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For the February 9 Elections in the Oklahoma City Area, Recommendations to the Voters
Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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Oklahoma City -- In 2020, The New York Times filtered through the resumes and public positions of the large field of Democratic presidential candidates and endorsed two of them in the primary process. In two of this year’s City Council races here in the City of Oklahoma City, the field is so large that The City Sentinel reached a similar place as the N.Y. Times.
The City Sentinel’s endorsement philosophy, detailed in print and online in recent years, leads the newspaper to make the best possible recommendation, in races where where a preference is indicated, as nominees for each major political party. The City Sentinel does not intend nor imply, unless otherwise stated, criticism of those who are not endorsed. The City Sentinel has, in the past, endorsed Independents, Libertarians, Republicans and Democrats, depending on the job and the candidates.
Endorsements from The City Sentinel newspaper are an affirmation of the person endorsed – not necessarily a criticism of other candidates. This approach aims to encourage qualified individuals to seek public office and serve our community and state. Endorsements reflect the preferences of the newspaper’s owners/publisher.
Our pattern has been to support the best candidate possible in partisan primaries, and await voters’ selection of nominees before final decisions are made for the general election.
For the February 9 election, some Oklahoma City races are non-partisan, but in each of the two most ‘crowded’ fields, the newspaper is endorsing two hopefuls. The general elections for all of these positions will be held on April 6.
All of the indicated races and candidates will be considered anew for the general election.
In this article, recommendations for the State Senate District 22 primaries of the two major parties are presented. The ultimate winner of the April special general election will fill the seat of former state Senator Stephanie Bice, who was elected Fifth District U.S. Representative and is now a member of Congress.
In two council races in Oklahoma City, so many candidates are running that The City Sentinel submits two endorsements in those contests. In one other race, the incumbent is endorsed. In-person absentee (early) voting took place at county court houses last Thursday and Friday. The only way to vote if you have not done so already via in-person early voting or absentee ballot is at your designated precinct tomorrow, Tuesday.
The City Sentinel Endorsements, February 9, 2021
State Senate District 22 Republican Primary Endorsement: Keri Shipley
State Senate District 22 Democratic Primary Endorsement: Molly Ooten
Oklahoma City Council Ward 1
The City Sentinel endorses in the primary: Jay Sherrill or Nana Dankwa
Oklahoma City Council Ward 3
The City Sentinel endorses in the primary: Barbara Young or Jessica Martinez-Brooks
Oklahoma City Council Ward 4: The City Sentinel endorses Todd Stone, the incumbent.
For the February 9 Elections in the Oklahoma City Area, Recommendations to the Voters Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK
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Pat McGuigan
Oklahoma City – Some developed thoughts on issues of the moment (February 7, 2021) – but not the Senate trial of a twice-impeached former president.
***
On Friday, I posted on my personal Facebook page and elsewhere a few words from Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia, the first Secretary of State, second vice president, and third president of the United States.
The quotation, from 1781:
"History by apprising [citizens] of the past will enable them to judge of the future; it will avail them of the experience of other times and other nations; it will qualify them as judges of the actions and designs of men; it will enable them to know ambition under every disguise it may assume; and knowing it, to defeat its views."
Former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Cody Graves responded quickly with a comment:
“That assumes that the past is studied...sadly far too many of our friends have not taken the time...”
What follows is adapted slightly – after further reflection – from my reply to Mr. Graves, who is a Facebook friend (also, actually, a friend):
That seems right. In the few words you used there is a lot of insight reflecting years of observance and contemplation.
Learning from the past requires a willingness to ... learn.
Concerning those who believe they know everything about everything and who act as if history worth knowing began with their pain and their need, rather than at the dawn of humanity … Well, there is in such a mindset trouble, in the form of multiple roadblocks to common understanding, experience and meaning.
Learning in the sense Jefferson touched on in can only happen for those willing to study events or people in context, to listen to those who provide information about the past in order to inform, to enlighten, to illuminate dark corners.
As more consumers of information grow weary of the work required to “learn” in this sense – when empathy is undermined or destroyed through a push to reach judgments based on appearances and on emotion and with preconceived notions -- history devolves into a weapon and not a tool for instruction.
