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State officials grapple with future of insurance premium support program for Oklahoma’s working poor

Patrick B. McGuigan — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:24:48 +0000

Governor Mary Fallin

By Patrick B. McGuigan
Associate Editor

Oklahoma leaders remain cautiously optimistic about preserving a popular insurance premium support program, designed and implemented in 2004 with bipartisan support, which benefits the working poor.

On May 9, Leavitt Partners, a consultant to Oklahoma’s Health Care Authority (HCA), encouraged state officials to extend Insure Oklahoma, despite the Obama Administration’s decision to spike the program’s Medicaid revenue stream.

Cindy Mann, director of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at the U.S. Department of Human Services, based in Baltimore, Maryland, delivered the death sentence to the Oklahoma program — created in 2004 by a popular vote, and fashioned by a bipartisan consensus – in a May 7 letter.

Referencing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Mann wrote, “The new law will mean that an extension of the Insure Oklahoma program without any changes is not possible.”

In her letter, Mann contended the federal government is “committed to working with you on approaches that work for Oklahoma.” However, she continued, the SoonerCare section 1115 demonstration (No 11-@-00048/6) includes enrollment caps which “will not be approved.”

Mann suggested the program, which has provided access to the insurance market for thousands of low-income working Oklahomans could be revised to include “products available in the individual and small business insurance market.” She wrote the federal agency “would welcome working with you … consistent with our guidance.”

Despite the agency’s refusal, Mann wrote, “should the state decide to phase out the Insure Oklahoma program at the end of 2013, a phase out plan as provided for in paragraph 9 of your approved Special Terms and Conditions is due … by July 1, 2013.”

In a blunt reply to the letter from Mann, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said on May 8:
“This is the latest bad news in the ongoing train wreck that is the Affordable Care Act. It is outrageous that President Obama is actively dismantling the successful health care programs established by states in order to force citizens onto Obamacare health insurance plans.

“The president promised the American people, ‘if you like you’re health insurance, you can keep it.’ He has not kept his word. Thirty thousand Oklahomans participating in Insure Oklahoma – and many more Americans across the country – are being forced off their health insurance plans.

“The president also promised the nation’s governors his administration would grant states the flexibility to pursue state-based solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies. Again, that has proven to be untrue, as Oklahoma and other states are now finding their programs and waivers under assault by the Obama Administration.”

In a presentation to HCA last Thursday, Leavitt’s Michael Deily recommended several possible steps to increase health insurance access for low income Oklahomans. In some scenarios, the state could revise Insure Oklahoma to meet requirements of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

After Leavitt’s “power point” presentation, Nico Gomez, chief executive officer at HCA, said he was interested in the recommendation to preserve Insure Oklahoma: “We have a state innovative program called Insure Oklahoma that we’ve had since 2004 and we’d like to figure out a way to keep that operation because it’s doing exactly what the Affordable Care Act is attempting to do but in a more responsible way.”

However, other analysts caution against any form of “ObamaCare” implementation. Some have suggested the state decouple Insure Oklahoma from federal Medicaid funding, instead using exclusively resources from the Tobacco Settlement fund to preserve the acclaimed program that provides insurance premium assistance to many of the Sooner State’s the working poor.

In response to question from The City Sentinel, Gov. Fallin’s spokesman explained a comment on low income health care she made in a speech to the spring task force of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

Alex Weintz, communications director for the chief executive, said she would be reviewing the Leavitt Partners recommendations, but “She has not proposed using Medicaid dollars to purchase private insurance, although she is aware that others have.”

www.CapitolBeatOK.com

Heather Meldrum Named the 2013-2014 Oklahoma City Public School Teacher of the Year

Pam Paul — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:20:08 +0000

Heather Meldrum, a fifth grade teacher at Stanley F. Hupfeld Academy at Western Village, reacts in surprise after being named the 2013-14 Oklahoma City Public School Teacher of the Year. Meldrum is the first charter school teacher ever to win the honor. Other finalists for the honor were Michael Spellis (Taft Middle, first runner-up), Sherry Dew (Webster Middle), Susan Bumgarner (Wilson), Suzanne Carter (Telstar), Adelita Dixon-Hernandez (Capitol Hill High), Mary Johnson (Rancho Village), Lisa Ummel-Ingram (Wheeler) and Kristin Whitmore (Sequoyah). The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools organizes the annual competition. Photo provided.

