That is why Steve Lackmeyer has said multiple times to never, ever read the comments at the bottom of articles. It just makes you dumber.

So glad to something is being done about this.


$160 million approved for Capitol
James Coburn
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND — The state Senate today approved legislation that would issue $160 million of bond money to renovate the state Capitol building.

Problems for the 96-year-old building have been a safety hazard in recent years with pieces falling along the exterior. Yellow barricades placed in front of the building are a reminder of the safety risks to visitors and staff.

“Many thanks to the senators who voted to support this measure, which would pay for much-needed repairs to the state Capitol,” said Gov. Mary Fallin. “It’s our responsibility to maintain and preserve our seat of government. A bond issue is the best, most realistic option for restoring the people’s House.”

Also, the Senate formed a Senate Capitol Construction Oversight Select Committee to monitor cost issues, said Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman. State Sen. Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, will chair the committee of six members including state Sen. A.J. Griffin, R-Edmond.

“As a state, we have an obligation to take care of our assets, especially the seat of our government, our state Capitol,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa, who is author of the bill.

- See more at: $160 million approved for Capitol » Local News » The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x1783683022/-160-million-approved-for-Capitol#sthash.Y46KWzmP.dpuf)

So glad to something is being done about this.

Jumping the gun a little, plupan. The house (of idiots) is probably going to stonewall this because, rather suddenly in their eyes, the prison workers system is nearing a crisis.

Our "leaders" have become so debt averse that we're going to watch our state crumble. We go from crisis to crisis, but refuse to let bonds be sold so that we can get ahead of anything. The bridge between Lexington and Purcell, other highway bridges, the Capitol, DHS, the prison system, etc. Eventually there are going to be too many crises to deal with like we do now.

There a lot of people who really think you can handle the finances of a local, state, or federal government like kitchen table family finances. Simply doesn't work that way. I think it is pretty funny to ask the people like that if they have a mortgage (9/10 of the time they do) and then ask them why they are so fiscally irresponsible.

Jumping the gun a little, plupan. The house (of idiots) is probably going to stonewall this because, rather suddenly in their eyes, the prison workers system is nearing a crisis.

Our "leaders" have become so debt averse that we're going to watch our state crumble. We go from crisis to crisis, but refuse to let bonds be sold so that we can get ahead of anything. The bridge between Lexington and Purcell, other highway bridges, the Capitol, DHS, the prison system, etc. Eventually there are going to be too many crises to deal with like we do now.That sucks. I guess it will take a piece of limestone that falls and kills someone before something is done about this.

The mortgage analogy is humorous but misses the point (and it is odd that someone would say that "kitchen table family finances" don't apply and then bring it up). The reason most folks have a mortgage is they don't have the cash to pay for it up front. There are times when you need to borrow the money because you just don't have it. Granted there are times when NOT borrowing money can end up costing you more in interest when you do NEED to eventually borrow money, so it is better to make sure this is something that you NEED to borrow money for to do. it isn't. The State has it (I'm not advocating for it, but one possible source is the Rainy Day Fund which according to this recent report has $535.2 million in it).

We aren't talking about taking about a 25 year mortgage to build a new Capitol (which one early estimate said we could do for the same amount), or even buy the Capitol, we are talking about taking out a 25 year loan for repair work to a building we already own. And yes, sometimes you may need to borrow the money to get your roof replaced or to do a major remodel. But if you have the cash to do so, why in the world would you want to take out a 25 year loan to do it???

My opposition to using bonds is that it IS borrowed money, that no matter how low the interest rate is, that is money that has to be paid back at some point. Why not pay cash (if you can) for something? Hello, anyone around here heard of MAPS? Take the money that you are saving in interest and build it for less or make the project better.

Lawmakers debate how to fund Capitol repairs - Tulsa World: Capitol Report (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/capitol_report/lawmakers-debate-how-to-fund-capitol-repairs/article_ee14e2fd-6599-571a-bdee-5a6683cab8e2.html)

"...estimated that at current interest rates, debt service on a $160 million bond issue for the Capitol would be just $10.1 million a year over 25 years."

While I am unclear if that 10.1 million/yr includes the principal or just the interest, even if it does include the principal, that means a $160 million project now costs $252.5 million...a waste of over $90 million. Money that could be spent on other needed things. As others have pointed out, we seem to have a never-ending list of "needed things".