This is in direct opposition to the development of discernment and restraint.
Once upon a time, I found it common for people to “walk a mile” in the other person's shoes, or moccasins or boots or other footwear.
But now even the simple call on another to "see this through my eyes" is dismissed, with the call for restraint itself tagged a form of assumed “privilege.”
Yes, this is working in all directions right now. I blame particular factions more than others but concur that it is pervasive. Not only have far too many Americans (and others) not taken the time or made the effort to learn from the past, they regard the past as meaningless until they decide it has meaning.
To say that we are presently in a vicious cycle is to state the obvious -- but stating the obvious is getting harder because fewer and fewer things are “obvious” to more and more observers.
***
Below – as a simple listing without commentary, for the moment – a sketch of The Oklahoman’s opinion and commentary pages in the newspaper print edition delivered in a timely manner by a reliable carrier, on Sunday morning, February 7, 2021:
1. Point of View by Leonard Pitts, Jr. (Miami Herald), “It is different, being us”
2. Brad Mahoney (USA TODAY) Editorial Cartoon on Tom Brady
3. Point of View by Gov. Kevin Stitt, “On leading Oklahoma toward becoming a ‘top 10 state’”
4. Point of View by John ‘Rocky’ Barrett (Chairman, Citizen Potawatomi), “A rising tide lifts all boats”
5. Point of View by E.J. Dionne, (Wash. Post) “Does bipartisanship matter more than helping kids?”
6. USA Today editorial cartoon on Congress, You and Suffering Americans
7. Point of View by Jonah Goldberg, “Biden unwisely following the party line lead of his two predecessors”
8. Paul Mullasseril (president, Oklahoma Dental Association), “History will repeat itself and out state’s most vulnerable population will suffer"
9. Letter to the Editor Instructions including other guidelines, and Subscriber Services information.
***
A few weeks back I began to reflect anew on the widespead assumption -- among many American journalists, intellectuals, and others -- that the growth of government and the ongoing decline of individual economic liberty and autonomy are both desirable and inevitable.
I do not agree with either assumption.
I won’t attempt it here and now but am confident that I could, in an essay of reasonable length, provide a definition of socialism that would respect differing views while advancing my own.
For now, I merely submit some observations to provoke thought and perhaps event thoughtfulness.
There is absolutely no reasonable basis for assuming (or attempting to 'require' in public discourse using “pervasive” mechanisms ) that economic conservatives and libertarians must accept every expansion of government economic control and power that comes along simply because of the undeniable historical facts of Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries.
The desire for greater economic liberty is not a pipe dream, it is a rational aspiration held by hundreds of thousands – perhaps millions – of informed, caring, compassionate and creative American citizens.
Margaret Thatcher maintained much of the British welfare state while nonetheless leading a major shift in government policy during her historic tenure as Prime Minister in Great Britain.
Ronald Reagan (originally an FDR Democrat) had no problem accepting the economic fact of social security while still arguing for greater economic liberty in most areas of the American and world economy.
The present governments of scattered countries around the world are in one degree or another engaging in policy shifts aiming to reduce the economic power and footprint of the State. The undeniable fact that these governments are in the minority – that government power in the economic arena is growing in most nations – is not a reason to deny the contrarian examples.
Even the comparatively recent history of the United States features salient facts worth consideration. A certain notable Democratic president opposed but then embraced what was deemed "the end of welfare as we know it."
In the end, nothing of the sort was sustained, yet it was nonetheless a notable policy impetus during the 1990s and, in some places, after that.
Policy developments contrary to the reigning assumption – that growth in government power is as immutable as fundamental laws of Nature – are wholesome and much to be desired, in my view.
Actual policy changes can be dismissed as "tinkering" and are by many.
I characterize even the attempts as reality-based efforts rationally to push-back against the most negative effects of government interventions in economic life.
Such attempts can be undertaken without driving the vehicles of broad daily governance off the proverbial cliff.
The historical truth is that there is an ebb and flow in the affairs of women and men. A dramatist of some note once said something to that effect.