Staff report

Heather Meldrum, a fifth grade teacher at Stanley F. Hupfeld Academy at Western Village, reacts in surprise after being named the 2013-14 Oklahoma City Public School Teacher of the Year. Meldrum is the first charter school teacher ever to win the honor. Other finalists for the honor were Michael Spellis (Taft Middle, first runner-up), Sherry Dew (Webster Middle), Susan Bumgarner (Wilson), Suzanne Carter (Telstar), Adelita Dixon-Hernandez (Capitol Hill High), Mary Johnson (Rancho Village), Lisa Ummel-Ingram (Wheeler) and Kristin Whitmore (Sequoyah). The Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools organizes the annual competition. Photo provided.

“Invisible Eve” exhibit goes behind bars in Oklahoma to reveal women all but forgotten

Pam Paul — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:18:07 +0000

The opening reception of Invisible Eve exhibit will be held on Thursday, May 30, from 5 – 8 p.m., at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, in Oklahoma City.

By Darla Shelden
Contributing Writer

The state of Oklahoma incarcerates more women per capita than any other state in the nation. The majority of them are imprisoned for non-violent or drug-related offenses.

In the book, Invisible Eve, award-winning photographer and writer Yousef Khanfar goes behind prison walls to capture the essence of women who he believes are “cast away and forgotten.”

The opening reception of Invisible Eve will be held on Thursday, May 30, from 5 – 8 p.m., in the Tulsa World Gallery at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum, 1400 Classen Dr., in Oklahoma City.

For more than three and a half years, Khanfar photographed women incarcerated in Oklahoma for nonviolent crimes.

The Invisible Eve exhibit features black and white portraits of these women, which will be displayed alongside their personal messages.

“After I took the portrait of each female, I asked them to write words of wisdom to the next generation,” said Khanfar. “Their messages are insightful, some powerful and some painful.”

The George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), the book’s sponsor, supports a number of programs focused on reducing the rate of female incarceration and improving Oklahoma’s criminal justice system.

“In the book you will see an aunt and niece in the same facility,” said Khanfar. “They both cried when I took their photos. You will also see that some of them have life sentences, for non-violent crimes.”

After investigating the impact on children and families, GKFF has identified the problem as a significant area of concern related to its mission of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

“We are not advocating crime should go without punishment,” said Khanfar. “We are advocating they need rehabilitation and a lesser degree of punishment for women.”

While working on the project, Khanfar understood he might not be able to help the women inside prison, but he believed their voices might help women on the outside.

“I was impressed by their love to save young souls on the outside, rather than loving to be saved from the inside,” Khanfar added. “All they want is somebody to give them a voice, so they can be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

“Their desire, as much as mine, is that people find wisdom within their messages, where the fault of one being might be the salvation of another.”
Of Palestinian origin, Khanfar was born and raised in Kuwait, where he grew up exposed to images of war and violence. Photography has become his voice to express his feelings about that experience.

In 2003, RotoVision, a British design and photography publication named Khanfar one of the world’s top photographers. His book, In Search of Peace, was named the 2007 Independent Publisher’s Outstanding Book of the Year.
Also in 2007, he was selected by Mont Blanc and UNICEF as Artist of the Year to work with the United Nations in their effort to promote literacy around the world.

Khanfar’s art has been collected and exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. His work is included in the permanent collection of the International Photography Hall of Fame.

“As an artist, I can show people where to look, but I can not tell them what to see,” said Khanfar. “It seems all the dreadful things about the prison system are coming to the surface.

“I just want to take everybody back to basics and remind them that women are still the center of the family, nation and civilization.”
This exhibit was made possible by the Dr. Ranivah Ramadan Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes higher education and research in the health sciences.

“My great hope is, as a nation and people, that we can stand proud one day and say, we are number one in respecting women and lead the world,” Khanfar said.

The public is invited to the opening reception, which will include an artist talk and book signing.

Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. Space is limited. RSVP to Marissa Boswell at 405-523-3231 or mb@oklahomaheritage.com.

To learn more about the Invisible Eve project, visit www.invisibleeve.com.

President Declares Disaster for Oklahoma

Staff Report — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:20:32 +0000

News Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that federal disaster aid has been made available to the State of Oklahoma to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms and tornadoes beginning May 18, 2013, and continuing.

The President’s action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding is also available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in Cleveland, Lincoln, McClain, Oklahoma, and Pottawatomie counties.

Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Sandy Coachman has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Coachman said that damage surveys are continuing in other areas, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or by web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Follow FEMA online at blog.fema.gov, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Federal meddling and intra-tribal fights impede western Oklahoma economy

Patrick B. McGuigan — Wed, 15 May 2013 23:17:12 +0000

By Patrick B. McGuigan

This is a review and analysis of a story about power – Federal power, Tribal power, State power and the power of economic interests, including lawyers, to impact all of the above, and more.

In western Oklahoma, tension and drama seem perpetually to surround the governance of the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes. The events of 2013 are maintaining that baneful tradition.

Local operatives of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) have gummed up the operations of the common government of the Two Tribes, preventing the administration of Governor Janice Prairie-Chief Boswell from operating independently.

According to the federal government – as in the Interior Department in Washington, D.C., ostensibly the managing unit over BIA — Janice Prairie-Chief Boswell was legitimately elected as the governor of the C&A Tribes in January 2010. Her victory ousted a scandal-tainted incumbent, Darrell Flyingman.

At the time the Tribes’ Supreme Court, led by OCU law professor Dennis Arrow, had been called into question by three BIA P.L. 93-638 federal funding reports in 2007, 2008, and again later in 2010. (These reports are generated in compliance with the Nixon-era self-determination act, which allows tribes to contract with the federal government to manage disbursement of federal funds.) These federal reports questioned whether or not the tribal court had been legitimately appointed.

Immediately following the report in 2010, then-new Gov. Boswell appointed a new tribal High Court, led by Chief Judge Dan Webber, a respected attorney. (Mr. Webber practices in Blaine County, has represented several Tribal members over the years and is the father of the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.)

The opposing faction in the Tribes’ legislature tried to stop the Webber appointment. It became nonetheless effective because there was no formal objection within the thirty day prescribed period in the Tribes’ 2006 Constitution. Ironically, the so-called default appointment was the same way the previous governor, Flyingman, had named a lower court judge in 2008.

The legitimacy of Mr. Webber’s court was then questioned by the competing court, which immediately thereafter recognized an impeachment proceeding against Gov. Boswell by a minority faction of the Tribes legislature.

That faction was loyal to the Tribes’ former Gov. Flyingman and then-new Lt. Gov. Leslie Harjo. Harjo had turned against her boss Gov. Boswell, by chairing a meeting for Boswell’s impeachment.

This resulted in the BIA local and regional offices — who had long tilted toward the Flyingman Administration of the past – to effectively question the elected leadership of the Tribes for purposes of crucial federally funded P.L. 93-638 programs.
Eventually, Interior Department appeals ensued. The Agency, on an interim basis, recognized Boswell as governor for the execution of tribal P.L. 93-638 programs. This action, however, didn’t end the dispute.

Since appeals began, lower levels of the BIA bureaucracy have continually sowed confusion by sending some of the Tribes’ funds from federally lands and mineral rights — held in trust for the benefit of the C&A peoples — to the Harjo faction. This action apparently took place to create a legal situation of confusion, where higher administrators for BIA might have to, as a practical matter, accept Harjo and the anti-Boswell impeachment effort as de facto legitimate, thus avoiding or confusing impending Cobell-style litigation (i.e. for having sent tribal funds to the wrong person or persons).

Betty Tippiconnic, Agency Superintendent, took no blame for the matter because she was in Washington D.C. The local office’s number two person, Scott McCorkle, initially stated that Ms. Tippiconnic had told him to send the funds to the wrong person (Harjo) – but reversed course, revising the story and calling it a clerical error.

Sure enough, Cobell-styled litigation then ensued. Boswell’s Attorney General, Charlie Morris, filed suit in federal court for the return of funds locked up in a bank in Ada, Oklahoma. Millions in the Tribes’ trust funds remain effectively frozen because of the matter (At that point, it was about $2 million, but the amount has grown.)

Meanwhile the Harjo faction has continued to fight the issue, with the help of the Tribes’ bank in Clinton Oklahoma, First National Bank. The bank was able to get another $6.4 million, consisting of largely of P.L. 93-638 program funds, locked up in a Custer County court while the dispute over C&A leadership is on appeal.

This confusion and overreach continues, even though the BIA has long since recognized Boswell as — at least on an interim basis until appeals are over — proper signatory for the funds.

The bank’s law firm, Crowe & Dunlevy, and counsel Scott Meacham, asked the state court to make a decision on who the funds should be sent to — and then asked the court to appropriate funds for legal fees for the bank’s lawyers.

As for that bank, it is led by Barry Sewell, who is now facing serious charges involving a drunk driving arrrest and was recently charged with bribery in connection thereto.

