Phil Nollan sworn into City Council

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Phil Nollan was sworn into office at the Sand Springs City Council meeting Monday evening. Nollan has been a member of the Parks Advisory Board for five years and defeated incumbent councilman Michael Phillips in the Super Tuesday March 2nd election.

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional and Oklahoma State University graduate. He holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from OSU and an executive master of business administration certificate from the University of Tulsa. 

Nollan's wife, Jadine Nollan, is currently serving District 66 in the House of Representatives. 

In other news, the Council unanimously approved Resolution No. 16-39, a resolution to request Programming of Tulsa Urbanized Area Transportation Funds for the South Highway 97 Connector Trail/Side Path Project. Infrastructure Planning Administrator Vernon Smith presented the proposal, which Vice-Mayor John Fothergill recognized as "the last link in the chain" to connect the current Sand Springs trail system to the new Highway 97 pedestrian crossing.

Outgoing Superintendent Lloyd Snow, who is currently challenging incumbent State Senator Dan Newberry, was recognized with a proclamation by Mayor Mike Burdge for his many accomplishments and lifetime dedication to the people of Oklahoma, especially in the field of education.

The John M. Hess Outstanding Citizenship Award was presented to Mary Sue Overbey by Mayor Burdge, who recognized her as one of the most distinguished and deserving recipients in the history of the award. 

Mayor Burdge was nominated to continue serving as Mayor for a concurrent one-year term and elected by a 5-1 vote with Councilman Brian Jackson ​being the lone naysayer. 

Councilman Jackson nominated Councilman Beau Wilson for the position of Vice-Mayor, who respectfully declined the nomination. Mayor Burdge nominated current Vice-Mayor Fothergill, who was elected 5-1, with the lone nay coming from Councilman Jackson. ​

Councilman Jackson is also currently ​running against Superintendent Snow for Senator Newberry's position. 

Gov. signs ‘Kristin’s Law’; measure will better protect domestic violence victims

SUBMITTED

Legislation that changes the legal definition of “pattern of physical abuse” has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1491, also known as Kristin’s Law, authored by Senator Bryce Marlatt and Representative Scott Biggs, was approved by Governor Mary Fallin on Wednesday.  Marlatt said the change will enable tougher penalties to be handed down sooner—a change that could help save lives.

“Studies of cases right here in Oklahoma show that in the vast majority of domestic violence cases that ended in homicide there was prior evidence of domestic abuse,” said Marlatt, R-Woodward. “Domestic violence tends to escalate. The more incidents that happen, the more dangerous the situation becomes. By applying stronger penalties sooner, hopefully we can stop some of these offenders before it’s too late. I appreciate the tremendous bipartisan support in both chambers and am grateful to Governor Fallin for signing this bill into law.”

Under current law, there must be three or more separate incidences of domestic abuse within the previous twelve months. Kristin’s Law would reduce that by requiring two separate incidents of domestic abuse to establish that pattern, and it would no longer be required that the two incidents must have happened in the previous year. If that pattern is established, conviction carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of reducing domestic violence,” said Biggs, R-Chickasha, a former prosecutor. “Spouses often have little recourse when the person who is supposed to be in their corner is instead their victimizer. I think this legislation will help us to intervene more quickly and increase the protection of domestic violence victims. I thank Governor Fallin for her support of this legislation.”

Kristin’s Law will become effective November 1, 2016.

Senate approves ‘Stolen Valor’ legislation

SUBMITTED

The full Senate approved a measure by Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Representative James Leewright that is aimed at ending the practice of “stolen valor.”  The bill was approved 44 to 2.

House Bill 2450, by Bingman and Leewright, increases the fine for an act of “stolen valor,” which involves impersonating a member of the Armed Forces by wearing any decoration or medals awarded to members of the Armed Forces. The fine would be increased from $100 to $1,000 under HB 2450.

“‘Stolen valor’ is a serious offense and is demeaning to those who have served and those who are serving in the military. Increasing the fine for impersonating a veteran should discourage anyone from engaging in this despicable practice. This measure helps protect the integrity and honor that comes with serving in our nation’s Armed Forces. We value that service, our veterans and their families and this measure is one way we can express our gratitude to them,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

The Senate leader noted it was just a week ago that lawmakers met in a special joint session to honor the 45th Infantry and the Oklahoma National Guard.

“Medals were awarded to men and women who exemplify the courage, dedication, patriotism and professionalism that is a hallmark of those who wear a uniform,” Bingman said.  “Those who fraudulently display those medals and decorations will face even stronger penalties once this legislation becomes law.”

Leewright thanked the Senate for their support of the measure.

“It’s incredibly important that we protect the legacy of our veterans from misuse.  I appreciate the bipartisan support this bill has received and look forward to it being signed into law,” said Leewright, R-Bristow.