Much of my personal commentary and the day-to-day flow of shared posts reflect my informed belief that while the multi-trillion dollar expansion of public debt is certainly real, I do not believe its continuance is inevitable. And I believe it is largely undesirable to continue growing government and shrinking human liberty. I respect many of those with whom I differ on such things.
I am inclined to cling to my own view of these and related matters, even in the midst of cancel culture.
***
In closing this set of comments, notes and reflections, here are some words of hope in the midst of this present darkness.
Words that are not mine, but from a reporter I respect at The New York Times.
David Leonhardt – in his recurring feature called “The Morning” – wrote on February 1:
“The news about the vaccines continues to be excellent — and the public discussion of it continues to be more negative than the facts warrant. Here’s the key fact: All five vaccines with public results have eliminated Covid-19 deaths. They have also drastically reduced hospitalizations. ‘They’re all good trial results,’ Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, told me. ‘It’s great news.’
“Many people are instead focusing on relatively minor differences among the vaccine results and wrongly assuming that those differences mean that some vaccines won’t prevent serious illnesses. It’s still too early to be sure, because a few of the vaccine makers have released only a small amount of data. But the available data is very encouraging — including about the vaccines’ effect on the virus’s variants. ‘The vaccines are poised to deliver what people so desperately want: an end, however protracted, to this pandemic,’ as Julia Marcus of Harvard Medical School recently wrote in The Atlantic.”
Biographical sketch: McGuigan is the publisher of The City Sentinel newspaper, founder of CapitolBeatOK.com, author of three books and editor of seven, and a member of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.
An Editor’s Comments and Notes – On A Given Sunday (Impeachment Trial Eve) Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY – Meteorologists are reporting that a dangerous cold front is expected later this week in Oklahoma City with high temperatures on some days dropping into the 20’s, which may stay below freezing for an entire week.
This severe weather can be deadly for pets without a warm place to take shelter.
“Before Oklahoma experiences a deep freeze, pet owners need to make sure their pets are well-cared for as the temperature begins to fall,” said Dr. Paul DeMars, associate professor in Community Practice at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.
Whenever possible, it’s best for cats and dogs to be kept indoors during the winter months,” DeMars said.
“If, for some reason this isn’t an option, pet owners must take precautions to ensure a pet’s safety when outdoors,” he said. (For more on Dr. DeMars, see:https://ift.tt/2YQWA7I ).
Outdoor animals need a place that is insulated and protected from the weather. It is best to face the entrance away from the wind with a flap over the doorway to keep drafts to a minimum, DeMars notes.
Structures should be waterproof and large enough for your dog to lie down. However, the smaller the area the easier it will be for the dog’s body to heat the house.
According to the ASPCA, owners also should never leave their dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. The car can become a refrigerator in which pets can freeze to death.
Before starting and moving a vehicle, check under the hood and in the wheel wells to ensure there are no animals hiding. Cats in particular will often seek shelter and warmth there.
DeMars recommends that owners don’t cut their dog’s fur in the winter. Pets naturally develop winter coats to protect them from the harsh, cold elements.
It is advised that when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, shorthaired dogs, elderly dogs and puppies should be kept indoors for their safety.
“As pretty and soft as your pet’s fur is, it isn’t necessarily the perfect insulator, especially when the temperatures are extreme or when the fur gets wet,” DeMars said. “Your pet’s toes, nose and ears are especially susceptible to winter weather, too.
“If you suspect your pet has frostbite, cover the animal with warm towels. Gently pat dry the affected area and contact your veterinarian,” DeMars said.
“While winter weather can be hard on any pet, very young animals, as well as older dogs and cats, should not be kept outdoors,” he added. “These young pets simply do not have the fat, metabolism or the full fur coat they need to stay warm.”
The best option for pet safety during the winter is to keep them indoors.
“If your pet lives outside fulltime, a covered enclosure with blankets or clean hay/straw/cedar shavings is a must,” DeMars continued. “Another option is a heated floor mat.”
Check with your local pet store to see what is available.
For those who enjoy walking with their pets, sidewalks and walking trails are likely to have been salted if there is ice or snow on the ground. Salt can cause irritation on an animal’s foot pads, so it is a good idea to wipe their feet following a walk outdoors.