In that Custer County case regarding the funds, the bank has asked the court to let it release the funds to the Tribes’ treasury at Concho. Good.
However, denial of funds to the Harjo faction resulted in an appeal to the state Supreme Court. That case now sits awaiting decision.
The C&A Tribes employ 1,600 people – 1,300 of whom are tribal members – but presently cannot access most of the funds to pay bills.

Payroll is effected, and that means the regional and state economy is hurting. Payroll represents 75 percent of the C&A Tribes’ total yearly budget. The valid government of the C&As has had to reduce employees to 32 hours a week and lay off others while millions in federal trust and program funds are essentially frozen in the court.

Is all this delay and maneuvering part of an effort to influence the next tribal election, returning the discredited Flyingman faction to power?
Typical BIA leadership appeals do not get resolved prior to pending elections. The problem with this one is it has spawned two tribal Supreme Courts and two Election Commissions which figure to hold their own elections unless the BIA rules before the next scheduled election this fall.

The Harjo faction “attorney general,” Jeremy Oliver of Pauls Valley, faces felony allegations of sexual mishavior. Harjo herself allegedly assaulted a Boswell adviser. As mentioned above, the head of the bank that has tied up the Tribes’ funds faces drunk driving and bribery allegations.

Meanwhile the local BIA offices in Concho and Anadarko – packed by supporters of with former Governor Flyingman and disputed Lt. Gov. Harjo — say they don’t recognize that anyone is in charge of the tribes’ government, even though Washington D.C. says Boswell is the recognized governor, pending appeal, on an interim basis.

All this drama and tension unfolds against the backdrop of a tribal government that has grown from 60 federally funded jobs just 20 years ago to become west central Oklahoma’s leading employer. With those 1,600 jobs, and a payroll that is 75% of its overall budget, the C&As are now “players” in the regional and state economy.

For Oklahoma and the region it makes sense, at the least, to let that impacat continue and even finds ways to enhance it.

As for the BIA’s role in gumming up tribal administration, and the role of bankers in blocking legitimate access to tribal resources these are the equivalent of conpiracy in practical effect, if not in legal effect.

How’s that for paternalism? This is a matter that should raise the concern of everyone interested in state-tribal relations, the growing economic clout of the Oklahoma’s Tribes in general and the C&As in particular, and just plain good government.

There is no magic wand to cure federal BIA dysfunction, which is historic and ongoing. But a few intermediate steps could help – starting with the state Courts restoring access to bank funds for the recognized leadership of the Cheyenne & Arapaho peoples.

NOTE: McGuigan is associate publisher of The City Sentinel , where this analysis first appeared online. He is also the editor of CapitolBeatOK. McGuigan writes frequently on water policy, state-tribal relations and the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. This spring, his coverage of the Tribes won first place in the Diversity Reporting category from the Society of Professional Journalists, Oklahoma pro chapter.

Healthy cooking with spices and herbs workshop

Staff Report — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:17:45 +0000

staff report

As Americans try harder to improve their diets by decreasing fat and sugar, the challenge to make dishes tasty as well as healthy becomes that much more important.

To help residents learn to enhance their food and their health by using flavorful spices and herbs when cooking, the Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Service will host a $10 “Healthy Cooking with Spices and Herbs” workshop Tuesday, May 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Even the most low-fat, low-calorie foods can be part of a delicious meal when using spices and herbs,” explained Amanda Horn, a Registered Dietitian who is a Family and Consumer Sciences Educator for the Oklahoma County OSU Cooperative Extension Service. “Many of us don’t know which herbs work best with what foods, but by learning, we can improve the quality of the foods we eat.”

Not only will participants learn to use fresh herbs and fragrant spices to flavor their dishes, but Monica Arndt, an Herb Farmer from Skyridge Farms in Jones, OK, will be on hand to demonstrate how easily fresh herbs can be grown at home.

Students in the workshop will get to observe hands-on food demonstrations that reveal how easily simple dishes can be improved with fresh herbs or spices.

“We want everyone in our workshop to see how easy it is to prepare great-tasting dishes that are low in fat and calories, but high in taste,” commented Horn, who will be teaching the class.

Participants will also be shown how to plant their own small herb gardens in pots for easy access and each workshop guest will get the opportunity to plant a pot of herbs to take home and place in a sunny location.

“We’ll work with our horticulture experts to help participants understand how to grow their own fresh herbs so they will have a good supply to use in their cooking,” said Horn. “Many of us don’t know a lot about herbs and spices, but many fresh herbs have been proven to have positive health effects.”