The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.

Governor signs bill to boost tourism throughout the state

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was signed into law this week to promote growth in Oklahoma’s third largest industry, tourism. Senate Bill 1206, by Senator Eddie Fields and Representative Gary Banz, authorizes the creation of an additional class of improvement districts within municipalities for tourism purposes including providing marketing services for public or private events, if those events can be reasonably expected to increase occupancy at a hotel or motel within the district. 

Fields explained that Improvement Districts have been a key tool for Oklahoma’s cities and neighborhoods to invest in critical improvements. Instead of a broad tax impacting everyone in a city, Improvement Districts allow those who benefit the most to assess themselves to pay for improvements.

“More and more cities across the country are turning to Improvement Districts as a tool to boost their tourism efforts and attract visitors and events to their community,” said Fields, R-Wynona. “Without this type of tool, cities and towns in Oklahoma will increasingly lose out on large events, conferences and tourists, which means lost sales tax for both the state and local communities as well as lost jobs in the tourism, restaurant, hotel and entertainment industries.”

There are currently more than 123 cities in Texas, Montana, Kansas, Louisiana, South Dakota, California, Washington, Oregon, Iowa and Pennsylvania that have used Improvement Districts to invest in their tourism industry and strengthen their local economies, raising over $230 million for destination marketing each year.

The bill had the support of numerous tourism, hotel and marketing associations including the Metro Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association as well as community welcome centers from around the state, chambers of commerce and other business entities.

The new law will go into effect November 1, 2016.

Tulsa County holds special election and Vision Tulsa vote on Tuesday

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Tulsa County residents are headed to the polls Tuesday morning.

On the ballot is a special election for the unexpired term of former Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Glanz who was indicted in September on charges of refusal to perform official duty in regards to an officer-involved shooting. Glanz is accused of failing to release an internal investigative report to media, as well as another willful violation of law regarding taking a monthly stipend for travel within the county, despite using a county vehicle and county-supplied fuel.

Running for the unexpired term are Democrat Rex Berry, a 26-year veteran of the City of Tulsa Police Department, and Republican Vic Regalado, a 10-year veteran of the Tulsa SWAT team and lead homicide detective in 81 homicides. Berry was the lone Democrat to file for the candidacy, while Regalado won a landslide primary election last month, winning 40% of the vote in a crowded nine-candidate election. Whoever wins this election will only get seven months in office before the full-term election in November. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

Also on the ballot is a County Question regarding Vision Tulsa, a 0.5% tax package. The tax would not be an increase on current rates, but rather, an extension of the Vision 2025 initiative that passed in 2003. Vision 2025 led to more than $650 million in economic development that has been used in projects in all 10 cities of Tulsa County. The flagship of the initiative is the BOK Center which has arguably been the crucial centerpiece in an ongoing Tulsa culture development that supporters are calling a "Tulsa Renaissance."

Specific to Sand Springs is the Keystone Corridor development plan that allowed the City of Sand Springs to purchase the old Early Childhood Education Center in 2007. The school district used these new funds to build a new state-of-the-art facility at 81st West Avenue and Park Road. The previous building was a century old and was formerly the segregation-era Booker T Washington high school for black Sandites. The old building was demolished as part of the clearing of the 30-acre "River West Development" site, which now includes an IHOP, Starbucks, and Holiday Inn Express.

The new initiative has many ambitious goals, including hiring more police officers and firefighters, street maintenance, a Gilcrease Museum renovation, improvements to the Tulsa Zoo, housing incentives for teachers at Tulsa Public Schools, Union, and Jenks, Route 66 beautification, and renovations for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

Senate President Pro Tempore Bingman and Appropriations Chair Jolley comment on passage of Education and Corrections supplementals

SUBMITTED

Senate president Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement after the full Senate approved supplemental appropriations for Education and Corrections on Tuesday. 

“Education and public safety are top priorities in the state Senate, which is why we’ve worked hard to shield them from the severe budget cuts other agencies have experienced during these tough times. Unfortunately, state revenues continue to suffer because of the dramatic downturn in oil and gas prices which is why more cuts are necessary to maintain a balanced budget this fiscal year. Using Rainy Day Funds will lessen the impact of these budget cuts on students, while also preventing cuts at state prisons. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for acting quickly on these measures to help these agencies. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

“We understand the tough job facing teachers and appreciate their hard work. We’ve worked to limit education funding cuts to 1.85 percent in recent years at a time when other agencies have seen budget cuts of as much as 20 to 30 percent. Protecting education funding from such severe budget reductions shows our appreciation for the role teachers play in preparing the next generation of Oklahoma leaders for success. The Senate will continue to pursue reforms to free educators from government red-tape and get more dollars into the classroom so teachers are able to focus more on the most important part of their job: our children.”—Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa

Statement from Senate Appropriations Chair Clark Jolley on approval by the Senate of supplemental appropriations for Education and Corrections:

“Education and public safety are core government services—and it’s crucial for us to provide these funds to help both get through this budget year.

