campanella
May 14th, 2018: Handful of Weeds
May 7th, 2018: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
April 30th, 2018: Polonaise in A-flat major, Op. 53 ("Heroic")
April 23rd, 2018: Blow Ye The Trumpet
April 16th, 2018: Asturias (Leyenda)
April 9th, 2018: Old Mountain Dew
April 2nd, 2018: His Life For Mine
March 19th, 2018: See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
March 12th, 2018: Choctaw Nation
March 5th, 2018: Hark, I Hear The Harps Eternal
February 19th, 2018: The Olympic Spirit
February 12th, 2018: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
January 29th, 2018: Hail to the Chief
January 23rd, 2018: Waltz in A-Flat Major, Op. 39 No. 15
January 15th, 2018: Bleed The Same
January 8th, 2018: Saint-Saëns' Symphony No.3 'Organ' (Maestoso)
December 25th, 2017: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 18th, 2017: I Saw Three Ships (The Piano Guys)
December 11th, 2017:Who Is He In Yonder Stall
December 4th, 2017: Carol of the Bells (Mannheim Steamroller)
November 27th, 2017: Joy to the World!
November 20th, 2017: We Gather Together
November 13th, 2017: Mansions of the Lord
November 6th, 2017: Träumerei
October 30th: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 23rd, 2017: In Christ Alone
October 16th, 2017: When I'm Knee Deep In Bluegrass
October 9th, 2017: I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb
October 2nd, 2017: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major (Brahms)
September 25th, 2017: Beethoven's Sonata No. 8 in C minor ('Pathétique')
September 11th, 2017: Have You Forgotten?
September 4th, 2017: Bach's Double Violin Concerto
August 28th, 2017: Noah Found Grace In The Eyes Of The Lord
August 21st, 2017: The Heavens Are Telling The Glory of God
August 14th, 2017: Beethoven's 5th Symphony
August 7th, 2017: 'Lift High The Name Of Jesus' medley
July 31st, 2017: Fanfare for the Common Man
July 24th, 2017: Variations on 'Happy Birthday'
July 10th, 2017: Summer (Presto) from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
July 3rd, 2017: Freelance Fireworks Hall of Fame
June 26th, 2017: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
June 19th, 2017: A Christian Home
June 12th, 2017: Ol' Man River
June 5th, 2017: Choctaw Cowboy
May 29th, 2017: Armed Forces Salute
May 22nd, 2017: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in B minor
May 15th, 2017: Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major
May 8th, 2017: The Army Goes Rolling Along
April 17th, 2017: He Is Alive
April 10th, 2017: Surely He Hath Borne/And With His Stripes/All We Like Sheep
April 3rd, 2017: Here Comes Carolina
March 27th, 2017: 'Spring' from Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons'
March 20th, 2017: Symphony No. 5 ("Reformation") Finale
March 13th, 2017: The Pigeon on the Gate
March 6th, 2017: Finlandia
February 27th, 2017: When I Can Read My Title Clear
February 20th, 2017: William Tell Overture - Finale
February 13th, 2017: 'Romance' from 'The Gadfly'
February 6th, 2017: White Winter Hymnal
January 30th, 2017: Hail, Columbia
January 23rd, 2017: Hail to the Chief
January 16th, 2017: Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
January 2nd, 2017: Auld Lang Syne
December 26th, 2016: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
December 19th, 2016: I Wonder as I Wander
December 12th, 2016: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
December 5th, 2016: A Christmas Festival
November 28th, 2016: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
November 21st: Beethoven's 'Hymn of Thanksgiving'
November 14th: Hymn to the Fallen
November 7th: This World Is Not My Home
October 31st, 2016: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
October 24th, 2016: 'Mars', from 'The Planets'
October 17th, 2016: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
October 10th, 2016: Spain
October 3rd, 2016: International Harvester
September 26th, 2016: 'The Imperial March' from Star Wars
September 19th, 2016: Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound
September 12th, 2016: Before the Throne of God Above
September 5th, 2016: The Hunt
August 29th, 2016: Liberty
August 22nd, 2016: Summon the Heroes
August 15th, 2016: Bugler's Dream
August 8th, 2016: Olympic Fanfare and Theme
August 1st, 2016: 'Prelude' and 'Parade of the Charioteers' from Ben-Hur
July 25th, 2016: How The West Was Won
July 18th, 2016: Six Studies in English Folk Song
July 11th, 2016: From Everlasting To Everlasting
July 4th, 2016: The Stars and Stripes Forever
June 27th, 2016: Rule, Britannia!