During winter months, leaky radiators can leave pools of antifreeze in the driveway exposing pets to life threatening chemicals. The sweet taste of antifreeze can be appealing to pets, but it can be deadly, even in very small doses.
“Antifreeze is highly toxic and absorbs quickly into your pet’s system. The kidneys are the most affected organs and can shut down completely within 12 to 24 hours in cats and 36 to 72 hours in dogs,” DeMars said.
For pets who stay outside, a few extra calories will help them to keep warm. It is also important to make sure the water in their bowls doesn’t become frozen.
“Winter weather will mean your pets require a little extra care to ensure their safety,” DeMars said.
Forecasted freezing temperatures can be hazardous for pets Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation to protect animals from mistreatment and abuse has been filed for the 58th Legislature.
House Bill 1581, authored by Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, prohibits pet stores from selling commercially-bred animals. The stores, however, can continue offering animals for adoption from in-state rescues and shelters.
“Unfortunately, puppy mills do still exist,” Dollens said. “Commercial retailers purchasing these animals are what is keeping the industry alive.
“Additionally, our shelters are at times overrun with dogs without owners to claim them. This legislation protects animals and helps shelters find homes for the animals in their care.”
House Bill 1580, authored by Dollens, creates requirements for the way dogs are left outside. The legislation addresses the type of tether, the use of chains and padlocks, and prolonged periods of being left in severe weather.
“I would like to think that all Oklahomans treat their pets humanely,” Dollens said. “Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. This legislation puts into place minimum protections that will protect animals.”
In a press release sent to CapitolBeatOK.com, The City Sentinel and other news organizations, Rep. Dollens said he recognizes that for some, his legislation may not rise to the importance of other bills this session.
However, the OKC legislator believes the House can make many improvements to the lives of Oklahomans during a session, including the non-human type.
“I remain dedicated to finding solutions for the problems Oklahomans have experienced during COVID,” Dollens said. “How we treat animals speaks to our humanity. We must treat animals with respect.”
Consideration of the measures could begin, at the committee level, as early as this week.
H.B. 1581 is set to be heard in the House Business and Commerce Committee. H.B. 1580 is scheduled for the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee.
State Representative Mickey Dollens files two animal protection bills Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Majority Leader Kim David said she was deeply honored to administer the oath of enlistment to Chief Master Sgt. Scott Irwin, Oklahoma National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Superintendent, as he signed on for another two years of service. The reenlistment ceremony was held Thursday at the state Capitol in the Senate chamber.
Irwin, of Oklahoma City, first enlisted in the Oklahoma Air National Guard in 1992. He’s been deployed in support of various operations, including Operation Joint Forge, Iraqi Freedom, Horn of Africa, and Enduring Freedom and has received numerous awards and decorations throughout his career, including the Oklahoma Meritorious Service Medal, the Alfred P. Murrah Service Medal and the Governor’s Distinguished Unit Award Ribbon.
Senator David, R-Porter, is a recipient of the Oklahoma Medal of Freedom for her legislation creating the Guard Advocacy Program to better support quality of life and mental health, and comes from a family steeped in the tradition of military service.
Sen. David has worked with Irwin on key legislative issues throughout her tenure, and said she was proud and humbled to administer the oath of enlistment to her long-time colleague and friend.
“This was such a tremendous honor for me. My daughter is also in the National Guard, and I’ve seen the ceremony done many times but being the one to administer the oath was a first for me,” David said. “It really was touching and a privilege to be able to do this.”
Irwin said there is a requirement that the person who administers the oath must also be a notary public. David didn’t hesitate to add that title to her resume.
“She’s been such a good friend to me personally and to the Oklahoma National Guard,” Irwin said. “It meant so much that Senator David was willing to do this.”
Brig. Gen. Raymond Siegfried, Assistant Adjutant General, Oklahoma Air National Guard, was among those attending the ceremony.
“The Oklahoma National Guard’s reporting relationship is to the governor and the state, so to be able to come here to the Capitol for this ceremony is not only the perfect setting, but it symbolizes and reflects this relationship,” Siegfried said.