“The reality is the current economic climate is going to impact our state for some time to come, not just in FY 2017, but in FY 2018 as well. These supplemental appropriations will provide relief this year, while ensuring Oklahoma will still have resources available in the Rainy Day Fund for the challenges ahead.”—Senate Appropriations Chair, Clark Jolley, R-Edmond.

Full Senate approves ‘Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act’; bill aimed at helping mentally ill needing assisted outpatient treatment

SUBMITTED

Legislation to help families get assisted outpatient treatment for adult relatives with mental illness before a situation reaches a crisis has been approved by the full Senate.  House Bill 1697, by Sen. AJ Griffin and Rep. Lee Denney, was approved unanimously by the full Senate on Tuesday. The legislation is named the Labor Commissioner Mark Costello Act. Costello’s adult son, Christian, who struggled with mental illness for years, is charged in his father’s 2015 death.

Griffin said only a few decades ago, many with mental illness in this country were institutionalized, often against their will.  With the move toward deinstitutionalization and community based treatment, laws were passed to ensure patients with mental illness could only be forced into treatment if they were an eminent threat to themselves or others.

View fullsize

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

 “Unfortunately, by the time that happens, it may be too late to avoid a crisis. It’s especially difficult for families who’ve tried to help children with mental illness, but learn once their child turns 18, their hands are often tied when they attempt to get their son or daughter the treatment they need to be able to function safely at home and in the community,” said Griffin, R-Guthrie. “The Mark Costello Act would give families a path through the courts to get their loved one into assisted outpatient treatment before a tragedy occurs.”

HB 1697 outlines circumstances which would allow judges to order individuals to participate in an assisted outpatient treatment program if petitioned by immediate family members or guardians or those directly involved with the individual’s treatment. The individual must be 18 years or older, under the care of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and unlikely to survive safely in the community without supervision.

Denney said before Costello’s death, he had been an advocate for mental health treatment resources in Oklahoma.

“Mental Illness can be especially hard to address, because the illness itself can cause a person to resist the help of loved ones,” said Denney, R-Cushing. “Mark Costello was very vocal about the need to do more in Oklahoma. His wife, Cathy, is continuing that advocacy and I am proud to collaborate with her and Senator Griffin on this legislation. We hope that it will give judges a tool that can be used to help those afflicted by mental illness.”

Cathy Costello spoke in favor of HB 1697 when it was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee last month. She watched from the Senate gallery as the measure was approved.

“I’m grateful to Senator Griffin and Representative Denney for their hard work on this legislation. It’s heartbreaking for families who struggle to get help for their adult children or other relatives only to hit a wall because current law doesn’t allow for intervention until they’re a danger to themselves or others—and by then it may be too late,” Costello said. “I believe this bill can help Oklahoma families before they face a tragedy like our family experienced.”

The measure now returns to the House for consideration of Senate amendments.

Resolution approved to allow voters to decide on appointment of Labor Commissioner

SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate approved a joint resolution Tuesday to put on the November ballot a state question to make the Commissioner of Labor a gubernatorial appointed position. Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, is the author of Senate Joint Resolutions 65.

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

“As the executive leader of the state, the governor should have the power to hire and fire agency heads and should be held accountable for their work,” said Treat. “This is a measure that two years ago, the late Commissioner Costello came and testified before our committee saying that he was in full support. He felt it was better governance. I thank my Senate colleagues for their support of the legislation.”

SJR 65 would submit a question to voters to allow the governor to appoint the Commissioner of Labor with the consent of the Senate for a term of four years to run concurrently with the governor’s term of office. 

Oklahoma is one of only a few states that elect a labor commissioner.

If approved by the House, the state question will be submitted to the Secretary of State to be placed on the November 2016 ballot.  

---

EDITOR'S NOTES:

Oklahoma is one of only four states to elect a labor commissioner. In the 46 other states, the position is appointed by the governor. Texas has a three-member board that serves this function instead of a single executive position. Oklahoma's commissioner, Mark Costello was re-elected to a second term in 2014 and was murdered on August 23, 2015 in Oklahoma City. Under Article 6, Section 13 of the state Constitution, in the event of a vacancy in the office, the governor appoints a person to serve until a successor is either elected or appointed and qualified by law. 

SJR65 passed by a vote of 33-13. Dan Newberry, the Senator representing the district including Sand Springs voted in favor.