June 20st, 2016: Bugler's Holiday
June 13th, 2016: Ride of the Valkyries
June 6th, 2016: Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 54, Allegro Vivace
May 30th, 2016: Armed Forces Salute
May 23rd, 2016: Paid in Full (Through Jesus, Amen)
May 16th, 2016: Overture from 'Carmen'
May 9th, 2016: L'Arlesienne Suite No. 1 - Prelude
May 2nd, 2016: My God Is a Rock
April 25th, 2016: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
April 18th, 2016: Paganini's Caprice No. 24 in A Minor
April 11th, 2016: Fantasia on a 17th Century Tune
April 4th, 2016: Hark The Sound/I'm a Tarheel Born
March 28th, 2016: Rustle of Spring
March 21st, 2016: 'Ode to Joy' sung by a 10,000-voice choir
March 14th, 2016: Hard Times Come Again No More
March 7th, 2016: 'The Suite' from Downton Abbey
February 29th, 2016: Moonlight Sonata
February 22nd, 2016: Liebestraum No. 3
February 15th, 2016: Help Is On The Way
February 8th, 2016: God of Grace and God of Glory
February 1st, 2016: 'My Story'
January 25th, 2016: Israeli Concertino
January 18th, 2016: What Grace is Mine
January 11th, 2016: "Meditation" from Thaïs
January 4th, 2016: Praeludium and Allegro
December 28th, 2015: Appalachian Carol
December 21st, 2015: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
December 14th, 2015: O Holy Night
December 7th, 2015: Christmas Fantasy
November 23rd, 2015: Simple Gifts
November 16th, 2015: Preacher Tell Me Like It Is
November 9th, 2015: Armed Forces Salute
November 2nd, 2015: Amazing Grace
October 26th, 2015: The Harmonious Blacksmith
October 19th, 2015: Liberty Fanfare
October 12th, 2015: The Majesty and Glory of Your Name
October 5th, 2015: Elgar's 'Enigma' Finale
September 28th, 2015: Stayed on Jesus
September 21st, 2015: Great Gate of Kiev
September 14th, 2015: Nearer, My God, To Thee
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Stitt signs bill aimed at increasing volunteer firefighter ranks
Governor Signs Bill to Increase Number of Volunteer Firefighters
House Bill 2051, authored by House Majority Leader Mike Sanders, R-Kingfisher, and Sen. Casey Murdock, R-Felt, passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. The new law will allow retired paid firefighters to perform as volunteer firefighters for a volunteer department without it affecting their current retirement benefit but also without it counting as an accrued retirement benefit against the state’s pension plan.
“Our rural residents and communities are dependent upon the services of volunteer firefighters to keep them safe from harm in the event of deadly wildfires,” Sanders said. “It helps so much to have individuals who are already trained and well-seasoned to perform these duties. This is why I worked so hard to ensure that we can build the ranks of volunteer firefighters without adding the state’s pension costs.”
Murdock said, “With the amount of wildfires we have in Northwest Oklahoma we need all the men and women we can get. The rural fire departments are stretched to the limits. The passage of this bill will allow experienced retired firefighters to join volunteer departments bringing their wealth of knowledge to that team.”
HB 2051 bill amends language to legislation previously passed by Sanders and signed into law that eliminated the 45-year-old age limit for new firefighters by giving them the ability to join a department without the requirement that they be added to the state’s pension plan. The legislation, which took effect in November 2015, has resulted in 300 new volunteer firefighters joining rural fire departments over the past 3 ½ years.