Senate Majority Leader Kim David officiates reenlistment ceremony for Oklahoma Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Scott Irwin Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
Dr. Nyla Ali Khan
Christopher Plummer, Tony award winning Broadway actor, passed away last week at the ripe age of 91. An incredibly talented actor, every performance of his was consummate.
The role that most people of my generation remember him for is that of Captain Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music."
Debonair and suave, Christopher Plummer played the role of Captain Von Trapp, elegant widower and father of seven children, to a tee.
Plummer's immaculate charm and impeccable confidence would make our young hearts beat faster than normal.
Having been a distinguished Shakespearean actor, his elocution was polished and professional.
And, his enchanting romance with Maria Rainer, played by Julie Andrews, captivated over-protected adolescent girls, like my friends and me, who were confined behind the walls of a Catholic school.
To our young minds, the mesmerizing charm of Captain Von Trapp (Plummer) was incomparable. His love for Maria, which he conceals for as long as he possibly can, was the epitome of passion.
I was always touched by the Von Trapp family's rendition of "Edelweiss," which symbolized their defiance of Nazi ideology and patriotism in the face of Nazi atrocities:
"Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow
Bloom and grow forever
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever."
This was a man! Rest in Peace, Christopher Plummer!
Editor’s Note: Dr. Nyla Ali Khan is a regular contributor to CapitolBeatOK.com, an online news service based in Oklahoma City. She is a well-known scholar. Her forthcoming academic book is “Educational Strategies for Youth Empowerment in Conflict Zones: Transforming, not Transmitting, Trauma” (Palgrave MacMillan, May 2021). CapitolBeatOK.com founder Pat McGuigan reviewed the book favorably, characterizing it as “both academic and personal.”
Nyla’s Notes: To Bloom and grow, Forever – Farewell to Christopher Plummer Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
Steve Fair commentary
On a Friday in late January 2021, retired Air Force Chief Sergeant Stefiel Johnson was laid to rest at the Fort Sill National cemetery. He was one week short of 92 years.
Stefiel spent 30 plus years in active military service. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. In the Air Force, he was in charge of tons of munitions (explosives).
After retiring, Stefiel and his wife Laura settled back home in Duncan and they became active in the Stephens County Republican Party. That is where I first met them.
Here are my comments about Stefiel.
First, Stefiel was a patriot. He loved America. He had dedicated his life to serving and to duty and that went beyond his military service.
In 1994, he agreed to serve when I asked him to serve as the Republican representative on the Stephens County election board. Our appointed ‘Republican’ representative on the board wouldn’t return phone calls and ignored the local Party.
After discussion, the local Party leadership sought someone who would be our eyes and ears in the election process and was one of us. Stefiel was that person. He was faithful, willing to serve and did the job without fanfare.
Second, Stefiel was a campaigner. Once a Republican nominee was determined, Stefiel was all in for the candidate. He was the ‘Sign King.’ He put up more campaign signs than anyone I have ever seen. He loved it. Stefiel worked on winning and losing campaigns and prior to 2004, most Republicans running were not successful. Winning or losing didn’t seem to matter to Stefiel. He simply put up more signs. He worked on local campaigns, as well as legislative and statewide campaigns.
More than once, campaigns had to order more signs because Steifiel had ‘ran them out.’ In his signature overalls, Stefiel put thousands of miles on his truck traveling Stephens County (in southwest Oklahoma) sticking signs in the ground. When his health prevented him from putting out signs, he and Laura would man the local county GOP Headquarters. He stayed engaged.
Stefiel never sought or held a leadership position in the Stephens County GOP, but he was critical to the growth of Republican Party affiliation in Stephens County. He and Laura were among the first awarded the Dr. Gerald Beasley Jr. Memorial Award. The Beasley award is awarded annually to a top volunteer in the Stephens County GOP. The awards were deserved.
Third, Stefiel was consistent.
That was probably because of his long time dedication to duty. Stefiel faithfully worked elections for over twenty five years. Stefiel faithfully attended Stephens County GOP monthly meetings. He attended dozens of Republican state conventions. He sat through hours of self-promoting, boring political speeches. Stefiel saw beyond the rhetoric and stayed focused on the real goal; better government.