Mulready, Quinn Have Legislation to Strengthen Life Insurance Policies

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

SUBMITTED

Senate Bill 298, known as the Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefit Act, stipulates that, on all new life insurance policies, insurance companies in Oklahoma must check a database (the “Death Master File”) two times each year to see if policyholders have passed away. If the database indicates a potential match with an insured, the companies would work to locate the insured’s family, confirm the death and pay life insurance benefits to surviving beneficiaries. 

The bill has passed out of the Senate and now awaits a hearing in the House Appropriations and Budget Committee. 

Current law and life insurance industry practice require a claim to be filed before any policy is eligible for benefits to be paid, similar to health insurance or auto insurance. In the vast majority of cases, life insurance claims are filed when the insured passes away and benefits are paid to surviving beneficiaries. Issues can arise, however, when an insured passes away without notifying his or her loved ones of the existence of a life insurance policy. 

Mulready said that after talking to both insurance companies and policyholders, he concluded that the current system needs improvement.

“Life insurance is different from, say, auto insurance,” said Mulready, R-Tulsa. “You may never file a claim on your auto coverage, but you know there will eventually be a claim on a life insurance policy if you keep the policy in force. Senator Quinn and I are working to make sure that moving forward this fundamental difference is reflected in the law and in all life insurance policies in Oklahoma.”

Quinn said the legislation creates a better system to unite policy benefits with beneficiaries as the insureds intended and is fair to both policyholders and insurance companies.

“Legally, the Legislature can’t rewrite contracts that have already been entered into, nor should we,” said Quinn, R-Claremore. “But we can create a system that better serves Oklahomans moving forward. The industry will now have additional safeguards in place to ensure that benefits are being paid out to surviving loved ones.”

Both Mulready and Quinn also encouraged those who have lost loved ones to make use of the Life Policy Locator Service launched in March 2015 by Insurance Commissioner John Doak. The service, run by the Insurance Department, helps Oklahomans locate potential life insurance benefits available to them. In less than one year of operation, the Insurance Department has found and connected 29 different beneficiaries with more than $534,483 of life insurance benefits. For more on the service, visit:

https://www.ok.gov/oid/Consumers/Consumer_Assistance/lifepolicylocatorservice.html

Full Senate approves proposed state question on repealing Oklahoma’s Blaine Amendment

SUBMITTED

The full Senate has approved legislation allowing Oklahoma voters to decide whether to repeal Article II, Section 5 of the Oklahoma Constitution, known as the “Blaine Amendment,” forbidding the use of public monies or property for sectarian or religious purposes. It was cited by the majority of the Oklahoma Supreme Courting in a 2015 ruling that forced the removal of a Ten Commandments Monument from the grounds of the Capitol. 

Morgan’s Relax Packs are handcrafted heat packs designed for maximum muscle relief at affordable pricing.

 Sen. Rob Standridge, R-Norman, is the author of Senate Joint Resolution 72.

“The Blaine amendment represented an effort to suppress Catholic education while allowing state funding of protestant-oriented schools. Many Oklahomans felt the amendment never should have applied to the Ten Commandments Monument case, and have expressed dismay such a discriminatory provision was still in our constitution,” Standridge said. “This measure will give the final say to the citizens of our state.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman praised Monday’s 39 to 5 vote in favor of SJR 72.

“The court’s recent interpretation of the Blaine Amendment could have much broader implications, including threatening millions of dollars in state aid to hospitals, child care centers and schools catering to children with special needs. It’s time for the Blaine Amendment to be repealed from the Oklahoma Constitution. I appreciate Senator Standridge’s efforts to secure passage of SJR72 to allow Oklahomans to weigh in on this important issue.” 

SJR 72 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Senate passes Holt legislation to avoid future budget shortfalls

SUBMITTED

The Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution 44, authored by Sen. David Holt, by a vote of 46-1. The legislation, approved Monday, would give the people of Oklahoma the opportunity to measure the current 15 percent cap on the state’s Rainy Day Fund against the total state budget of approximately $24 billion. Currently, the Rainy Day Fund’s 15 percent cap is measured against the artificially smaller number of “general revenue fund certification” that was just $5.6 billion for the most recent budget, less than a quarter of the dollar amount actually spent by the state. The recent drop in energy prices has created a budget shortfall of $1.3 billion that far exceeds the maximum amount of approximately $850 million that the Rainy Day Fund could have held under the current cap.

“We’ve lived in an energy-based economy long enough to know these price drops are going to happen and we need to have a savings account that is adequate to the task,” said Holt, R-Oklahoma City. “Out of this current budget crisis, I can think of no greater gift we can give future generations than to put a savings plan in place that will give us the security we need to avoid future shortfalls like this. The lessons we’re learning in this crisis need to be applied today, while they are fresh. Putting an appropriate cap in place is the first step. The current cap is measured against a dollar amount that has no particular relevance, it provides a false sense of security, and it has utterly failed us.”