Sanders explained that state law previously prohibited willing volunteers over the age of 45 from becoming firefighters because the state’s pension and retirement plan could not afford them. Many people from his district, however, said they would be willing to serve without needing the retirement benefit. This amendment now will allow retired paid firefighters to participate in protecting the states rural fire districts as volunteers without affecting funding that can now be appropriated to other core government services.
Sanders said about 85 percent of the firefighters in Oklahoma are volunteers. Of the state’s more than 900 fire departments, about 95 percent are certified with the Rural Fire Defense Program.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Senate Pro Tem appoints Daryl Woodard to DOC board
Senate Pro Tem appoints Daryl Woodard to DOC board
Woodard is the chief executive officer of SageNet, a Tulsa-based technology firm. He is Treat’s first appointment to the Department of Corrections (DOC) board.
“Across the board, state agencies have not kept up with the pace of technology and digital advancement. As we sort through important issues like criminal justice reform, it’s critically important that we have real, measurable data and analytics. The issue is not simply a matter of money, it’s a matter of strategic, innovative thinking. Daryl Woodard is a successful leader in the world of technology and Internet infrastructure, a background that will suit him to work with agency leaders and other board members to assist DOC in a digital transformation. I very much appreciate his willingness to serve our state, and know that Daryl Woodard will do a great job on the DOC board,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
Woodard founded SageNet in 1998, focusing on designing, installing, managing, and servicing networks for multisite retail customers. He previously owned and operated other tech firms including Stonebridge Technologies, Inc., a custom application development company.
Woodard earned a business administration degree from the University of Illinois. He is involved in many local charitable and civic organizations.
“State government agencies can learn and leverage a lot through data and analytics, just like private businesses. As our state navigates through criminal justice reform, it’s important that lawmakers have access to data to understand as much as possible the impact of their policy decisions. I am honored that Pro Tem Treat selected me to serve, and I am very excited to get started. I look forward to working with DOC leadership and other board members,” said Woodard.
Government accountability measures signed into law earlier this year give the Senate pro tempore two appointments to the nine-member board of the Department of Corrections (DOC). The governor has five appointments to the DOC board while the House speaker has two appointments. The same bills give the governor the authority to hire, fire, and set the salary of the DOC director.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Saturday, April 27, 2019
OCPA column: Is smart legislating a conspiracy?
Is smart legislating a conspiracy?
By Jonathan Small, OCPA President
First came USA Today, in collaboration with the liberal Center for Public Integrity, noting that just about every state legislature in America considers model legislation suggested or even drafted by a wide range of advocacy groups, which come from every possible place on the political spectrum.
Then The Oklahoman published a story that was itself modeled after the USA Today article criticizing model legislation. On the “lack of self-awareness” scale, that may set some sort of record. Nonetheless, the hype surrounding these articles is far greater than their substance.
USA Today reported at least 10,000 bills were based on model legislation with around 2,100 of those bills signed into law. But, to get the number that high, USA Today had to go back eight years, a period in which the paper reports nearly 1 million bills were filed in the 50 states’ legislatures and Congress.
That means model legislation accounted for just 1 percent of all bills filed in the last eight years across the country. And the share of model bills signed into law represented two-tenths of 1 percent of all measures filed. Put simply, legislative drafting has not been outsourced to any meaningful degree. And when “model legislation” is used, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Oklahoma passed a model bill, for example, based on the “right to try” movement that allows desperately ill people to try to save their lives with experimental medications. Does this really upset anyone, even if the bill was derived from legislation passed elsewhere first?
Right now advocates of Obamacare’s costly Medicaid expansion are using a popular vote model from other states to circumvent the Legislature. I disagree with their goal but have no problem with their effort to mimic other states.
