Letters: On turnpike developments, legislative priorities
Plan for urban density instead of building toll roads
It strikes me as I look at the diagrammatic map of the new turnpikes that it looks a lot more logical than it is. I suggest you go to Google Maps and use the satellite view of the area just west of Lake Thunderbird. You will see that the turnpike route cuts through an area that is deep green, indicating that this is the most heavily wooded land in the area despite the homes that have been built there over the years. These lands are in the Lake Thunderbird watershed, protected from overdevelopment by the city of Norman for many years to protect the water supply.
These ravines and wetlands are part of the Cross Timbers biome, now a shadow of its former self. They are also home to countless wild animals and birds. As Oklahomans contemplate what valid “economic development" is, they should take into account the priceless value of wildness to our air and water quality, to our wildlife that live there and to the beauty of the woods that gives sustenance to those in need of escape and recreation. It’s a common adage that God isn’t making any new land. Or to quote Joni Mitchell, “They take paradise and put up a parking lot.” Before we destroy this area for so-called benefits to truckers and bondholders, take a step back and think what we would be destroying. Planning for urban density makes more sense than continuing to build toll roads like it’s 1987. The cutoff from I-35 at Purcell/Slaughterville should be reconsidered.
— Jean Tucker, Norman
Oklahoma has real problems to address
The 2023 Legislature is now meeting. Unfortunately, a few pompous legislators come to the Capitol to show they have power over everyone's bodies, forgetting they are not medical doctors, psychologists or psychiatrists. Some members need an upgraded set of ethic and caring rules before they start writing laws. These legislators should not open their mouths to make headlines when they don't even understand how much a law can hurt other human beings.
Some legislators want to use their new-found power to make people comply with their ideas. Their No. 1 rule should be: "Mind your own business!" Rule 2: If it doesn't concern you or your constituents personally, "Mind your own business!" Three: If you personally disagree with medical decisions about other's lives and bodies, and you want to restrict the medical decisions: "Mind your own business!"
Oklahoma has enough real problems that should be addressed. That is where your energy should be. Work where you have expertise and "Do no harm!"
— Nadine Jewell, Norman
Do Oklahoma City voters care about their city council?
Do Oklahoma City voters realize the importance of who they put on the city council? The turnout for city council and mayoral voting has been dismal in years past. Do we want OKC to become another Seattle?
On Jan. 3, three council members declined to vote on giving our police force needed raises. Do you want someone who votes against the city budget every year? Do you want someone who shows up at protests and denigrates the OKC police force?
The city council determined whether or not we had to wear masks and whether businesses could be open and what hours they could be open during the peak of COVID. City elections are just as important as state elections. Do some homework on who is running in your ward and decide who to vote for and make the effort to vote. Do you want to be Seattle or do you want to be Oklahoma City? Do some research on how Seattle is doing and the answer should be clear.
— Gayl Leichner, Oklahoma City
Our employees deserve affordable health care benefits
As the legislative session approaches, it’s important for our legislators to stay true to the interests of the Oklahomans who voted them into power. Keeping health care and prescriptions affordable should be among the highest priorities.
In a new survey, 79% of Oklahoma voters say affordable prescription drug coverage is important to them. Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly value affordability, and 65% of voters would even go to a different pharmacy if it meant more affordable prescription drugs. The numbers don’t lie: Affordable prescription drug coverage is a core concern for Oklahomans.
Despite this, as recently as this spring, our legislators proposed alarming bills like SB 1860, a government health care mandate which would have dictated how employers provide employees with affordable health care and prescription drug coverage. Legislation that restricts businesses’ abilities to offer our workers the health care coverage that is best for them meddles in the employer-employee relationship — big government interference that we cannot accept.
As the owner of a local IT company, I am responsible for making sure my workers and their families get the affordable health care benefits that will keep them safe and productive. For my own employees and employees across the state, accessible and affordable prescription drug coverage can mean the difference between life and death.
Oklahoma voters — business owners like me, and my employees — have entrusted legislators to look out for our interests. As lawmakers prepare for the new legislative session, I call on them to say no to anti-business bureaucratic red tape that lead to higher health care costs.
— Phil Thompson, Moore
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters to the editor: On turnpike developments, legislative priorities