SJR 44 now proceeds to the House for consideration. Because the cap on the Rainy Day Fund is part of the Constitution, amending it requires a vote of the people. If SJR 44 passes the House, it would be placed on the November, 2016 ballot for consideration by the voters.

Editorial: To the Oklahoma State Legislature

Senator Dan Newberry,

I hope this contact finds you in good spirits. I am writing as a citizen of your district, a resident of the 74063, to request your vote AGAINST SB609's creation of a scholarship savings program that would in any way shape or form direct monies towards private schools that could and should otherwise be used for the improvement of our public education programs. 

Private schools should remain in the private sector. Parents already have the option to remove their child from public schooling, they should not however be allowed to remove funding from our public schools and redirect it to an entity that does not exist for the public. I do not get a refund for roads I don't drive on for the use of improving my private driveway. Neither should private schools be funded by public money that should be used for the good of the whole community. 

As a passionate supporter of our public education system, I will be unable to vote for any senator or representative who would seek to remove even a penny from our already dismal public education funding. With Oklahoma already near the bottom of the nation in per-pupil funding, it is absurd to consider removing money from a starving school system. 

I hope you will do what is right by our young people and continue to invest in their education. Oklahoma should be making every effort to improve our public schools, not throwing in the towel and giving up on them. 

I hope to see your name not just in opposition of this bill, but in favor of bills that will increase our public education funding, especially in terms of teacher pay. It's time to end the exodus of teachers to Texas and other neighboring states. It's time we establish competitive pay for our educators so that we may attract the best and brightest. It's time to acknowledge that our single greatest asset is our children and that our responsibility is to build for them a better future and give them the tools necessary to build one for themselves. ESA is not the answer and it does not represent the values of Oklahomans. 

Thank you for your service to our community and thank your for your time in reading this email. I trust we can count on you to make the right decisions for our children. Our community looks to you for leadership, please don't let us down. 

Respectfully,

Scott Emigh
Editor-in-Chief
www.SanditePride.com

Senate gives passing grade to legislation for unruly students

SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation was approved late Wednesday to give local school boards an alternative to suspension and expulsion to keep unruly students in the classroom. Sen. Ron Sharp is the author of Senate Bill 911 to allow school boards to create a policy where teachers can assign community service for those students who misbehave rather than suspending or expelling them.

“Having been a teacher for 38 years, I know that suspension and expulsion only hurts a student further academically. It does nothing to address the child’s discipline problems and it typically puts the student further behind in their studies because they don’t do their work when they’re at home,” said Sharp, R-Shawnee. “We need to find an alternative that keeps students who misbehave in the classroom but still holds them accountable for their actions.  Community service is a great solution.”

Sharp worked with the Professional Oklahoma Educators (POE); the American Federation of Teachers (AFT); and the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) in drafting the legislation.
SB 911 would allow local boards of education to have the option of adopting a system that requires students to perform community service for violating the district’s behavioral policy.  
The measure passed 32-13 with those opposed raising concerns about students doing community service as a punishment. Sharp noted that good students who do not misbehave are required to do community service for many things.

“I was puzzled by some of the debate against this bill. Good, responsible students are required to do community service for the Boy/Girls Scouts and other community organizations as well as to apply for scholarships and other awards. Many do community service simply because they want to help others and be involved in their communities,” said Sharp. “I was disappointed in the debate suggesting that making unruly students do community service was somehow ‘child labor’ or a sign of ‘criminal behavior’.  Educators simply want an alternative to keep these students in the classroom while teaching them respect and to take responsibility for their actions. They’re obviously not learning how to follow the rules at home and when they’re adults if they don’t follow the rules, they’ll be facing more serious consequences than community service.”

The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. 

Senate approves tax refund donation for indigent veteran burials

SUBMITTED

OKLAHOMA CITY – There are currently estimated to be over 300 homeless veterans in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association says that statewide they bury approximately 25 indigent veterans each year and absorb the costs of the funerals. On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously approved Senate 1134, by Sen. Frank Simpson, which would provide a funding mechanism for the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs’ (ODVA) Indigent Veteran Burial Program. 

“Our veterans served our nation honorably, sacrificing of themselves to help others. The least we can do as a society is to ensure that they are honorably laid to rest with dignity,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “This bill will allow citizens and businesses to donate a portion or all of their income refund to this burial program to help our indigent veterans.”

Under SB 1134, each state individual income tax return form and each state corporate tax return form for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2016, would contain a provision to allow a donation from a tax refund for the benefit of ODVA’s Indigent Veteran Burial Program. A revolving fund would be created in the State Treasury for the program. 

The measure would also allow donations to be received from private individuals, veteran’s organizations, charitable groups and any other entities wishing to make donations directly to the fund.

