Correct assessment

“State’s fiscal challenge calls for real leadership” (Our Views, April 3) correctly chastised Gov. Mary Fallin and lawmakers for failing to act on numerous proposals previously offered by her and others to help close the record state budget shortfall. You were especially critical about the lack of legislative action on the governor’s recommendation of a $1.50 increase in the cost of a pack of cigarettes. Having been the Senate author of the last boost in the tax on this deadly product, I remember vividly the challenge of overcoming tobacco companies, their legions of lobbyists, the clever misinformation they distributed, and of course large campaign contributions regularly doled out by them to those who would do their bidding.

However, led by former Republican Rep. Ray Vaughn and former Democrat Sen. Ben Robinson, our side won though by very narrow margins in both chambers. We were aided immeasurably by Gov. Brad Henry, editorial support, a myriad of articulate health advocates, courageous agency heads, tearful testimony from former smokers, and finally a confirming “yes” vote by voters in the 2004 election.

The current vacuum of leadership at the Capitol reminds me of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s famous description of pornography: “I know it when I see it.” If Stewart were around today and went searching for leadership at NE 23 and Lincoln, the only thing he would find even less of would be money. for Public Policy. The center also noted that chemical and textile manufacturing both added more jobs than auto and auto parts manufacturing from 2009 to 2012. By diversifying its manufacturing sector, Michigan has achieved long-term job growth and economic stability.

Oklahoma can emulate Michigan’s recovery by expanding within the renewable energy sector. The state already ranks fourth in installed wind capacity according to the American Wind Energy Association. Turbine projects continue to move forward throughout the state. However, solar power holds Oklahoma’s biggest opportunity. The state ranked 42nd in installed solar capacity in 2014, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Diversifying the economy to include solar cell manufacturing and installation would not only make Oklahoma a national energy leader, but also give it much-needed economic stability.

GUN BILL MAKES NO SENSE

In a country where activists look at mass shootings, terrorism and carelessness with firearms as means for working toward controlling gun rights, Oklahoma seems to be working toward the opposite. A bill allowing Oklahoma residents to carry a gun without a permit passed overwhelmingly in the House on March 10. Approving House Bill 3098 could be a huge safety issue for Oklahoma.

As outlined in the bill, “A person who is a legal resident, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, is not a convicted felon or who is otherwise not disqualified from possession of a firearm under state or federal law and is not involved in a crime” can carry a gun in the open without a permit or training. Aside from the safety issues, establishing the changes in this bill underlines the needlessness of it. Current laws state that Oklahoma residents can carry a gun as long as they have a permit and have attended an eight-hour safety and training course. While maintaining the current procedures for those carrying a concealed weapon, the bill is looking to loosen restrictions for open carry. But if the present gun system is effective, why do we need change? There is no logic in ridding the necessity of a permit and a course educating on laws that govern your right to fire a weapon.