State Rep. Ownbey won't seek 6th term

State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-Ardmore) announced today that he will not seek a sixth and final term in the State House next year.

Rep. Ownbey posted the following on Facebook:

To the people of House District 48:

Thank you for the honor of serving as your State Representative over the last nine years.

Today I am announcing that I will not seek re-election for a final term in office. My sincere thank you to everyone who has supported me for my time in office. This job has never been about one person, instead the emphasis has always been on serving those who reside in District #48 regardless of party affiliation.

My decision almost ten years ago to run for office was made with a lot of prayer and input from others. That's also the case with today's announcement. Kathy and I made this decision in late summer and we were planning on announcing the news at a luncheon meeting in early November, however the special session prevented that from happening.

As it turns out another special session is looming, so we believe today is the time to share this news with you. Frankly waiting any longer wouldn't be fair to the people of this great district. Instead, today's announcement should allow anyone who might consider running for this seat ample time to make an informed decision prior to the scheduled April filing date.

I'm sure most of you understand when I say the time has passed so quickly. In fact, during the initial primary election night our first grandchild, Anna Kate, was only 13 days old. Today our granddaughter is nine and we are now blessed with three beautiful grandchildren that we dearly love. Anyone who knows our family knows that being close to these kids during this time in their lives is so very important to us. More than anything, that is why we believe now is the time to make this commitment.

I want to say thank you to my beautiful wife Kathy who has sacrificed so much in order for me to serve our district and our state. I absolutely couldn't have done this job without her. We have been on the same team since day one walking to thousands of homes when this process began, listening to what the people felt was most important. Her unwavering support, despite the great sacrifice, has made this job so much more enjoyable. I love you Kathy.

Finally, when my term is completed next November the diamond that remains will be the relationships we have formed with so many people in our district as well as those who work at the Capitol. Whether it was going door to door, attending a volunteer fire department event or a community wide celebration, we have met so many wonderful people who are now and will always be personal friends.

I've also had the privilege to spend countless hours working on issues with other lawmakers and staff members whose desires are to only serve their districts and state to the best of their ability. I'm so proud to serve with these men and women. They are truly amazing individuals.

Once again, I want to say thank you so very much for the honor of serving as your state representative! I will continue to work on behalf of our great district and state until my term has been completed next November.

Private sector saves State Science Fair

Dr. James O. Young of Ardmore, OK

Amid continued budget issues, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister announced earlier this week that the education department would not be allocating the $50,000 needed to hold this year's Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair.

Hofmeister explained to KFOR: “It was due to the budget cuts we had last year. There was a loss of $38 million to that fund and that line item really required deep cuts and decisions.”

However, according to a press release from State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-Ardmore), it looks like the private sector has rescued the science fair.

Ardmore Man Donates $50,000 to Save State Science Fair

OKLAHOMA CITY – When James Young from Ardmore read that the State Science Fair was being cut from the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s budget this year, he decided to do something about it.

The constituent from state Rep. Pat Ownbey’s district called his representative to find out where he could send a check to save the event, which is held annually at East Central University in Ada.

“I thought this was just not right,” said Young. “I happened to have enough money to help. I may not be able to fix everything, but I can fix one thing.”

Young said his check for $50,000 is already in the mail, earmarked for the State Science Fair.

“It is the generosity of spirit of individuals like Mr. Young that make Oklahoma such a great place to work and live,” said Ownbey, R-Ardmore. “He saw a problem and instead of complaining, he decided he personally could do something to help. I am humbled by his kindness.”

Ownbey worked with the Oklahoma State Department of Education to find out where Young’s contribution could be sent and to ensure it would be used to hold the state’s science fair.

The department said that funding for the science fair was eliminated last year as part of $38.2 million in cuts to the Public School Activities Fund.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that over the past 10 years, growth in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs was three times greater than non-STEM jobs, and that trend is expected to continue.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister praised Young for his generous contribution.