The ODVA would be able to use the funds to reimburse cemeteries or funeral homes for costs associated with burying indigent veterans. 

SB 1134 is a companion bill to SB 398, which was introduced last session and is awaiting further consideration in the General Conference Committee on Appropriations. SB 398 seeks to create the Indigent Veteran Burial Program.

SB 1134 will next be heard in the House. 

Senate approves measure for statewide vote on modernizing Oklahoma beer and wine sales

SUBMITTED

The full Senate has given approval to a measure allowing Oklahomans to decide whether to modernize state laws on beer and wine sales.  Senate Joint Resolution 68, by Sen. Clark Jolley and co-authored by Sen. Stephanie Bice, would let voters make the constitutional changes necessary to allow the sale of wine and strong beer in grocery stores. 

“This is the culmination of months of meetings with all the stakeholders.We’ve had a lot of hard conversations with everyone involved,” said Jolley, R-Edmond. “The very nature of most complex issues is that no one person or entity will get everything exactly the way they want it.  But Oklahomans from across the state are frustrated with outdated laws on beer and wine sales. Our goal is to make sure it is a comprehensive approach, addressing the changes needed in both the constitution and in the statutes.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman is also a co-author of SJR 68.

“This bill gives Oklahomans what they have sought for years: the opportunity to modernize our state’s alcohol laws and bring us in line with practically all other states. If approved by the voters, this measure introduces more options and choice for consumers and will spur growth and economic development in the industry. I appreciate Senators Jolley and Bice for their determined work in guiding this measure through the process.”

While SJR 68 would allow voters to make the constitutional changes necessary, Sen. Stephanie Bice is principal author of Senate Bill 383, co-authored by Jolley, which would make the statutory changes needed to modernize Oklahoma laws on beer and wine sales.

“Compromise does not come easily, but Oklahoma citizens have spoken loud and clear. They’re tired of living under laws they see as a throw-back to prohibition, something that ended in our state nearly 57 years ago—they want the same consumer choices people in most other states already enjoy,” said Bice, R- Oklahoma City. “Combined, SJR 68 and SB 383 will help us thoroughly address all the changes necessary to make sure that happens.”

SJR 68 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. 

Phil Nollan wins Ward 1 City Council seat by landslide, Cruz and Sanders win OK primary

View fullsize

By: Scott Emigh, Editor-in-Chief

Super Tuesday voting drew record participation across Oklahoma. In addition to the Presidential primaries, some Sand Springs residents had as many as three issues to vote on. 

Residents of Ward 1 voted between third-term incumbent Michael Phillips and challenger Phil Nollan for City Council. The citizens overwhelmingly voiced their support for a changing of the guard as Nollan won by a landslide 65% to 35%. 

Nollan is a nationally certified Project Management professional who has been serving on the Parks Advisory Board for five years and is currently the Vice Chair. He is an Oklahoma State graduate has a bachelor's degree in computer science from Oklahoma State University and an executive master of business administration certification from the University of Tulsa. Nollan's wife, Jadine, represents Sand Springs as the District 66 Representative in the Oklahoma House where she is an avid public education advocate. 

Joining Nollan on City Council is Patty Dixon who inherited the Ward 2 seat from Dean Nichols after filing unopposed. Nichols asked Dixon to run for election after deciding not to seek another term. Dixon has previously served the city as a two-term councilor from 1990-1996 and has an extensive volunteer background working with the Tulsa County Parks Department, the Parks Advisory Board, the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum Association, Sertoma Club, and more. She has also served as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Parks Society.

Sand Springs Republicans also voted in the primary for Tulsa County Sheriff. The Democrats did not have a primary as they only have one candidate in Rex Berry. Sand Springs resident and Tulsa Police Sergeant Vic Regalado won a significant victory in a crowded field of nine Republican candidates with 40% of the vote. 

Regalado's closest competitor was Luke Sherman who pulled only 16%. The nominee has extensive background in law enforcement with a decade of SWAT experience. He's been the lead investigator on 81 homicide cases and currently oversees a Special Investigations Gang Unit. 

The Medal of Valor recipient will go against Berry in a special election in April to take over the unexpired term of the current Tulsa Sheriff who resigned after being charged with misconduct in office. The winner will have only a couple of days in office before having to file once again for a full-term election in November. 

In the Presidential primaries Ted Cruz struck a note with the State's Evangelical population and edged out Donald Trump in a 34% to 28% upset victory. He did not, however, break the 50% margin needed to secure the State's full delegation. If no single candidate gets 50%, then in the State of Oklahoma, delegates are split proportionally between all candidates who won at least 20%. Marco Rubio also walked away with a significant chunk of delegates after winning 26% of the vote. 