Stefiel Johnson didn’t seek glory or recognition during his time on earth. He did his duty and worked behind the scenes. That type of unseen work is what makes an organization/community successful. Stefiel provided an example for Americans everywhere- get involved and stay involved in your government.
Precinct meetings and county conventions for the GOP are taking place across the state. Go to okgop.com to find out when your area is holding a meeting. Now and in the future, you have an opportunity to make a difference by being involved. It is our duty as citizens.
Stefiel understood duty- do you?
NOTE: Steve Fair is a newspaper and online commentator based in Oklahoma. A well-known conservative leader, he is chairman of the Republican Party in Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District. Steve can be reached by email at [email protected]. His blog is stevefair.blogspot.com .
Stefiel Johnson Understood Duty: A Tribute Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
Joe Dorman, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
Over the past four and one-half years that I have been the chief executive officer of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA), I have heard tragic stories regarding child abuse and neglect.
I know it is frustrating for those who share these stories of their lives with us, and I can assure you it is heartbreaking for us to not be able to wave a magic wand and immediately fix these challenges. Being a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization outside of government, we have absolutely no control over what the different local, state, and federal agencies do when handling a situation.
We also realize there are always at least two sides to every story. Each side must be researched to ensure reports are valid, and simply not a case of someone using children as a way to “get back” at someone else.
Advocates can be found in many different programs, agencies, and communities. Doing some quick research likely will result in saving time and finding the correct resources available. OICA regularly tries to help individuals who reach out to us with an issue so they can find the best path to resolution of an issue involving a child. In fact, our Legislative Learning Lab was a tremendous success in providing educational discussions about how state government functions. Those panels will soon be live on our website if you missed it live.
OICA works with the leadership in the Department of Human Services (DHS) and other agencies to raise awareness about specific cases. We also work with the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY), the state entity which oversees investigations on child deaths and issues that might arise with a case before DHS.
We all must remember that every Oklahoman has two individuals elected to represent them in state government decisions. Our state House of Representatives and Senate members are charged with being a voice for their constituents with voting on policies. They also are there to help constituents navigate the bureaucracy of state government to find solutions for problems that can be solved.
Now, they cannot bend or break the laws to help someone, but your representative and senator can certainly act as a resource to point you in the right direction, and maybe even ease the burden when they engage themselves to find a solution. During my time as a representative, those opportunities assisting constituents were some of the most rewarding I had. Conversations with those I represented led to passing laws or encouraging agencies to find quick relief on a topic that could be resolved.
Much of the same can be said for our federal delegation, with five Oklahoma members of the U.S. Congress and our two U.S. Senators. They have tremendous teams, both in the state and in Washington, D.C., to assist individuals with problems. Please remember, when you contact the office of a policymaker, please be respectful to their staff as they are doing tough jobs and receive many calls, and sometimes there is just no easy answer, no matter how hard they try.
The 58th Oklahoma Legislature opened Monday (February 1) with the delivery of Governor Kevin Stitt’s vision for the upcoming year with his annual “State of the State” address. We at OICA look forward to working with the governor and legislators, working together to find ways to overcome many of the state’s challenges, especially those surrounding the pandemic and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
If we can assist you with advocacy solutions, we will try our best to help.
Using email, contact us here: [email protected]. The telephone number is 405-236-543. Our mailing address is 2915 N Classen Blvd, Ste 320, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
A Vow to Work to Make Things Better Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
On a Friday in late January 2021, retired Air Force Chief Sergeant Stefiel Johnson was laid to rest at the Fort Sill National Cemetery. He was one week short of 92 years.
Stefiel spent 30 plus years in active military service. He served in both the Army and the Air Force. In the Air Force, he was in charge of tons of munitions (explosives).
After retiring, Stefiel and his wife Laura settled back home in Duncan and they became active in the Stephens County Republican Party. That is where I first met them.
Here are my comments about Stefiel.
First, Stefiel was a patriot. He loved America. He had dedicated his life to serving and to duty and that went beyond his military service.
In 1994, he agreed to serve when I asked him to serve as the Republican representative on the Stephens County election board. Our appointed ‘Republican’ representative on the board wouldn’t return phone calls and ignored the local Party.