“It is now more important than ever to provide opportunities for students to establish strong foundations in STEM. In addition to equipping them to compete in the ever-changing job market, STEM skills promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are important in all aspects of life,” Hofmeister said. “We celebrate and are incredibly grateful for the support our schoolchildren receive from within the community, and Mr. Young is a tremendous example of what a difference it makes when parents and neighbors selflessly volunteer time and resources to support public education.”

Young said he earned a science degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and taught for a number of years before going back to school to earn his DDS. He practiced dentistry in Ardmore before retiring.

“Science fairs are just as important as athletics, music or art or anything else we do in school,” Young said. “There are a lot of kids involved in science fairs who don’’ get to participate in those other activities.”

Young said he worked with students in science fairs in the past and knows what this participation can mean for them. His oldest daughter participated in the International Science Fair in the 1980s, and he witnessed what that event meant to her. That led to his gift, he said.

Perhaps this is a better outcome. Why shouldn't the private sector step up and help fund programs that will be beneficial to the future economy of the state and nation?

The Conservative View: Government Realty?

This week's Conservative View, by Adair County Commissioner Russell Turner (R-Stilwell).

The Conservative View
by Russell Turner

Government Realty?

For any city or area to grow the need for infrastructure is paramount. Without utilities and roads it is impossible to have good, healthy growth. In a perfect world easements that are needed for the roads and utilities could be purchased from the landowners and construction could start immediately. Sadly we do not live in a perfect world. Often the landowners have built their homes and improvements in the area where the land will be needed. When this happens it always creates friction between the landowner and the government agency that needs the land. I am a firm believer in the right of private property but I also understand the need for the greater good. If the need for the land is so great, every effort must be made to pay the affected landowner a fair price for his or her land. If the negotiations come to an impasse, the government can use eminent domain to force the sale of the land in question. I feel that eminent domain should only be used as a last resort and used as little as possible. At times the use of eminent domain has been abused and the landowner has become a victim of the government. There is a bill before the state legislature that, if enacted, could provide more protection for the citizens of Oklahoma.

House Bill 3053, by state Rep. Pat Ownbey, would force agencies to declare unused land surplus and offer to resell it to the original owner after 10 years. Many times land is taken for some project and then later, for a variety of reasons, the project will be canceled and the land will not be used for the purpose that it was originally taken for. This bill makes it possible for an individual to get their property back if it is not being used. For example, if a person’s land is taken to build a road on it and, for some reason the project falls apart, the original landowner should be able to get their property back even if the government would like to keep it for some future purpose. We citizens should not have to worry about the government taking our property unnecessarily. HB 3053 will give our citizens more protection from the improper use of eminent domain. Government should be in the business of protecting our liberties and freedoms and stay out of the Realty business.

If you wish to contact Russell Turner, or want to subscribe to his email loop, email him at rdrepublican@windstream.net.

'Draft Watts for Governor' Site Goes Live

In a follow-up to my post on DraftBrogdonforGovernor, a new 'draft' site has popped up, this time supporting former Congressman J.C. Watts.

The website, DraftWatts.com, is the work of one John Paul Lewis (the founder of the Brogdon counterpart is unknown at this time).

Also listed on DraftWatts are the following quotes from state legislators.

State Rep. Pat Ownbey (R, Ardmore): "I believe now more than ever we need great candidates to step up and what I know of him today, I feel he would make a very good governor."

State Rep. Charles Key (R, OKC): "Yes, I really like JC Watts. I would love to see him run, but am not ready to endorse anyone at this time. I have a lot of respect for JC and like his politics. I hope he will give it serious consideration." State Rep. Charles Key (R, OKC).

Under the circumstances, and considering how early this is in the game, these should not be considered anything near endorsements. I wouldn't be surprised to see these quotes come down when the representatives are made aware of them. Most likely, John Paul Lewis emailed them regarding J.C. Watts. For example, you can count on Charles Key supporting Randy Brogdon for governor.