African-Americans have largely backed Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders thus far in the election process, but Oklahoma significantly lacks in black voters compared to other Southern States and Sanders was able to edge out Hillary with 51% of the vote. The Democratic Party doesn't use the same formula as the Republicans do for delegation, and Clinton still won a significant amount of delegates despite drawing in only 42% of the vote. 

Senate approves National Guard conceal carry legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 913 Tuesday to ensure Oklahoma’s Army and Air National Guard personnel can protect themselves and others while on the job. The bill, by Sen. Frank Simpson, would allow such authorized veterans to carry loaded or unloaded concealed weapons at Oklahoma Military Department facilities.

“The threats against our brave military men and women don’t stop when they return home from active duty abroad. Our enemies desire to attack us here, and our Guard and military personnel are high-profile targets,” said Simpson, R-Springer. “We’ve seen all too often military personnel attacked at recruiting stations and even military bases and facilities. It makes sense for us to allow our Guard members, who are highly trained in the use of weaponry, to carry firearms so that they can protect themselves and others in emergency situations. I appreciate my Senate colleagues for unanimously supporting this measure.”

There have been eight attacks at military facilities across the nation since 2009. In July 2015, a terrorist killed four Marines and injured several others at a military recruiting center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Following that incident, Gov. Fallin issued an executive order in July to allow authorized military personnel to carry concealed weapons. SB 913 will make that executive order permanent in state statute. The Oklahoma National Guard Adjutant General will establish guidelines for the implementation of the legislation.

SB 913 now moves to the House for further consideration.

Patty Dixon to inherit City Council seat from Dean Nichols after running unopposed

View fullsize

Patty and Tim Dixon have been married for 31 years and  have three children and three grandchildren. The two own Dixon Auto Glass in Sand Springs.

The following is a submitted letter addressing the City of Sand Springs citizens, in particular those residing in Ward 2, from soon-to-be City Councilwoman Patty Dixon. Current Ward 2 Councilman Dean Nichols issued the following statement on his Facebook page on December 23rd, 2015. 

"To my family, friends and neighbors of Ward 2. I have decided not to run for re-election for Ward 2 Council position. It has not been an easy decision, but as I near retirement after 34 years of public service, along with the last 8 1/2 years on the council, I felt that maybe it was time to let another Sandite speak on the behalf of Ward 2.

Patty Dixon, who I encouraged to run for this office gratefully signed up. Patty, who I have known for more years then either one of us want to admit to, has the passion, love and volunteerism for the City of Sand Springs that I greatly admire and support.

I'm not done yet, but once I have completed my term in office, I plan on exploring other volunteer opportunities, like Patty Dixon, I believe in service above self.

Again, thank you for letting me serve as your councilman, it has truly been an honor. 
To all the City employees, you make me proud and thank you for your professionalism and dedication." --Dean Nichols

"When I moved into Ward 2, I was recruited for the City Council seat by the Incumbent, my good friend and classmate of CPHS 1971, Dean Nichols. Dean has served the city well but has decided to pursue other volunteer opportunities. Having been elected to and serving for two terms on the council from 1990 - 1996, I too had recruited a friend, Mike Burdge, to consider serving on the council when my work schedule did not warrant the time for my children’s activities and council meetings.

Now, retired with 26 years at Tulsa County Parks, I studied Vision and Four to Fix tax plans. The past 12 years I have served on the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) conference committee through my position as the Executive Director for the Oklahoma Recreation and Park Society and have met many of the City Councilors from other towns through that professional organization. I certainly don’t know everything I need to but my experience as a City Councilor, County employee, OML committee member and Sand Springs small business owner gives me solid ground to represent Sand Springs and learn more about our current challenges. My time on the park board, museum association, HEAL committee (under a previous city manager), Sertoma Club and First Christian Church is evidence of my desire to be involved and connected to Sand Springs. 

I want to be an educator of how city government works in collaboration with the County and State. There are many things a councilor is responsible for but I am very serious about being a watch dog for the Vision Funds, understanding the River West Development and participating in efforts for the beautification of Sand Springs. We have a charming, peaceful community and I am excited about the good things on the way. 

Many times, serving on the council is not something that comes to mind when you consider “volunteering” because of the subsequent “election”, or in my case, filing unopposed. 

Perhaps there is someone else in the Ward who has never considered city council but is a perfect fit. I hope to meet you in the next three years. 

Someday you may be recruited to put your name on the line."

--Patty Dixon

Senators Jolley and Bice respond to Oklahoma Retail Liquor Association’s filing of SQ 785

SUBMITTED

Late Tuesday, the Oklahoma Retail Liquor Association (RLAO) filed paperwork with the Oklahoma Secretary of State that would place a question on the ballot in November to allow full-strength beer in grocery stores and convenience stores, but virtually eliminate grocery stores’ ability to obtain wine licenses.  In addition, wine would not be sold in convenience stores under their proposal.