The mortgage analogy is humorous but misses the point (and it is odd that someone would say that "kitchen table family finances" don't apply and then bring it up). The reason most folks have a mortgage is they don't have the cash to pay for it up front. There are times when you need to borrow the money because you just don't have it. Granted there are times when NOT borrowing money can end up costing you more in interest when you do NEED to eventually borrow money, so it is better to make sure this is something that you NEED to borrow money for to do. it isn't. The State has it (I'm not advocating for it, but one possible source is the Rainy Day Fund which according to this recent report has $535.2 million in it).

We aren't talking about taking about a 25 year mortgage to build a new Capitol (which one early estimate said we could do for the same amount), or even buy the Capitol, we are talking about taking out a 25 year loan for repair work to a building we already own. And yes, sometimes you may need to borrow the money to get your roof replaced or to do a major remodel. But if you have the cash to do so, why in the world would you want to take out a 25 year loan to do it???

My opposition to using bonds is that it IS borrowed money, that no matter how low the interest rate is, that is money that has to be paid back at some point. Why not pay cash (if you can) for something? Hello, anyone around here heard of MAPS? Take the money that you are saving in interest and build it for less or make the project better.

Lawmakers debate how to fund Capitol repairs - Tulsa World: Capitol Report (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/capitol_report/lawmakers-debate-how-to-fund-capitol-repairs/article_ee14e2fd-6599-571a-bdee-5a6683cab8e2.html)

While I am unclear if that 10.1 million/yr includes the principal or just the interest, even if it does include the principal, that means a $160 million project now costs $252.5 million...a waste of over $90 million. Money that could be spent on other needed things. As others have pointed out, we seem to have a never-ending list of "needed things".

It means in 25 years the total amount they would pay is $170.1 million versus draining $160 million in cash. That's extremely cheap capital.

The problem with pay as you go is simple, especially for roads.

Over the length of time it takes to raise that money the labor, materials cost, and it reduces the state's bargaining power for the total cost, it would cheaper to just issue a bond and pay as you go on the bond.

Labor costs increases every year.
Material cost increases every year.
The bargaining power is reduced because you are tying up the construction company for a longer period of time. Take the 235/44 interchange. It is going to take a ridiculous 7 years to complete. That's 7 years of tying up the construction companies workers, managers, engineers etc. The company is going to charge more because of this. Instead if it was fully funded with a bond and completed in two years the company would do it for less and move onto other projects. (buying in bulk). It's an insane way of funding things. I understand not wanting to overextend, but this is taking it to the extreme.

It means in 25 years the total amount they would pay is $170.1 million versus draining $160 million in cash. That's extremely cheap capital.

The problem with pay as you go is simple, especially for roads.

Over the length of time it takes to raise that money the labor, materials cost, and it reduces the state's bargaining power for the total cost, it would cheaper to just issue a bond and pay as you go on the bond.

Labor costs increases every year.
Material cost increases every year.
The bargaining power is reduced because you are tying up the construction company for a longer period of time. Take the 235/44 interchange. It is going to take a ridiculous 7 years to complete. That's 7 years of tying up the construction companies workers, managers, engineers etc. The company is going to charge more because of this. Instead if it was fully funded with a bond and completed in two years the company would do it for less and move onto other projects. (buying in bulk). It's an insane way of funding things. I understand not wanting to overextend, but this is taking it to the extreme.Agreed. I hate the pay as you go method. It ends up costing more.

It means in 25 years the total amount they would pay is $170.1 million versus draining $160 million in cash. That's extremely cheap capital.

The problem with pay as you go is simple, especially for roads.

Over the length of time it takes to raise that money the labor, materials cost, and it reduces the state's bargaining power for the total cost, it would cheaper to just issue a bond and pay as you go on the bond.

Labor costs increases every year.
Material cost increases every year.
The bargaining power is reduced because you are tying up the construction company for a longer period of time. Take the 235/44 interchange. It is going to take a ridiculous 7 years to complete. That's 7 years of tying up the construction companies workers, managers, engineers etc. The company is going to charge more because of this. Instead if it was fully funded with a bond and completed in two years the company would do it for less and move onto other projects. (buying in bulk). It's an insane way of funding things. I understand not wanting to overextend, but this is taking it to the extreme.

Exactly!

Weird that Mr conservative fiscal hawk TW Shannon approved capitol renovations where window treatments alone were several thousand dollars apiece. I guess he's one of those do as I say not as I do types.

It means in 25 years the total amount they would pay is $170.1 million versus draining $160 million in cash. That's extremely cheap capital.
How do you figure $170.1 million? 10.1 million/yr x 25 years = $252.5 million


The problem with pay as you go is simple, especially for roads.