After discussion, the local Party leadership sought someone who would be our eyes and ears in the election process and was one of us. Stefiel was that person. He was faithful, willing to serve and did the job without fanfare.
Second, Stefiel was a campaigner. Once a Republican nominee was determined, Stefiel was all in for the candidate. He was the ‘Sign King.’ He put up more campaign signs than anyone I have ever seen. He loved it. Stefiel worked on winning and losing campaigns and prior to 2004, most Republicans running were not successful. Winning or losing didn’t seem to matter to Stefiel. He simply put up more signs. He worked on local campaigns, as well as legislative and statewide campaigns.
More than once, campaigns had to order more signs because Steifiel had ‘ran them out.’ In his signature overalls, Stefiel put thousands of miles on his truck traveling Stephens County (in southwest Oklahoma) sticking signs in the ground. When his health prevented him from putting out signs, he and Laura would man the local county GOP Headquarters. He stayed engaged.
Stefiel never sought or held a leadership position in the Stephens County GOP, but he was critical to the growth of Republican Party affiliation in Stephens County. He and Laura were among the first awarded the Dr. Gerald Beasley Jr. Memorial Award. The Beasley award is awarded annually to a top volunteer in the Stephens County GOP. The awards were deserved.
Third, Stefiel was consistent.
That was probably because of his long time dedication to duty. Stefiel faithfully worked elections for over twenty five years. Stefiel faithfully attended Stephens County GOP monthly meetings. He attended dozens of Republican state conventions. He sat through hours of self-promoting, boring political speeches. Stefiel saw beyond the rhetoric and stayed focused on the real goal; better government.
Stefiel Johnson didn’t seek glory or recognition during his time on earth. He did his duty and worked behind the scenes. That type of unseen work is what makes an organization/community successful. Stefiel provided an example for Americans everywhere- get involved and stay involved in your government.
Precinct meetings and county conventions for the GOP are taking place across the state. Go to okgop.com to find out when your area is holding a meeting. Now and in the future, you have an opportunity to make a difference by being involved. It is our duty as citizens.
Stefiel understood duty- do you?
Steve Fair is a newspaper and online commentator based in Oklahoma. A well-known conservative leader, he is chairman of the Republican Party in Oklahoma’s Fourth Congressional District. Steve can be reached by email at [email protected]. His blog is stevefair.blogspot.com .
Stefiel Johnson Understood Duty: A Tribute Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK ![]()
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma City), a member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, was named to the Military Personnel subcommittee and the new Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems subcommittee.
“I’m honored to be able to serve our military personnel and their families as part of this subcommittee,” Bice said. “The sacrifices made by our military servicemen and women and those who love them, must be reflected in the care we provide to those in uniform, whether that be through offering improved healthcare, better housing or dependent education.”
The Military Personnel subcommittee works on issues of Department of Defense policy and programs related to military personnel and their families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Military Retirement issues, among other issues.
The new Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems subcommittee deals with Department of Defense policy related to the acquisition of computer software, the electromagnetic spectrum, and electromagnetic warfare; and Department of Defense policy and programs and accounts related to artificial intelligence, cyber security, cyber operations, cyber forces, information technology, information operations, and science and technology.
Bice said she was looking forward to working on the issues that are to be addressed by the Cyber subcommittee.
“Protecting private and public assets from cybersecurity attacks from China and other countries has emerged as one of the most important issues in the U.S. There have been significant advances in artificial intelligence as it relates to the American warfighter, autonomous weaponry and other military applications. I’m excited work on these important issues with my colleagues.”
Ranking Member Mike Rogers of Alabama provided the following statement:
“Rep. Bice understands the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make to defend our nation and will be a strong advocate for them on the Military Personnel Subcommittee. Additionally, her wealth of knowledge and experience in information technology will position her as a leader on the Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems Subcommittee and in the critical work it’s doing to counter the emerging threats we face from our adversaries.”
Congresswoman Stephanie Bice Named to Military Personnel and New Cyber Subcommittees Click on the headline to read the full article at CapitolBeatOK |
Pat McGuiganThe dean of all Oklahoma Journalism, Mr Patrick McGuigan; has a rich history of service in many aspects of both covering the news and producing the information that the public needs to know. Archives
September 2021
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