Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1

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SUBMITTED: Parks Advisory Board Vice-Chair Phil Nollan with wife, House Representative Jadine Nollan.

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by City Council Candidate Phil Nollan. Nollan is challenging incumbent councilman Michael Phillips. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st. Nollan's wife, Jadine, is the Oklahoma House Representative for District 66 which encompasses Sand Springs.

Hi Neighbor!

I’m running for Sand Springs City Council and would like to introduce myself.  I married my college sweetheart, Jadine Cox Nollan, 35 years ago and we have three adult children Kristin, Kasey, and Kurt who attended Sand Springs Public Schools and graduated from Oklahoma colleges.  I’ve always looked for ways to give back to my community by serving in our church’s children, youth, and college ministries or by coaching little league sports teams and volunteering for Sand Springs non-profits and community events. 

I’m a nationally-certified project management professional who has served on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board for five years as well as Board President and officer of the Tulsa Project Management Institute for ten years.  I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa.

I’m currently serving as Vice-Chair on the Sand Springs Parks Advisory Board.  As a Board we have completed the Case Center, built a Skate Park, expanded the Keystone Ancient Forest, and developed the bond plans for two new Splash Pads and Museum renovations. And I’m very excited to say that the Pratt-Civitan Splash Pad and the Sand Springs Rotary Super Splash Pad and Soccer/Baseball Concession will be open for business this summer!  A lot of good things are happening for Sand Springs through our City Parks Department!

I’d like to see the City carry this same positive momentum into other opportunities that will help make Sand Springs more attractive to families and businesses.  Some of the opportunities include doing everything we can to help get new sit-down restaurants, add business service providers and manufacturers, provide for faster economic development of the Sand Springs corridor and a quicker resolution to pressing issues.

We know our tax base is shrinking when we lose businesses like Cox Furniture, Morrow Gill Lumber, Kmart and Walgreens. I believe my project experience in the Fortune 100 corporate world can offer a valuable perspective to the management of Sand Springs Vision 2025 tax extension projects. In addition, my experience in housing construction, small business, and commercial leasing may serve to benefit the River West development.

Our community is really special and I love living here.  We have great schools and a beautiful natural landscape for building and development.  We just need to maximize our opportunities to help make our wonderful city even better and more attractive for our young families.  If elected, I will be a listener and a voice for my friends and neighbors in Ward 1.  We are Sand Springs and I’m proud to call myself a Sandite!

For further information email PhilNollan@cox.net, call my cell at 918.407.4201 or reach out on Facebook.  I would appreciate your vote on Super Tuesday, March 1st.  Thanks and God Bless!

See Related: Ward 1 City Councilman Michael Phillips seeks fourth term

Bill strengthening domestic violence law heads to full Senate

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A bill that could potentially save the lives of domestic violence victims has won approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is headed to the full Senate for a vote.  Senate Bill 1491, by Senator Bryce Marlatt said his legislation deals with how many prior convictions of domestic violence are required to establish a pattern of physical abuse.

“Under current law, an individual would have to be convicted of domestic violence three times in 12 months before the legal definition of a pattern of physical abuse is met,” said Marlatt, R-Woodward.  “But this is a crime that escalates. The potential for death increases exponentially with every incident.  That fourth time may be the last time it happens, because it could be a domestic homicide.  We need to do something to stop domestic violence offenders sooner, and that’s what my bill would do.”

Under Marlatt’s legislation, two convictions would establish a pattern of physical abuse, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $5,000, or both.  As amended in committee, the legislation would remove the stipulation that the incidents must have taken place within the previous 12 months.

“The numbers show us this is a terrible problem. Oklahoma is ranked third in the nation for women killed by men in domestic violence situations.  One-third of all women murdered in our state are killed by their husbands.  Forty-one percent of all homicides in Oklahoma are linked to domestic violence,” Marlatt said.  “One third of all police time is spent responding to domestic violence calls.  Strengthening this law will help Oklahoma better address the crime of domestic violence.”

Sen. Holt’s “revenge porn” bill headed to Senate floor

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The full Senate Appropriations Committee has approved Senator David Holt’s legislation to make “revenge porn” against the law in Oklahoma.  Senate Bill 1257 will now advance to consideration on the Senate floor.  Approved Wednesday on a vote of 37 to 1, the measure criminalizes the dissemination of non-consensual pornography, sometimes known as “revenge porn.”  