Over the length of time it takes to raise that money the labor, materials cost, and it reduces the state's bargaining power for the total cost, it would cheaper to just issue a bond and pay as you go on the bond.

Labor costs increases every year.
Material cost increases every year.
The bargaining power is reduced because you are tying up the construction company for a longer period of time. Take the 235/44 interchange. It is going to take a ridiculous 7 years to complete. That's 7 years of tying up the construction companies workers, managers, engineers etc. The company is going to charge more because of this. Instead if it was fully funded with a bond and completed in two years the company would do it for less and move onto other projects. (buying in bulk). It's an insane way of funding things. I understand not wanting to overextend, but this is taking it to the extreme.
Not sure if it works the same way for the State but on the City level it doesn't make any difference in total time frame if something is paid for with Bonds or a primarily pay-as-you-go method as with MAPS. Total time for either method for large-scale programs from voter approval to completion is 10 to 12 years.

I agree with you on extended construction schedules but if you have the money in-hand and interest free it can be built right away without paying that long-term debt back. But even if you use Bonds, it is my understanding that they aren't sold all at once (that the State would have all $160 million in hand). Plus how many of the repair projects are "shovel ready"? How many of the projects no matter what method they choose are perhaps several years away from being completed.


Agreed. I hate the pay as you go method. It ends up costing more.
Did you vote for MAPS? it is a primarily pay-as-you-go method. According to the City it says money because they aren't paying any interest (and in some cases, they earn interest, which can offset any increase costs in labor materials etc.

Did you vote for MAPS? it is a primarily pay-as-you-go method. According to the City it says money because they aren't paying any interest (and in some cases, they earn interest, which can offset any increase costs in labor materials etc.That is completely different than road projects and projects like renovating the state capitol that need done NOW.

Weird that Mr conservative fiscal hawk TW Shannon approved capitol renovations where window treatments alone were several thousand dollars apiece. I guess he's one of those do as I say not as I do types.

Aren't most all (and yes, most all, irrespective of party.)

Oklahoma House Panel To Consider $160M Capitol Bond - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25202230/oklahoma-house-panel-to-consider-160m-capitol-bond)

http://www.news9.com/story/25197657/oklahoma-state-capitol-makes-endangered-places-list

More great news... first the AICC then this!!!!!!!!!!!

Oklahoma House defeats bond issue for state Capitol repairs | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-defeats-bond-issue-for-state-capitol-repairs/article/4303312)

More great news... first the AICC then this!!!!!!!!!!!

Oklahoma House defeats bond issue for state Capitol repairs | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-defeats-bond-issue-for-state-capitol-repairs/article/4303312)

Better to wait until it falls in on itself to act on the problem.

Better to wait until it falls in on itself to act on the problem.

So long as they are inside it.

Public building represent the collective spirit of the people. Crappy buildings = crappy spirit. Many people in Oklahoma (and almost everywhere else for that matter) simply have no pride in ownership of anything.

It's not a dead issue, if you read the article. Just determining a way to fund it. Sounds like some are gun shy to take a stand on the funding method.

This is turning out to be an epic week at 23rd and Lincoln.

It's not a dead issue, if you read the article. Just determining a way to fund it. Sounds like some are gun shy to take a stand on the funding method.

This has been an issue for years. Even in surplus years they haven't had the collective will to just make a decision. It's pathetic, even for a 1-party state.

There is also a measure that is alive that would send it to a vote of the people on whether to take out bonds to repair. Will be funny when over 60% of the public says yes to bonds for repair, would help show the huge divide on what the public wants compared to what the legislature (and lobbyists) want.

I feel the same way about the tax cut proposal. i have a feeling most are against it yet the lawmakers foolishly continue to push for it furthering our revenue issues.

There is also a measure that is alive that would send it to a vote of the people on whether to take out bonds to repair. Will be funny when over 60% of the public says yes to bonds for repair, would help show the huge divide on what the public wants compared to what the legislature (and lobbyists) want.

I feel the same way about the tax cut proposal. i have a feeling most are against it yet the lawmakers foolishly continue to push for it furthering our revenue issues.

I wish someone would primary Fallin. It's becoming very clear the tail is wagging the dog. She has 0 influence or control over the House.

I wish someone would primary Fallin. It's becoming very clear the tail is wagging the dog. She has 0 influence or control over the House.

Filing period is over.

Filing period is over.

No way anyone would anyway. You don't primary your own party's incumbent if you ever want a dime from said party. It'd have to be someone who was already independently wealthy willingly to spend their own money. Fallin's just an ineffective talking head. The power right now is in the House.

