This is the summer of our discontent, or so it seems, with heated discussions at town hall meetings of US Senators and Representatives. Mike Schulz, Oklahoma Senator and Charles Ortega, Oklahoma Representative, have hosted an average of five comparatively peaceful town hall meetings per day. But on their circuit, they have spoken to many Oklahomans who are concerned with surviving.

On the eve of Labor Day weekend, Schulz and Ortega met with a small crowd of about thirty people in Altus on Friday at Western Oklahoma State College. Since the number of attendees was small, and removed from political upheaval, the meeting took on a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.

Ortega stated the beginning of his first session in State congress was a “wild ride.” He was one of 17 new representatives who were “learning from square one.” Now he’s ready to go back to his committees where he has been working on: an Oklahoma water study, health care insurance for State employees, and issues involving Granite (OSR) prison. Speaking on OSR, one of the state’s older prison facilities, Ortega said, “This is still not settled. There’s not been anything saying Granite will be closed.” Granite saves Oklahoma $1.4 million a year, according to Ortega. He promised to stay on top of the issue and reassured attendees there is no need for alarm regarding OSR. Schulz also echoed that opinion.

Since Schulz has served for three years in the State Senate, he’s considered the “old guy” now. He said he has watched inexperienced leaders come in with eyes as big as saucers and they, including Ortega, learned the ropes fast.

In the past, abundant wind energy has been all dressed up but had no where to go in Oklahoma. Oklahoma lacks power lines to get wind-generated electricity to places it’s needed. “The Southwest Power Pool,” Schulz explained, “is a regional entity that coordinates the electrical grid here.” Having a representative on the power pool would give us more input in development of a looping power grid for our area.

Oklahoma’s economy is still based on crude oil and natural gas production, according to Schulz. Cutbacks in gasoline consumption and declines in manufacturing have decreased state revenues. Schulz foresees the State dipping into the rainy day fund very soon, to help prevent deeper cutbacks to State agencies.

Schulz echoes Ortega’s opinion that federal issues find their way to the state levels. The Senator, referring to health care reform and some other federal programs, said that we have allowed the federal government to do what the state government should do, and the state government what the local government should do. “Why?” he asked attendees. Because that seems easier.

Both Charles Ortega and Mike Schulz welcome your input and suggestions, especially while they are in session up in Oklahoma City:

Charles Ortega, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm #537, OKC, OK 73105 charles.ortega@okhouse.gov

Mike Schulz, 2300 Lincoln Blvd., Rm # 415, OKC, OK 73105 schulz@oksenate.gov

Altus Times photo by Paula Peterson