“Non-consensual pornography is a destructive act that especially targets women, and it should be a crime,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “Our statutes often don’t contemplate modern life, and this is one of those situations. I am grateful that so far my colleagues agree."

SB 1257 provides that a person commits a crime when they intentionally disseminate an image of another identifiable person who is engaged in a sexual act or is nude; they obtained the image under circumstances that would lead a reasonable person to know that the image was private; and they knew or should have known that the dissemination was nonconsensual. It exempts disseminations related to law enforcement investigations or when the exposure or sexual act was committed in public or in a commercial setting. The first offense would be a misdemeanor and the second offense would be a felony.

SB 1257 must be considered on the Senate floor by March 10.

Sen. Mazzei issues statement on Finance Committee passage of SB 1073

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Sen. Mike Mazzei issued the following statement after Tuesday’s vote by the Senate Finance Committee approving SB 1073, a measure that would delay the reduction of the state income tax top rate from 5.25 to 5 percent and eliminates “double-dipping,” which is the itemized deduction for state and local taxes.

“Since 2004, when I first came to the Senate, we’ve reduced taxes by about $1.5 billion, thanks to a 25 percent drop in the top income tax rate, the elimination of estate taxes, the increase in the standard deduction, higher exemptions for retirement income, fewer companies subjected to the franchise tax, and the 100 percent exemption for military.

“The fact is the bench mark of $6.9 billion to lower the income tax rate from 5.25 to 5 percent was never actually achieved, because the trigger was based on the December certification, not the final certification in February the Legislature must use for writing the budget.  The General Revenue Fund is now more than $1 billion below the bench mark. Furthermore, you can’t continually decrease taxes and also increase special interest tax breaks—these have ballooned to $2 billion, making the current financial situation much worse.  It is unwise to lower the income tax rate in this environment.

“We are facing a shortfall of $1.3 billion.  If we don’t delay this reduction and adopt other reforms, education funding, which makes up some 50 percent of the budget, will have to be cut by approximately $400 million.  Other core services will also be slashed.  Ultimately everyone in the state will be negatively impacted.

“As a fiscal conservative, I would much rather delay a tax cut than vote to increase taxes and start new taxes,” –Senate Finance Chairman Mike Mazzei, R-Tulsa.

Senate honors Cherokee Nation

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Oklahoma State Senate honors Cherokee Nation. (Left to right) Senate Minority Leader John Sparks, Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, Victoria Vazquez, Deputy Speaker of the Tribal Council, Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Miss Cherokee Ja-Li-Si Pittman, Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Little Cherokee Ambassadors Nathan Lowrey, Max Purget, Maysi Fields, Logan Dreadfulwater, Kashyah Teehee and Jr. Miss Cherokee Madison Whitekiller listen as a Senate Citation honoring the Cherokee Nation is read in the Senate Chamber.

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Tuesday marked Cherokee Nation Day at the Capitol, and representatives of the tribe were honored on the floor of the Senate.  The Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in Oklahoma and in the United States.  Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman presented a Citation of Congratulations, co-authored by Minority Leader John Sparks, on behalf of the chamber.  Both Bingman and Sparks are citizens of the Cherokee Nation.

“The Cherokee Nation, its culture, and language, are all part of Oklahoma’s identity as a state—we’re partners and we value the cultural and economic contributions the Nation and its citizens make,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.  “It’s always a pleasure to welcome representatives of the tribe to the Oklahoma State Senate.”

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker asked all the Cherokees in the Chamber to stand, which included many guests in the visitors’ gallery as well as several senators on the floor who are also members of the tribe. 

"It's important for the Cherokee Nation to maintain our visibility and presence at the State Capitol, to better protect the interests of our sovereign nation. We are here today advocating for core services including education, health care and infrastructure enhancement," Baker said.

Other tribal officials welcomed to the floor included Deputy Principal Chief S. Joe Crittenden, Tribal Council Deputy Speaker Victoria Vazquez, Miss Cherokee Ja-Li-Si Pittman, Jr. Miss Cherokee, Madison Whitekiller, and several youth ambassadors.

“The Cherokee Nation has thrived, culturally and economically, creating jobs and partnering with local cities for projects that benefit all Oklahomans,” said Sparks, D-Norman.  “It’s an honor to welcome Chief Baker and everyone to the Capitol and acknowledge the Cherokee Nation’s importance to our state’s past and our future.”