There is also a measure that is alive that would send it to a vote of the people on whether to take out bonds to repair. Will be funny when over 60% of the public says yes to bonds for repair, would help show the huge divide on what the public wants compared to what the legislature (and lobbyists) want.

I feel the same way about the tax cut proposal. i have a feeling most are against it yet the lawmakers foolishly continue to push for it furthering our revenue issues.I agree with this and am glad to hear it is still a possibility. The way it is was worded led me to believe there was a better chance of passing the AICC than this.

No way anyone would anyway. You don't primary your own party's incumbent if you ever want a dime from said party. It'd have to be someone who was already independently wealthy willingly to spend their own money. Fallin's just an ineffective talking head. The power right now is in the House.

I thought there was another republican candidate that is challenging her in the primary, could be wrong though.

I think Chad Moody is running against her.

I thought there was another republican candidate that is challenging her in the primary, could be wrong though.

Dorman for the D
Prawdzienski for the I
Fallin for the R

Bill To Fix Crumbling OK Capitol Fails In House - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25324897/bill-to-fix-crumbling-capitol-fails-in-house)

Doing all the make pretty renovations while continuing to ignore structural and mechanical issues is a bit like taking an old classic car chassis and installing new carpet and seat covers before you fix the rusted through floorboard and the broken and rusted over convertible top mechanism that won't let the top close off. Sure, it can be done, but you look pretty damn foolish.

Doing all the make pretty renovations while continuing to ignore structural and mechanical issues is a bit like taking an old classic car chassis and installing new carpet and seat covers before you fix the rusted through floorboard and the broken and rusted over convertible top mechanism that won't let the top close off. Sure, it can be done, but you look pretty damn foolish.

Common sense and logic has no place here!

Well, at least there is still a chance...


Oklahoma Senate Passes Bill For Capitol Repairs

Posted: Apr 24, 2014 12:26 PM CDT
Updated: Apr 24, 2014 12:26 PM CDT
By Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Oklahoma Senate has resurrected a plan to spend up to $160 million to repair the nearly 100-year-old state Capitol.
The Senate voted 33-9 Thursday for a House-passed resolution that would authorize repairs to the Capitol. The bill called for vote of the people on whether to issue $120 million in bonds to pay for repairs, but the Senate amended it to authorize a bond issue of up to $160 million without a public vote.

The bill now goes back to the House.

On Tuesday, the House defeated a Senate bill to authorize up to $160 million in bonds for Capitol repairs.

Supporters and opponents agree that the Capitol needs extensive repairs. But they disagree on how to pay for them.

- Oklahoma Senate Passes Bill For Capitol Repairs - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25332063/oklahoma-senate-passes-bill-for-capitol-repairs)

Weird that Mr conservative fiscal hawk TW Shannon approved capitol renovations where window treatments alone were several thousand dollars apiece. I guess he's one of those do as I say not as I do types.

I don't get it. You want the Capitol building fixed and rip tea-party republicans when they don't vote for it - and then when they DO vote for it you ding them on hypocracy. Then we all sit back and woner why politicans don't do what the people want. This is one of the reasons why.

I don't get it. You want the Capitol building fixed and rip tea-party republicans when they don't vote for it - and then when they DO vote for it you ding them on hypocracy. Then we all sit back and woner why politicans don't do what the people want. This is one of the reasons why.

Because how the Repubs here are doing the renovations is absurd. Who fixes room decor while the roof and plumbing still leak??

Because how the Repubs here are doing the renovations is absurd. Who fixes room decor while the roof and plumbing still leak??

I agree that structural repairs should be a prioirty but that wasn't what onethestrip was talking about in his post. Sadly, I think that the will of the people to have nice public buildings has already been lost, and once lost is almost impossible to be regained. In 50 years the State of Oklahoma, if it even exist in current form, will be governed from a pile of rubble. While the people of OKC seem to have rekindled some civic pride, the state as a whole seems to have almost no pride of ownership in anything.

Update from NewsOk


Plans to finish funding the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City may be considered by the Legislature this session even though the House failed to hear a bill to draw $40 million from the state’s unclaimed property fund to complete the long-stalled project.

One of the bill’s authors, Rep. David Dank, R-Oklahoma City, said Monday lawmakers are discussing the possibility of paying for the project through an appropriations bill that would stagger funding over three years.

Under that approach, $15 million would be provided the first year, $15 million the second and $10 million the third. The money likely would still come from the unclaimed property fund.

