What an impressive showing at the rock-crawling event in Disney below Pensacola Dam recently! Not only were there more than 700 4-wheelers, but also an estimated 10,000 spectators. This is something that has been silently growing during the past few years. Another example of a local event that I like to call a “silent economic engine” for our area. What a great example of government and the private sector working together. The GRDA – a state agency – working with private participants and allowing appropriate and responsible use of the riverbed. This is a family event that brought in people from many states. One participant told me, “there is no place else in the world like this; this is fantastic.”
Speaking of tourism, there is a growing movement at the Capitol to combine the Commerce Department and the Department of Tourism into one agency. Like most people, I am resistant to change; however, this idea may have some merit. Tourism, while being our states third largest “business” – behind energy and agriculture – seldom gets the state appropriation needed to do the best job possible. Combining the two agencies could result in some economy of scale and additional dollars to promote tourism and attract events to our state. Chuck Perry, our Northeast Oklahoma Tourism Commissioner from Grand Lake, has done a great job representing the needs of our area. Having Commissioner input is something that should be preserved with a combining of the agencies, should such a consolidation take place. I have no doubt that more of our local state parks, museums and attractions would be turned over to local cities, towns, communities or other state agencies to manage.
Well, if it’s spring in Oklahoma, it’s tornado season. Last week, when yet another tornado struck Moore, I had the opportunity to go to the City of Moore’s emergency command center. I saw a command center like no other I have seen before. No doubt built with an influx of federal dollars following the devastating storms of two years ago. It worked flawlessly.
I am often asked what legislators due to pass the time in the evenings when we are in Oklahoma City. For the next six weeks, I will be attending the Citizens Academy training program at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. A couple of years ago, I participated in a similar course at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. The programs are interesting and informative, and they give me a sense of appreciation for what that group of law enforcement officers do.
Personally, while I occasionally attend an evening reception if someone from our area is going to be there, I seldom go out to eat. Evenings are spent reading bills, catching up on emails and frequently going to the gym. To be a good legislator requires a lot of reading, and I am pleased to report that I have mastered the art of reading bills while walking on the treadmill!
Lastly, if you need an Oklahoma state income-tax form, feel free to contact me and I’ll put one in the mail to you. It’s that time of year, too!
It is a pleasure to serve as your state representative. I can be reached at dougcox@okhouse.gov or 405-557-7415.
Cox’s Corner
by State Representative Doug Cox, M.D.
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