Rep Reynolds Right, Again

State Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City, wants to remove the governor's authority to fill vacant statewide offices. Reynolds said that in light of allegations that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich tried to sell an appointment to the now-vacant U.S. Senate seat in that state, he will file legislation that would allow Oklahoma voters, not the governor, to choose the person who fills any vacated statewide office. If any major office is vacated before the end of the officeholders current term that position would remain unfilled until the next general election under the proposal. Currently, the governor is allowed to appoint a successor. The Illinois scandal makes clear that the appointment power can easily be abused and weve had more than our share of corruption in Oklahoma already, said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. My proposal will simply remove that temptation and ensure the people of Oklahoma get to choose the people they want in office. Reynolds noted that Governor Henry actually endorsed a similar course of action when former State Auditor Jeff McMahan was under federal investigation. During that controversy, Henry urged McMahan to step aside during the investigation. McMahan later resigned from office after being convicted. Reynolds also noted that vacancies in the state Legislature are filled through the election process and not by gubernatorial appointment. In recent years, two major statewide officeholders have resigned due to legal troubles: McMahan and former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher. Other vacancies have occurred in the offices of State Treasurer and Corporation Commissioner.-posted McCarville

Senator Jim Reynolds Speaks to the Republican Lucheon Club

Senator Jim Reynolds spoke to the Republican Luncheon Club on Tuesday. Giving a review of this year's legislative session. I applaud Senator Reynolds efforts to reduce the 5% yearly cap increase on property taxes. Senator Reynolds authored a bill that would reduce the cap 40% to a maximum increase per year to 3% or the rate of inflation. There may have been good intentions when the 5% yearly cap was passed nearly twenty years ago. However, many county governments have interrupted this law as an annual 5% increase even when the property has had no improvements or the property has sold.

When talking to voters around Cleveland County, the increases in property taxes is the number one issue. Trumping illegal immigration and education. There is a definite concern for the continued obituary raising of property taxes. If you ask the assessors about this, they are quick to recite the law and to tell you that the schools could not be funded without the increase.

Senator Reynolds said that the strong opposition from education help defeat his bill even among Republican leadership. I am disappointed that these Republicans would yield to the bullying of the OEA over many thousand constituents that are struggling to pay the rising cost of fuel, housing, food, health care and property taxes.

Representative Randy Terrill stated in his latest campaign material that he helped pass the "TWO LARGEST EDUCATION BUDGETS in state history" and added $5 million in funding for a new early childhood education program. Is 56% of the states budget not enough for education? Senator Reynolds should not have to fight for support from his own party. The Republicans in the legislature need to start standing up to the Oklahoma Education establishment. Requiring accountability and efficiencies in our state schools. One place would be supporting Senator Reynolds.

Thank you Senator Reynolds for taking on this issue.