That’s how a free market of ideas is supposed to work. Legislative bodies, from your local city council to the state Legislature and on to Congress discuss, debate, and vote on tens of thousands of proposed laws every year. Some are requested by constituents. Some come from industry or trade groups. Still others are proposed by single-issue advocacy groups, and in all those cases bills are frequently modeled on legislation that has been considered in other states.
In Oklahoma and elsewhere, every bill is vetted by staff attorneys, debated in open committees and floor action, and given multiple votes. There is nothing nefarious about any of this. There is no king from right, left or center dictating laws.
One benefit of our federalist system of government is that states are allowed to try out new policies and other states then learn from their counterparts’ experiences. There’s nothing wrong with that, despite what some activists with bylines may think.
Jonathan Small serves as president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Friday, April 26, 2019
Stitt announces four appointments to State Board of Education
GOVERNOR STITT ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENTS TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
“Each of our new board members is a qualified leader who is passionate about education in our state,” said Stitt. “They will bring strong representation from across Oklahoma in order to help invest in and guide the direction of our public school system. I look forward to working with the entire board as we move toward Top Ten status in education.”
The appointments are as follows:
Jennifer Monies currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs for Saxum. Prior to this, she worked as a political reporter at The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City and Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C. She served in a press and policy advisory role for Speaker of the House Chris Benge and then Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman. She built the State Chamber of Oklahoma's Communication Department from scratch and managed internal and external communications and marketing for the pro-business organization. Before joining Saxum, she most recently ran an education nonprofit for over four years, advocating for improvement in Oklahoma's PK-12 education system. Jennifer lives in the urban core of Oklahoma City with her husband and two children. She has served on the Community Advisory Board of her neighborhood elementary school and currently serves on the board of her son's school. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Brian Bobek currently helps manage the largest global account for BP Lubricants, where he has worked for over 18 years. Devoted to his work, Bobek has fervently traveled the United States for a vast majority of his career, landing accounts in multiple regions. Bobek spearheads local outreach at Capitol Hill High School. He provides snacks for the teams before games, mentors teenagers through hardships and hosts their annual All Sports Banquet. In addition he created a free ACT prep night, open to any student in the area struggling with test anxiety and preparedness. He also devotes his resources to the community by partnering with Tulsa Hope Academy, which provides a new opportunity to students who have been in the criminal justice system, homeless, addicted to drugs, abused or need someone to assist in getting them back on the right track. Bobek and his wife, Toni, reside in Oklahoma City, and together they have four children and one grandchild. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Bobek is a product of Tulsa Public Schools, having attended Tulsa Edison High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Oklahoma.
Estela Hernandez has been in the Construction and Real Estate business for 15 years as a small business owner and a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams. Hernandez is also known for her role in Oklahoma politics, serving as Vice President of Engagement for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, and Commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. She has served as School Board Member and is a former Spokeswoman for Mundo-Fox Oklahoma City. Due to her professional and civic accomplishments, she has received multiple awards, and serves on various boards. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. Hernandez has been married for 17 years and is the mother of three children, who attend school at Putnam City School District, OKC Public School District, and Epic Charter Schools.
Kurt Bollenbach currently serves as an oil and gas operator for Teocalli Exploration, LLC, where he manages approximately 500 wells in northwest Oklahoma. Prior to working in the oil and gas industry, Bollenbach served as an attorney at a variety of legal offices, including Harrison & Mecklenburg, and the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Upon completion of Officer Basic Course in 2006, Kurt was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany where he acted as general counsel for Commanders, provided legal assistance to Service members, and acted as a military claims officer. Kurt received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University in 2002 and completed law school at the University of Oklahoma in 2005. Bollenbach resides in Kingfisher with his wife and two children, who attend Kingfisher Public Schools.
