EDMOND — Once in a while, I run across a law that makes my head hurt. A perfect example of one of these laws is Senate Bill 1347, which was signed into law in 2004. To see the effect of this law, I would suggest a drive down Memorial Road at the site of the new Broadway overpass. You will notice a series of elaborately designed artwork to aesthetically improve the new overpass.
Because I represent a growth area where local officials are desperate to fund the construction of roads, I cannot help but think that had the Transportation Department just been allowed to build a normal underpass without all of the associated artwork, the thousands of dollars wasted could be used to pave miles of desperately needy roads. Does anyone seriously think that the state of Oklahoma roads and bridges is so good that we can waste thousands of dollars with artwork on the new bridges?
Senate Bill 1347 requires that 1.5 percent of a construction budget for new buildings or renovations be spent for artwork. A significant number of the state’s new construction projects are funded through millions of dollars of debt. This means that generations of Oklahomans could be trying to pay off the bill that comes with these art projects.
Earlier this year, the director of the State Department of Agriculture testified before an Appropriation Sub-committee upon which I serve. He can point to the fact that a 5 percent reduction in his agency budget is actually a more significant discretionary spending reduction in percentage terms because he cannot lower the bond payments for his building. He stated that the bond/rent payments for his building were going to be very challenging for his department to deal with.
The department’s building recently was constructed according to the requirements set forth in Senate Bill 1347. These requirements necessitated the construction of an outdoor plaza with monoliths carved in granite and an accompanying sculpture. The design reflects the work of the department, from livestock to crops to a larger-than-life plow.
In this day, when government taxation is so high and debt at all levels of government is skyrocketing, in my view it is insane to engage in this type of waste. This unfortunate legislative mandate is forcing state agencies to participate in a wasteful spending spree that will haunt Oklahoma policy makers for years to come. The Legislature should right this wrong and repeal the mandate as soon as possible.
REP. JASON MURPHEY, R-Guthrie, represents House District 31, which encompasses all of Logan County and a portion of northern Edmond. He may be reached via e-mail at jason.murphey@okhouse.gov.
Opinion
One of the worst examples of wasteful spending
- Opinion
-
-
Edmond is swimming in opportunity
Last week, Edmond took a giant step forward. Our second swimming facility is moving toward reality. Preliminary plans include an indoor family swimming area (a smaller version of our Pelican Bay); a workout/swim lesson area; and a competitive 50-meter swimming pool and seating for up to 800 spectators.
-
Dance shaman reveals secrets
Recently, an eager young American — who will go unnamed — secured an audience with a modern-day shaman — whose identity is a well-guarded secret. The young man was desperate to know what he could do on the dance floor to make himself irresistible to women.
-
Public slow to recover from the ‘Bailout Hangover’
“Another day older and deeper in debt” — Merle Travis
“Flounder: You (messed) up — you trusted us.” — Otter in the movie “Animal House.”
Let’s face it, we messed up.
In the decade before 2008, the financial world was like a presidential inauguration ball. -
Was war worth it for Iraq, U.S.?
The popular new show on the USA Network “Covert Affairs” features a character, Augie Anderson, a blind CIA operative played by Christopher Gorham. It was revealed in the first episode of that series that he was blinded while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq when a bomb exploded near a car that he had been driving.
-
Local projects in ODOT’s plans
Last month the Oklahoma Department of Transportation took action to approve the latest version of its eight-year plan for improving state highways and bridges.
-
No democracy for U.S.
Every time we recite the Pledge of Allegiance, we affirm the fact that America is a republic, not a democracy. However, many Americans incorrectly believe the United States is a democracy. We will try to set the record straight on this issue.
-
A stimulus plan even Republicans shouldn’t refuse
While the economy might be the No. 1 issue to voters, our political leaders have so far been unable to agree on many proposals to revive our economy. Democratic efforts for a larger economic stimulus package have been thwarted repeatedly by steadfast Republican opposition. However, it appears that Democrats might be on the verge of offering solutions that even Republicans could like.
-
A media-twisted idea of normalcy
Last week’s most telling news story had nothing to do with the mosque. Or the election struggles of Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Or the president’s vacation at the Vineyard.
No, the one story that reveals more than any other about what is going on in America concerns the Miss Universe contest. -
Education reform must be a priority
This fall brings another school year. However, the next years are critical for Oklahoma‘s economy and much rides on improving public education. Budget cuts made this year will have a lasting effect. The issue is what actions can be taken to improve our educational system. It doesn’t just rest on reforms in education alone. We need a complete re-thinking of government and realignment of priorities.
-
It’s time for Congress to pay up
Thank God there are still a few common-sense public servants in the U.S. government. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is one of them.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Edmond is swimming in opportunity