Sen. Kyle Loveless’ statement on the Personal Asset Protection Act

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“It is unfortunate the Personal Asset Protection Act was not given a fair hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Oklahomans of all walks of life and political ideologies support civil asset forfeiture reform. However, Chairman Sykes did not think their voice should count in the political process. I am disappointed but not discouraged.  I am resolute and will work to make sure real reforms are put in to place to protect the private property of Oklahomans.

“Our nation was founded to protect life, liberty and property equally and no chairman’s gavel can change that. Oklahoma’s current civil asset forfeiture laws are an affront to this principle. I ran for the state Senate to reduce government overreach and to stand up for everyday Oklahomans—I will continue this fight.

“Instead of hearing the Personal Asset Protection Act, the judiciary committee Tuesday took a modest step toward reform. SB 1113, which allows a citizen to receive attorney’s fees if they successfully contest a forfeiture, passed out of committee unanimously with no questions and no debate.

“However, this bill doesn’t go nearly far enough in correcting the major issues with Oklahoma’s civil asset forfeiture laws. The bill will still allow for private property to be forfeited without a criminal conviction, has no reporting or transparency requirements and will continue to allow law enforcement agencies to keep the proceeds from each forfeiture they perform. 

“Oklahomans understand law enforcement has a tough job, but also understand our liberties are at stake. I will continue to fight for those liberties and look forward to working with the bill’s author to create a system that protects Oklahomans’ rights and private property.”

Kyle D. Loveless is a conservative Republican from South Oklahoma City. 

Sherry Durkee approved as Superintendent of Sand Springs Schools

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The Sand Springs Board of Education ended months of speculation Monday night when they appointed Sand Springs's own Sherry Durkee as the new district superintendent, replacing Lloyd Snow effective July 1st, 2016. 

Durkee was already serving as the Assistant Superintendent and was chosen over a large field of impressive applicants, according to Board President Mike Mullins. 

Krista Polanski was re-sworn in as Board Member for another five year term. 

Mike Mullins was approved by unanimous vote as the new Board President with Church that Matters Pastor and football Chaplain Rusty Gun as Vice President. 

Senate Education Committee approves bill to eliminate ‘End of Instruction’ exams

The Senate Education Committee has given unanimous, bipartisan support to legislation to eliminate state-mandated End of Instruction exams (EOIs).  Under current law, high school students must pass four of seven EOIs in order to graduate from high school, even if they received passing grades in all required classes. 

Senator John Ford chairs the Education Committee, and is the author of Senate Bill 1170 which was approved on Monday.  He said eliminating the EOIs will save millions of dollars, and will help address the concern voiced by teachers, parents and students of too many required tests.  Under SB 1170, it would be up to each school district to certify that graduating high school students had mastered the curriculum requirements.

“One of the biggest complaints has been that teachers don’t have time to focus on teaching the curriculum because they’ve had to prepare students for too many high stakes tests,” Ford said.  “By eliminating the EOI exams, teachers and students can focus on the classes. This also ensures greater local control for the districts.”

Ford, who represents Nowata, Rogers and Washington Counties, said the State Board of Education would work with Higher Education and CareerTech to publish a list of approved assessments that would comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act and measure mastery of the state’s subject matter standards.  The state would pay for the exams. 

“Each district would choose which of those exams students would take by the end of their senior year.  It could be something like the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, SAT, or the ACT, something most students already take, but currently, parents must pay for,” Ford said.  “This will save parents money, but because these standardized tests are much less expensive than developing exams specifically for just Oklahoma, taxpayers will also see a significant savings.”

The legislation now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

Statement from Senate Education Chair John Ford

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“Several bills dealing with school district mergers, annexations, and consolidations have been introduced this session in the Senate.  These measures take a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to streamline administrative costs to save money and improve the quality of education offered to students.  At the heart of it, the members who have worked on these bills share the goal of ensuring we’re doing the best we can to focus resources in the classroom, where they most directly benefit Oklahoma children.

“As Education Chairman, I’m grateful to the parents, teachers and school patrons who’ve taken the time to share their views and concerns with me, and with their own senators.  I’ve also had many conversations with members as well. I believe more discussion and an exchange of ideas are needed.

“Oklahomans have a vested interest in improving the quality of education offered to our children and grandchildren and in ensuring our schools are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible. With this consideration, I have decided against hearing any of these bills, including one that I have authored, in the Senate Education Committee this session.”—Sen. John Ford, Education Chairman.