“I’m hopeful that can happen,” Dank said. “We’ll keep working on it until we get it done.”

Private backers of the project have pledged to provide $40 million to finish the project if the state also puts up $40 million.

“We have those private people who have committed money for it,” Dank said. “Those commitments are just good through this session. We’ve got to get it done, otherwise the state will be looking at having to provide $80 million instead of $40 million.

“It could be a real boon to this state. It is history, culture and heritage. It will draw thousands of people here every year and will pay for itself.”

A bill to provide $40 million for the project in one lump sum passed the Senate and two House committees, but House Speaker Jeff Hickman did not allow it to come to a floor vote, saying he wanted it to have the support of 51 Republicans in the House before he did so.

- Efforts to fund Oklahoma City Indian museum and cultural center move to appropriations process | News OK (http://newsok.com/efforts-to-fund-oklahoma-city-indian-museum-and-cultural-center-move-to-appropriations-process/article/4569026)

I agree that structural repairs should be a prioirty but that wasn't what onethestrip was talking about in his post. Sadly, I think that the will of the people to have nice public buildings has already been lost, and once lost is almost impossible to be regained. In 50 years the State of Oklahoma, if it even exist in current form, will be governed from a pile of rubble. While the people of OKC seem to have rekindled some civic pride, the state as a whole seems to have almost no pride of ownership in anything.
It's not the state as a whole, it is the tea party libertarians that recognize no value in it. The people want fiscal responsibility, not just cheap. There's a difference.

It's not a dead issue, if you read the article. Just determining a way to fund it. Sounds like some are gun shy to take a stand on the funding method.

I still don't understand why it's regarded as a pretty bad idea to make a withdraw from the Rainy Day Fund to pay for capitol repairs, unless it's felt all the money now available in there and more will be needed in case a 9.0 earthquake hits or a bunch of F-5 tornadoes hit highly populated parts of the state.

Yep, it makes no sense to me why fixing it isn't a priority. I have less and less faith in the legislative ability to get anything positive done.

Yep, it makes no sense to me why fixing it isn't a priority. I have less and less faith in the legislative ability to get anything positive done.

Apparently...so does Mary according to the daily Oklahoman article this week. It is amazing now that we have all three branches controlled by the same party and there is more division than before all three were GOP controlled.

Apparently...so does Mary according to the daily Oklahoman article this week. It is amazing now that we have all three branches controlled by the same party and there is more division than before all three were GOP controlled.

Remember the movie Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian when Richard Daily asks Ivan the Terrible, Darth Vader, Al Capone, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Kahmunrah whose in charge and they all claim to be in charge... it is just like that. Same thing happened to the Dems in Obama's first 2 years.

Concrete chunk falls into Okla. Capitol office - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25494487/concrete-chunk-falls-into-okla-capitol-office)

This is getting bad


OKLAHOMA CITY - State officials are describing Oklahoma's State Capitol Building as a dangerous place to work, while lawmakers continue debating over how best to pay for a fix.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma's Department of Labor opened an investigation concerning employees' safety. John Estus with Management and Enterprise Services tells News 9 something falls apart on the building about every week. On the outside, large gaps and cracks can be seen. On the inside, the smell of raw sewage fills the halls of the basement.

"We have things falling from the ceiling and things coming up from beneath the floor," said Estus.

Estus helps manage the iconic state government building. He says lawmakers have kicked the can down the road for more than four years. Now is the time, according to Estus and his peers. They say the building is a safety hazard.

Plumbing, electric work and structural concerns are all part of an estimated $160 million price tag. Experts warn the dollar amount will only go up if something isn't done now. On Monday, money was no longer the main concern -- people's lives are at risk.

"Had he been in here when this fell, it would have been a bad situation," Estus said.

A four-pound chunk of rock came crashing through the ceiling onto a staffer's desk Monday. No one was injured, according to state officials. The same office reeks of water mixed with feces. At times, the smell is similar to that of an outdoor toilet on a hot summer day. The sewage has been found on floors and has soaked carpet in some areas.

- OK Dept. of Labor Investigates State Capitol Workers' Safety - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25507041/ok-dept-of-labor-investigates-state-capitol-workers-safety)

Whoever is in charge of building maintenance should just condemn the entire building, that might get the politicians to do something about it.

This could easily turn into a story where we are ridiculed in the national press, and I'm not sure I could argue that it wouldn't be deserved.