William E. “Bill” Flanagan is currently the Mayor of Claremore, Oklahoma. Mr. Flanagan, a retired certified public accountant and personal financial specialist has owned and operated a public accounting firm, specializing in individual, small business and corporation tax, as well as personal financial consulting for 35 years. He served many years on the Claremore Park Board and previously served on Claremore’s City Council. In addition, Mr. Flanagan served as President for the Board of Directors, Hope Harbor Children’s Home for over 20 years. In 2004, he was named Claremore’s Citizen of the Year; and the Claremore Chamber of Commerce honored him with the 2014 Career Achievement Award. He has served as a board member for the Rogers State University Foundation in addition to serving on various other local and state boards in leadership roles. Mr. Flanagan earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in 1975. He and his wife Mary Lou have three children and four grandchildren.
On April 1, Gov. Stitt announced the appointment of Carlisha Williams Bradley who currently serves as the Executive Director for Impact Tulsa. Bradley is also the Founder and CEO of Women Empowering Nations. A leader in the Tulsa and Oklahoma education community, Bradley previously worked as the Executive Director for Tulsa Legacy Charter Schools and the Schools Systems Leader Fellow & Senior Consultant at Tulsa Public Schools. She also served as the Regional Vice-President at Lighthouse Academics and worked as an 8th Grade Math Teacher and KIPP Through College Director at KIPP Reach College Preparatory. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Arts in African & African-American Studies and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship & Venture Management from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University.
The State Board of Education is the governing board of the public school system of the state of Oklahoma. Members are charged with pursuing and implementing reforms that will boost student performance and ultimately help to create the kind of educated, highly skilled workforce that will bring more and better jobs to the state.
Hofmeister remarks on new appointments to State Board of Education
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 26, 2019) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister made the following statement today after Gov. Stitt announced four new appointments to the State Board of Education. Hofmeister chairs the board.
“General Lee Baxter, Cathy Franks, Bill Price and Bob Ross have served on the State Board with distinction, passion and genuine commitment to Oklahoma’s schoolchildren. I will miss working with each one, and I thank them for their service on the board,” Hofmeister said.
“At the same time, I am excited by the appointments announced today by Governor Stitt. I already have had the honor of working with Estela Hernandez and Jennifer Monies; I know both to be tireless and exceptional advocates for strong public education. I look forward to getting to know Brian Bobek and Kurt Bollenbach. We all have hard work ahead of us, but there is reason for great optimism.”
from MuskogeePolitico.com
Senate President Treat appoints Bob Boyd to OHCA board
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat appoints Bob Boyd to Health Care Authority board
Under legislation signed into law in March, the Health Care Authority (OHCA) is among five of the largest state agencies who now have agency directors who are hired and fired by the governor. The reforms also created nine-member boards at each of the five agencies made up of five appointments by the governor and two each by the Senate pro tem and the House speaker.
Boyd is Treat’s first appointment to the OHCA board.
“The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is a huge agency that oversees a budget in excess of a billion dollars and administers the Medicaid program. It’s important we have people with experience with strategic management skills and an eye for identifying critical issues and implementing decisive solutions. Bob Boyd is successful and skilled financial executive with more than 30 years of management experience for a variety of diverse organizations. More than that, he’s a leader with integrity and a heart to serve Oklahoma. I know he will do well in helping lead the Health Care Authority,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.
Boyd is the founder and president of Boston Street Advisors, Inc., and Boston Street Capital, LLC. Prior to that, he served in a variety of financial management positions at companies like Lowrance Electronics, Inc., and Bank of Oklahoma. He also previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of Tulsa and at Langston University – Tulsa. He also previously served on the National Advisory Board of the Small Business Administration.
“I am honored that Pro Tem Treat would place his trust in me to serve in this important role at the Health Care Authority. I am eager to dig in and get to work ensuring the agency is using tax dollars as efficiently and effectively as possible so that we can serve those who truly need assistance. I look forward to working with the other board members and agency leadership to fulfill OHCA’s mission,” Boyd said.
Boyd earned a business administration degree from Phillips University and a masters of business administration from the University of Tulsa. He also completed the executive development and advanced management program at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
from MuskogeePolitico.com
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