EDMOND — When I asked to serve as your State Representative, I stated that I wanted to incorporate a platform of representing Logan and Oklahoma county residents as opposed to capitol lobbyists and the groups that hire them. I have sought to implement this goal by setting in place a policy of refusing personal gifts and political contributions from lobbyists and the groups that hire them while aggressively building an open line of communication with the citizens I serve.
In order to accomplish this goal, I resolved to write an original update every week during my time in office. This article represents the 150th consecutive weekly update which I have written since I started serving as state representative. I originally developed the idea of writing the column based on my observation of state Rep.Frank Davis’ policy of updating citizens about what was occurring in the Legislature with his weekly column entitled “Frankly Speaking.”
I feel that by writing about issues on a regular basis, elected officials demonstrate that they are not afraid to take a stand and let citizens know how they will be voting on those issues. One of the tricks used by career politicians to stay in office for many years is to tell one group of people one thing while telling another group another thing entirely. Putting your position down on paper each and every week pretty much takes that deceptive method of telling the audience what they want to hear off the table.
The weekly process of writing a column and participating in the ensuing dialog allows me to feel that I am truly representing my constituency. The instant communication functionality provided by the Internet has made it possible for an immediate two-way communication process to take place following the publication of each update. Each week I spend a significant amount of time communicating with constituents who respond to the latest update. This communication has enabled me to understand how issues are having an effect on the lives of local constituents and I believe it has greatly enhanced my ability to represent them.
This process has also been very beneficial for me because I have enjoyed making so many new acquaintances which I would not otherwise have had to opportunity the make.
I am very grateful to the hundreds of people who have taken the time to communicate with me over the past 150 weeks, and I especially appreciate Lisa Shearer and The Edmond Sun for printing the updates on a regular basis. I look forward to continuing this dialog during the upcoming legislative session.
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
Update number 150
- Opinion
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Edmond is swimming in opportunity