Our Capitol building is an art museum masquerading as a seat of government. To allow maintenance to go on this long without remediation is both unconscionable and embarrassing. State bonded indebtedness is low as are interest rates for borrowing. It should be fixed now.

I've live here for 23 years and never set foot in the capitol building until this past fall. And I was astonished by all the art. I had no idea. How many others like me are out there?

I've live here for 23 years and never set foot in the capitol building until this past fall. And I was astonished by all the art. I had no idea. How many others like me are out there?
I've made a visit every couple of years since childhood and I still find it so fascinating. It is absolutely beyond me how this building is not getting the attention is deserves. To me, it is emblematic of our attitude towards our built environment.

Let's think - we are in Oklahoma where a lot of people think the government should be run like a business. If a business had a 100 year old building falling down around them, they would probably salvage and sell whatever they could, bulldoze it and build a nice, new cheap one.

Maybe we should put our legislators in a tilt up concrete panel building with minimal facilities and comfort for them. No offices, just one big cubicle farm. After all, that's a what business would do. Right?

The concept of public goods is foreign to many people, including a very large percentage of the members of the legislature. They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.....their inability to accomplish something as basic as funding the maintenance and repair of the state capitol is indicative of the dysfunction in that body created by how people vote. So ultimately, the responsibility lies with the voters who evidently do not place a very high value on public infrastructure other than pavement.

Sorry DavidD, you are way off the mark. Those legislators who vote against a bond to remediate our capitol to its glory should be assigned office space in Valley Brook trailer homes.

Let's think - we are in Oklahoma where a lot of people think the government should be run like a business. If a business had a 100 year old building falling down around them, they would probably salvage and sell whatever they could, bulldoze it and build a nice, new cheap one.

Maybe we should put our legislators in a tilt up concrete panel building with minimal facilities and comfort for them. No offices, just one big cubicle farm. After all, that's a what business would do. Right?

The concept of public goods is foreign to many people, including a very large percentage of the members of the legislature. They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.....their inability to accomplish something as basic as funding the maintenance and repair of the state capitol is indicative of the dysfunction in that body created by how people vote. So ultimately, the responsibility lies with the voters who evidently do not place a very high value on public infrastructure other than pavement.


Sorry DavidD, you are way off the mark. Those legislators who vote against a bond to remediate our capitol to its glory should be assigned office space in Valley Brook trailer homes.

We need like buttons on this thread.

... should be assigned office space in Valley Brook trailer homes.

As a money-saving measure. Think of the reduction in transportation costs to all the strip clubs!

Unfortunately, if it's even possible, I think we might get less attention to the issues if there were distracted by the proximity of such things.

The juxtaposition of a (relatively new) Dome, on top of a crumbling Capitol Building, somehow reminds me of an old Homer and Jethro Tuneparody . . . (or . . . perhaps . . . it's more akin to something from Weird Al Yankovic or Bob and Ray . . .) [insert Youtube Vids of Choice]

In any--or either--case, it stands outside of my Circle of Influence and is just over the border into my Circle of Concern. =)
(yup: Olde School Non-MormonMason StephanCoveyite. =)

The juxtaposition of a (relatively new) Dome, on top of a crumbling Capitol Building somehow reminds me of an old Homer and Jethro Tuneparody . . .
(or . . . perhaps . . . it's more like something from Weird Al Yankovic or Bob and Ray . . .) [insert Youtube Vids of Choice]

Whatever. It certainly isn't a battle I can win and clearly stands outside of my circles of influence and concern. sort of. =)

Sorry for the redundant post. Really.

Did you just argue with yourself?

I think he did.

Another 'plan'... -___-


Plans to fix the crumbling state Capitol appear to be advancing in the Oklahoma Legislature.

The House previously rejected a Senate bill for a $160 million bond measure to fix plumbing, electrical systems and parts of the building’s facade, but House leaders are now discussing a similar but slightly smaller proposal.


The new plan envisions a $120 million bond measure. The bonds would be retired in 10 years to save on interest

- read more here: Crumbling Oklahoma Capitol: New plan emerging to fix crumbling building | News OK (http://newsok.com/crumbling-oklahoma-capitol-new-plan-emerging-to-fix-crumbling-building/article/4817099)

I think he did.I think he noticed there was an argument within his original argument and needed to address the issue before it got out of hand(not foot, there is a difference). That's my take anyways.

I think he noticed there was an argument within his original argument and needed to address the issue before it got out of hand(not foot, there is a difference). That's my take anyways.

Are you arguing with yourself now?

Are you arguing with yourself now?Maybe it's contagious?