Senate approves uninsured motorist bill

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OKLAHOMA CITY – Under current state law, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) suspends the license of anyone found driving without insurance.  On Wednesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 260, by Sen. Ron Sharp, to require such offenders to provide proof of insurance to DPS in the form of an SR-22 form before their suspension for driving without insurance can be lifted.

“People are not following the law. A recent study found that Oklahoma’s uninsured motorist rate is twice the national average making it the worst in the nation,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee.  “This measure will hold citizens accountable.  If they’re not going to follow the law then there will be consequences and they won’t be able to drive until they start following the law and purchase vehicle insurance.”

A 2014 study by the Insurance Research Council estimates that nearly 26 percent of vehicles on Oklahoma roads are operating without insurance, totaling approximately 721,000 vehicles.  The national average is just under 13 percent.

An SR-22 form is a certificate issued by an individual’s insurance company affirming that the person has auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements.  SB 260 requires that the SR-22 be maintained with DPS for three years.  Anyone who fails to maintain their SR-22 with DPS will have their driving privileges suspended again until proof of insurance is re-filed. 

At least 36 states use some form of SR-22 reporting as a tool to combat uninsured motorists. 

The bill also states that when an insurance company has certified an insurance policy with an SR-22, the policy can only be terminated if the company provides notice to DPS within ten days after termination.

“Current law is allowing offenders to simply buy insurance and drop it within days just to get their license back.  This bill ensures that insurance companies let DPS know when policies are dropped so that they can make sure those individuals aren’t driving without insurance,” said Sharp.  

SB 260 provides exemptions in which DPS must waive the SR-22 filing requirement including if the person dies or is incapacitated or if the person surrenders his or her vehicle registration. 

Sharp explained that uninsured motorists have a negative fiscal impact on insured motorists as well as the state overall. 

“Law-abiding motorists unfairly have to pay the price through higher rates for those who break the law and drive without insurance,” said Sharp.  “Our state’s high rate of uninsured motorists also has a negative effect on our state’s budget and pension systems because of the lost premium tax dollars.”

The Oklahoma Insurance Department estimates, based on the average statewide premium for minimum auto liability coverage and the premium tax rate of 2.25 percent, that if the uninsured motorist rate were reduced to 15 percent (still above the national average), Oklahoma would see just over $7.7 million in additional premium tax revenue. 

SB 260 will now move to the House for further consideration.  

Bill ensuring more accountability in public policy rules heads to full Senate

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State Senators Nathan Dahm and Anthony Sykes said a bill ensuring legislative input on state agency rules will create greater accountability when determining policies impacting the lives of Oklahomans.  Senate Bill 1130 clarifies Oklahoma law to ensure the Legislature’s authority to approve, amend or disapprove agency rules.

Dahm, principal author of SB 1130, said the measure was approved by the full Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

“Up until the administration of President Woodrow Wilson, our elected representatives in Washington, D.C. had the ability to change federal agency rules when needed.  Ever since then, the federal bureaucrats, who don’t have to answer to the public for their actions, have had control over public policy issues that impact the lives of private citizens and businesses in countless ways, and we know it’s often a negative impact,” said Dahm, R-Broken Arrow.  “We want to ensure that at the state level, it is those who are directly accountable to the people who have the final say and have the oversight ability to protect people and businesses from excessive agency rules.”

Language contained in SB 1130 would codify the Legislature’s right to amend any rules as they proceed through the legislative review process and establish new agency rules directly through enactment of a joint resolution.

“When bureaucracies adopt rules that run contrary to the will of Oklahoma citizens, people get trampled. It is impossible to hold a bureaucrat accountable,” said Sykes, R-Moore.  “But I’m living proof that you can hold an incumbent accountable. This measure ensures greater accountability to the public in the policy decisions that affect their lives.”

SB 1130 will next be considered by the full Senate.

Weekly Column by Senator Dan Newberry

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This week kicks off the second session of the 55th Legislature, and with a $900 million projected shortfall in the budget, this year will present many challenges for lawmakers.  As the old adage goes, the difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is all in how you use them.  It’s difficult to dispute that we’re facing several significant stumbling blocks this year.   With a significant shortfall and most agencies facing cuts in funding, it paints a tough situation for our state to overcome.  While this will present a unique set of budgetary circumstances this year, I choose to think of it as an opportunity to find and identify those stepping stones that can lead to meaningful change in Oklahoma.

