Mazzei endorsed by multiple state legislators, OK2A

In recent days, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei has been endorsed by a number of state legislators and local elected officials, individuals who are joining President Donald Trump and Congressman Josh Brecheen in supporting Mazzei's campaign for governor. Also endorsing Mazzei is the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association, the state's leading gun-rights group.

Oklahoma Second Amendment Association Endorses Mike Mazzei

Tulsa, OK (July 22nd) — Today, the Oklahoma Second Amendment Association announced their endorsement of conservative Republican Mike Mazzei for Governor.

“The Oklahoma Second Amendment Association Board of Directors has by a majority vote ENDORSED Mike Mazzei for Governor,” said Chairman Tom Vineyard. “Mike Mazzei has returned an OKA "A" Candidate Survey and participated at our OKA Candidate Forum for governor. He had a proven conservative voting record while he was in the Oklahoma legislature. We ask voters to support Mike Mazzei for the next governor to protect and return Second Amendment rights, and secure the liberties we so value.”

Property owners can reclaim seized land after under new law

Property Owners Can Reclaim Seized Land After Nov. 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – After Nov. 1, the Oklahoma Transportation Commission will be required to notify previous property owners if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale. The property owners would then have the right to repurchase at their original selling price.

The change comes thanks to House Bill 1103, passed this year by Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola.

The measure was requested by Myron Grabowski who lives in Gann's House district.

"Mr. Grabowski witnessed the taking of another person's land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to the property owner," Gann said. "This new law at least will give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain."

Bill allowing property owners to reclaim seized land signed into law

Bill Allowing Property Owners to Reclaim Seized Land Signed into Law

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 28th) – Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, today commented on the governor's signing of House Bill 1103, which requires the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to notify a previous property owner if the land they sold to the Commission is going to be offered for sale.

"This was a constituent request bill," Gann said. "This person experienced the taking of his land by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and then found out it was later sold without any notification to him. This would just give people in similar circumstances the ability to repurchase land that was taken from them by eminent domain."

State Sen. Daniels, State Rep. Lepak file resolution in support of Israel

Sen. Daniels, Rep. Lepak file resolution in support of Israel

OKLAHOMA CITY (Dec. 14th) – Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Mark Lepak, R-Claremore, have filed a resolution to affirm support of Israel and to condemn Hamas. The resolution can be considered by the Oklahoma Legislature when it convenes in February. The resolution expresses an unwavering commitment to the welfare, security and survival of the State of Israel.  It also calls on state law enforcement agencies to be vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans from crime and discrimination and calls on the federal government to aid Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations.

“Even though we cannot adopt this resolution until February, we think it important in this season of Hanukkah to let our fellow Oklahomans of the Jewish faith and Israeli citizens in our state know that we stand with them in support of the Nation State of Israel and the Jewish people,” Daniels said.

Lepak added, "Hamas is a terrorist organization, and what they did on October 7 is undeniably evil.  Israel has the right, and should, rid itself of that threat. There is no equivocating on this point."

OCPA column: Election integrity measures are justified

Election integrity measures are justified

By Jonathan Small

Voter confidence is crucial to democratic stability. That’s why it is appropriate for Oklahoma state lawmakers to advance election-security measures even though Oklahoma has not suffered the election irregularities that have plagued other states.

No one can seriously argue the often-slapdash changes made to voting systems nationwide in 2020 did not harm public confidence in election outcomes.

An ABC/Ipsos poll, conducted December 27 to December 29, 2021, found that just 20 percent of Americans said they were “very confident” in the “integrity of the U.S. electoral system overall.”

A CNN poll conducted from Jan. 10 to Feb. 6 by SSRS found that just 17 percent of respondents said they were very confident “that elections in America today reflect the will of the people?” In contrast, 33 percent said they were “not at all confident.”

Those numbers show voters from all parties have a sense of unease about the validity of their state election systems. Policymakers should do all they can to remove such doubt.

In Oklahoma, one notable measure that has advanced is House Bill 3046, by Rep. Mark Lepak, which creates the “Prohibit the Private Funding of Elections Act.” The bill makes it illegal for election officials to solicit or accept private funding for election purposes.

Stitt forms commission to advise State following McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling

GOVERNOR STITT FORMS COMMISSION TO ADVISE STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOLLOWING U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 20, 2020) – Governor Kevin Stitt today issued Executive Order 2020-24, announcing the formation of The Oklahoma Commission on Cooperative Sovereignty to address concerns and make recommendations to the State and the U.S. Congress in light of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions in McGirt v. Oklahoma and Sharp v. Murphy.

“We know that there is a lot of unpredictability right now,” said Gov. Stitt. “We are committed to working with all Oklahomans, Tribal and non-Tribal, to create a practical and sustainable path forward. This commission is the first step.”