Letters to the editor: On vetoes, voting rights for former felons, school choice and more

It's not the first time the veto pen has become Gov. Stitt's own worst enemy

As often happens when one political party dominates all levels of government the leaders increasingly fight among themselves, losing sight of why they were elected in the first place.

And just what is that?

To represent other folks in a civil and cooperative way, addressing major concerns and needs of the general population.

However, that lofty and attainable outcome has been replaced in Oklahoma with name calling and baseless accusations, pitting House members against senators, and vice versa, while Gov. Kevin Stitt weighs in with executive actions that are completely counterproductive and futile.

In pursuing his two of stated session goals — tax cuts and vouchers — he childishly vetoed 20 pieces of unrelated legislation, thinking such a mindless approach would help break the logjam. It will do the opposite and has already been seen as the Senate denied April 27 confirmation for two Cabinet appointees with many more to follow.

Senators feel bullied. Stitt feels ignored. The House, with Speaker Charles McCall declaring his legislation cannot be amended, reflects minimal understanding of a bicameral Legislature.

The folks in charge of The People's Building seem not in charge of anything, least of all their emotions and tongues, and for this we pay them $48,000 per year for basically four months of work annually.

Gov. Stitt likes to say he does what he does because he represents all 4 million Oklahomans.

I don't think so. He does what he does because he doesn't know what he is doing, and it is not the first time the veto pen has become his own worst enemy. In a previous year, 10 of 15 bills he vetoed were overridden by members of his own party, the worst record in the history of Oklahoma and one that most likely will be broken this session.

By comparison, former Gov. Frank Keating vetoed 302 bills during his eight years in office and not a single one was overridden.

― Cal Hobson, Lexington

Legislators should revisit House Bill 1629 next year, restore former felons' voting rights

A law with the sole function of clarifying another law should not itself be controversial.

I would argue this was especially the case for Oklahoma House Bill 1629, which would have clarified the guidelines for restoring voting rights for those with previous felony convictions.

This bill was not only important because voting is such a vital right and privilege for those in Oklahoma who have served their time or been discharged from prison, but also because there is evidence that for those who get their voting rights and are able to vote, recidivism rates are lower. Solidifying these rights with a clarifying law would have enabled voting for this population without the fear of being arrested at the polls. As a master's in social work (MSW) student, I know correlation does not always mean causation. But this connection between voting rights and reduced recidivism is one small part of the reasoning we should use to restore voting rights to those who should be guaranteed them by law. Recidivism rates will be stably low when we can offer former felons a full and vibrant participation in our common life, and voting is part of that.

House Bill 1629 has failed this year, but I hope our legislators will bring it back and pass it next year. We should help our citizens rejoin society and participate in our democracy. This will help end the cycle of incarceration for them, their children and their communities.

— Dina Schupack, Tulsa

So many problems need correcting. And some things are just common sense

Jeary Seikel’s column on April 23 made excellent points for voters to consider when it is again time to cast our ballots.

Some things are just common sense: Too many shootings are caused by too many guns.

Women’s bodies are none of our politicians’ business.

Everyone should pay their share of federal taxes … ALL of the large corporations that presently do NOT. (Fed Ex, Nike, Dish Network, Michael’s, HP, Google it!) As well as the top 2% of our taxpayers.

And look at the ratings for Oklahoma. Education, we are 49th. Health, 50th. Income, 42nd. Gun ownership, 54.7%. Obesity, 36.8%. Racist, sixth in the nation.

So many things need to be corrected, both nationally and locally.

Please, just use your common sense.

— Jeffiee Tayar, Oklahoma City

No child should be forced to feel stupid because their school is failing them academically

Like other parents in our state, I have been following the discussions and arguments for and against school choice. Those against school choice often argue in favor of the public-school system and argue that school choice will destroy the system that they so love. What they don’t mention is just as telling. People forget what is really at stake, our children.

Children are the foundation of our school system and if that system is not working for even one of our children, then we owe it to them to have the opportunity to find a school that works for them. No child should be forced to feel stupid because their school is failing them academically or to feel sick to their stomach just thinking about having to go to school each day. These are not just scenarios; these are stories of people I’ve spoken to personally.

Our Legislature cannot afford to wait even one more year to pass school choice legislation. For every year they wait, more and more children suffer. A year to a child can feel like an eternity. We need to quit focusing on special interest groups and trying not to make anyone angry and start focusing on what’s really important: the happiness and well-being of our children. By “our children,” I’m not just talking about my children or even those of people I know, I’m talking about Oklahoma children.

Children are the future of our state and our country. If we don’t teach them and make their needs our priority, then we have already failed as a state.

I’m asking every parent, grandparent, guardian, etc. to call and email their legislators and the leadership in the state House and Senate and demand that they put children before systems.

— Kelly Shank

Just wish the streets were as smooth as the trails to allow for a nice ride

I agree with Stan Miller. I am wondering why the expensive pedestrian bridge over the Northwest Expressway is not open? In all my years in Oklahoma City, I have never seen anyone biking or walking on some of the trails around our city. Lake Hefner is a beautiful park! Let's get the streets paved to enjoy a nice ride thru the area! I marvel at the trails that have been built and just wish the streets were as smooth as the trails!

— Mike DeCicco, Oklahoma City

Awake at the wheel?

In the April 23 edition of The Oklahoman, there was a guest editorial provided by Rep. Mark McBride (R-District 53). In the column, Rep. McBride raved about the job the Republican supermajority is doing in the public education space. He highlights that they, the Legislature, are awake at the wheel by pointing to the passage of the Save Women’s Sports Act as an affirmative nod to that notion.

What the article does not mention is that in the entirety of Oklahoma’s 116-year history, there has not been one single incident of a biological male attempting to play women’s sports in a public school. So, it would appear the Republican dominated Legislature may have simply wasted time, energy, effort and resources crafting a celebrated solution to a problem that does not actually exist.

I would think that legislation that works to move Oklahoma out of the bottom 10 states in several key public education metrics would better serve the state than laws that have no problem to address. Mr. McBride and his colleagues may be awake at the wheel, but, assuredly, the vehicle they are driving appears to be stuck in the mud.

—Kirk Alan Jones, Edmond

Shawnee officials should compost fallen trees and limbs from recent tornado

I am writing to you today to express my concern about the fallen trees and limbs that have resulted from the recent tornado that hit Shawnee. While it is a tragedy that so many trees have been uprooted and destroyed, I believe there is an opportunity to turn this event into something positive for our community and the planet as a whole.

As city officials consider how to dispose of the fallen trees and limbs, I urge them to consider composting as the preferred method. Burning the wood will release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, and potentially causing harm to human health. In contrast, composting the wood will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also provide a source of free compost for future tree planting in Shawnee.

Trees are vital to our planet, and we need them more than ever to combat climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, providing a natural form of carbon capture and storage. They also help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which can cause a range of health problems for city residents. By composting the fallen trees and limbs, we can help to restore our urban forest and improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.

I urge the city officials to prioritize composting as the preferred method of disposing of the fallen trees and limbs. By doing so, we can turn this disaster into an opportunity to take action on climate change and make a positive difference for the planet.

— Marion leslie Aycox, Meeker

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Letters on vetoes, former felons' voting rights, school choice