As Oklahomans will remember, the 80’s brought the worst oil crisis our nation has faced.  The economic reality was heartbreaking, with many families facing poverty and other hardships for years while waiting for the economy to recover.  My family was one of thousands who struggled in the face of the oil crisis and I remember wondering when or if recovery would ever happen.  Even though I was young at the time, I decided I would do whatever I could to help make a difference in whatever way I could, at whatever point in my life those opportunities presented themselves.  Over the years, that same determination has helped to fuel my commitment to the people of my district and the state. 

On Monday during her state of the state address, we heard Gov. Fallin’s goals for this year’s legislature, with the budget at the top of the priority list.  In order to fix the shortfall, we must remain focused on the core government functions and ensure those are properly funded, including education and infrastructure.  Children are the future of Oklahoma, and as sacrificial givers to the future of Oklahoma, teachers are one of our most valuable resources in ensuring tomorrow’s young leaders are provided with a quality education today.  Oklahoma teachers deserve to teach in adequately funded districts and earn a salary that is competitive with other states.  This will remain one of our highest priorities this year. 

Our work is cut out for us and I encourage you to follow the process by visiting the official State Senate website at www.oksenate.gov where live audio and video streaming from the Senate Chamber, as well as from all committee rooms are available. 

            I am looking forward to kicking off the new legislative session.  There’s a lot to be done and I’m ready to get to work.  As we approach this tenuous time in the state’s history, it is important to remember we are all stakeholders in Oklahoma’s future and I’m committed to making sure your voice is heard in state government.  I always welcome your ideas and input and encourage you to contact me with any concerns. 

To contact me at the Capitol, please write to Senator Dan Newberry, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 234, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Newberry@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5600.

Senator Treat comments on Pre-K legislation

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OKLAHOMA CITY – The Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Sen. Greg Treat, said Thursday that his legislation to modify how Pre-K classes are funded will not be heard this session.  Senate Bill 1324 would have removed early childhood education from the State Aid formula and allowed local school districts to make decisions on Pre-K education freeing up much-needed funds for K-12 public education. 

In January, the State Board of Education had to make a mandatory three percent or $46.7 million cut to its budget because of the General Revenue failure for FY’16. 

“We’re facing a nearly $1 billion revenue shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year, which may require cuts to common education,” said Treat, R-Oklahoma City.  “I introduced Senate Bill 1324 to explore the option of giving local school districts more flexibility over funding streams for Pre-K. State resources are limited and this bill would allow local officials to shift funds from Pre-K to serve students in K-12.  These would not be new taxes but rather existing local funding streams that are currently restricted by state statute.”

Last month, the State Board of Education had to make a mandatory three percent or $46.7 million cut to its budget because of the General Revenue failure for the current fiscal year. 

Treat said he is disappointed that Senate Education Chairman John Ford has said he will not give the bill a hearing this year but is pleased that Sen. Ford has agreed to chair an interim study (pending approval by the President Pro Tempore) later this year to continue the discussion about Pre-K.  

“It’s disappointing we won’t have a chance this session to discuss my idea to free up much-needed funds for K-12 education but I’m pleased that Senator Ford has agreed to chair an interim study later this year to continue to look at both the effectiveness of Pre-K and whether there is a better way to fund it,” said Treat.  “I appreciate the chairman’s honest disagreement with my position and look forward to studying the issue with him moving forward.”

Treat noted that several recent studies have called into question the long-term effectiveness of Pre-K.

“Oklahomans expect us to constantly examine the effectiveness of all government programs so successful programs can be expanded and unsuccessful programs can be fixed or eliminated,” said Treat.

“This is a program that was instituted because of its reported long-term benefits in students’ academic careers as well as their success in the workforce and other areas.  If those benefits are now being proven false, then we may need to reevaluate how we approach early childhood education.”

If SB 1324 is not heard by the Senate Education Committee, it will be considered dead and cannot be brought back up this session.  Treat asks that educators and parents contact him to share their thoughts on this issue.

“The feedback I have received since I filed this legislation is welcomed and I look forward to working with educators and parents to find evidence-based ways to improve our education system,” said Treat.  “We can’t be afraid of having a frank dialogue to seek solutions that are most beneficial to the education of our children.” 

For more information, contact:
Sen. Treat: (405) 521-5632
Treat@oksenate.gov