“Unfortunately, SQ 785 doesn’t fully encompass the issues most important to consumers,” said Sen. Clark Jolley.  “With no provision for wine to be sold in convenience stores and substantial limits on licensing of grocery stores, this measure is exclusionary and protectionist.  By restricting a new wine license from being issued within 2500 feet of an existing liquor store, it virtually guarantees no metropolitan grocery stores would be allowed to carry wine, which is clearly something Oklahomans are demanding.”

“As legislators, our goal in modernizing the laws dealing with Oklahoma alcohol sales is to include all invested parties in the discussion, which is why we’re addressing the issue by working through the legislative process and not through a single voice at the table,” said Sen. Stephanie Bice.  “RLAO has been included in the modernization discussions, but doesn’t approve of the direction, so they have chosen to try and limit the options of Oklahomans.  We believe the two bills currently under consideration by the Legislature this session, SJR 68 and SB383, provide the best opportunity to establish true and meaningful reform.  To exclude one component such as the availability of wine in convenience stores and place limits on grocery stores undermines the modern, comprehensive approach we are committed to uphold through this process.”

Senator Clark Jolley and Senator Stephanie Bice are Republicans from Edmond.

Ward 1 City Councilman Michael Phillips seeks fourth term

View fullsize

Photo: Public headshot from www.sandspringsok.org

The following is a submitted letter to the citizens of Sand Springs Ward 1 by incumbent City Council Candidate Michael Phillips. Phillips is running for reelection in opposition to challenger Phil Nollan. Election will be held Tuesday, March 1st.

I am graduate of Charles Page High School and attended the University of Tulsa. I am a member of the Rotary Club and MENSA, am a leader in the local district of Boy Scouts of America, and belong to Sand Springs United Methodist Church. I have lived in Sand Springs nearly my entire life and am proud to call Sand Springs my home, along with my wife Dianna and son Walter. I own Technology Consulting Services here in Sand Springs.

For the past 10 years, I have represented you on the Sand Springs City Council, where I serve on the Public Works Committee, Legislative Committee, and the HEAL Committee. I serve as a Board Director for the Oklahoma Municipal League, where I also serve on the Reserve Fund Committee and the Service Fee Committee. I am a member of the National League of Cities Small Cities Council. I believe in representing everyone in the community and balancing sustained growth with the needs of our residents. We need to constantly evaluate the city budget and ensure that we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely. I support offering new incentives for existing businesses and industries to expand and new ones to relocate. As a City, we have achieved momentum in attracting retailers to locate in Sand Springs. We are working with Gerdau Ameristeel to market their manufacturing property, and with other landowners and stakeholders to market Sand Springs to not only retail businesses, but to manufacturing interests as well. We have streamlined the permitting process for residential development, and have worked to improve the "customer service" perspective of ALL of our employees. We have made strides to improve the quality of life in Sand Springs, from parks and recreation improvements (the Case Community Center, the 2 new spray parks, and new amenities for our soccer and baseball users, with many more improvements to come) to the refurbishment of our outstanding Page Memorial Library building (which houses our Cultural and Historical Museum) to our soon-to-be-started Billie A. Hall Public Safety Facility. We have undertaken a multi-million dollar project to improve our Waste Water Treatment Plant. As well, we have made continual improvements to our Water Treatment Plant, treated water storage facilities, and to the Skiatook Raw Water Conveyance System to ensure the availability, quality, and safety of our drinking water, and have consolidated most of our various Public Works sections to the new Spring Lake Public Works Facility.

The election March 1st is only for Ward 1, which encompasses the additions of Osage Hills, Osage Hills Country Club Estates, Shadow Creek, Village Estates, Cambridge Park, North Ridge, Lakeside, Lakeside Park, Lakeside Ridge, Renaissance, Edgewood at the Gables, the Sand Springs Home Family Village, portions of Oak Park, and Highland Crossing, Sullivan's Landing, and Gable Hills apartments. A map of the ward may be found at http://sandspringsok.org/DocumentCenter/View/49.

I humbly ask for your vote this Tuesday, March 1st.

To discuss municipal issues or concerns, I can be reached by e-mail atSSWard1@SandSpringsOK.org, or by Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/MichaelLPhillips.SS, or by phone at (918) 245-6430.

Michael L. Phillips

"The Citizens of Sand Springs, also to include the City's 150+ mile fence line, need to stand behind Michael Phillips, there is absolutely no need nor cause for change. Michael is a seasoned and well versed Councilman, who gives 100% of his efforts towards maintaining a strong economic development program, public safety, and quality of life for the Citizens of Sand Springs." - E. Bruce Ford, former SS City Councilor, Mayor, and Assistant City Manager.

See Related: Phil Nollan running for City Council for Ward 1