“Healthy Cooking with Spices and Herbs” will be held at the OSU Cooperative Extension Auditorium, located at 930 N. Portland in Oklahoma City.
“We want this to be a fun, hands-on opportunity for people to learn more about how to cook with spices and herbs, as well as grow their own herbs,” Horn explained.

To register or for more information, contact the OSU Cooperative Extension Service at 713-1125.

Coalition dinner features former LA District Attorney turned death penalty abolitionist

Darla Shelden — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:08:25 +0000

Attending the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty’s 22nd Annual Membership and Awards Dinner are (L-R) State Senator Constance N. Johnson, winner of the Phil Wahl Abolitionist of the Year Award; attorney Mark Henricksen, who received the Opio Toure Courageous Advocate Award; OK-CADP co-chair Lydia Gill Polley, honored with the Lifetime Abolitionist Award; and Gil Garcetti, keynote speaker and former Los Angeles District Attorney, turned anti death penalty spokesperson. Photo by Darla Shelden.

By Darla Shelden
Contributing Writer

Nearly 200 guests from across the state gathered at the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty’s 22nd Annual Membership and Awards Dinner recently held in Oklahoma City.

The evening featured keynote speaker former Los Angeles District Attorney, Gil Garcetti, who shared why, after a 32 year career in law enforcement, he now advocates for abolishing the death penalty.

Participants including legislators, lawyers, judges, district attorneys, ministers, students and death penalty abolitionists gave a standing ovation after hearing Garcetti’s transformation story.

“I supported the death penalty while I was a Los Angeles County District Attorney, but I decided to change my position some years after I left office,” said Garcetti.

He learned that the death penalty costs the state of California $158 million every year.

Among his concerns were the immense costs of prosecutions, appeals process, and incarceration on death row and even more critical, the possibility of innocence.

Garcetti says he believes that murder victims’ families become victims themselves as they face years of torment by the legal process.
“You can ask for a speedy trial, but then you must ask did we really have all the facts before the execution.

“Since 1978 there have been 142 condemned prisoners on death row in the US that have been exonerated,” Garcetti said. “Oklahoma has had 10. Those 142 cases took roughly 14 years on average, between conviction and exoneration.”

Garcetti questions if America can afford the financial, moral or ethical costs and doubts that all prisoners on deat

h row are guilty.
“When an innocent person is executed, you can’t bring them back,” he said.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater attended the event. “Members of this group are constituents of mine,” said Prater. “It’s very important to me what they think about the issues that I deal with on a daily basis.

“This is a group of wonderful people who I love, and though we may disagree on certain issues, I believe that it is important to continue an open and civil dialogue.”

Garcetti said, “I believe that if you keep someone in prison for the rest of their life, without possibility of parole, in the general population, society is protected. That is just punishment, and it’s so much cheaper.

“Given that it is proven that the death penalty doesn’t deter these horrific crimes – what is its purpose? Revenge? Probably.”

“If you really want to do something about preventing crime, you don’t execute someone. You put the money in schools, where kids can really learn. That’s where it all begins,” Garcetti added, noting 78 percent of all prisoners in the US are school dropouts.

“I hope that a DA, a chief of police, a sheriff, a judge, a legislator, a law school professor will hear what I’ve said, and that it will inspire her or him to undertake a study of the death penalty in Oklahoma,” challenged Garcetti. “First look at its costs, both financial and emotional and talk to your victims.

“I know there are individuals in the audience that have the respect and authority to undertake such a study. Maybe my trip to your state will be more than simply preaching to the choir. I hope so.”

Three OK-CADP members were recognized for their outstanding service.

State Senator Constance N. Johnson received the Phil Wahl Abolitionist of the Year Award presented by board member Marilyn Knott.

The Opio Toure Courageous Advocate Award was presented by board member Margaret Cox to attorney Mark Henricksen.

“The most effective way to stop this madness is when we finally convince the legislature that if it really wants to continue killing poor people it is going to have to raise the taxes on rich people,” said Henricksen

“I think that many people in this room will live to see the abolition of the death penalty in this country,” he added. “Collectively we are going to eliminate this stain on our national conscience.”

Co-chair Rex Friend bestowed the Lifetime Abolitionist Award to Lydia Gill Polley, calling her the “heart and soul” of the organization.
Recipients of the new Bob Lemon Capitol Defense Attorney Scholarships were announced. It fosters ongoing professional development for more effective defending and appealing of death sentences.

Inaugural Scholarships went to Janella Spurlock, Investigator/Mitigation Specialist; Michael Johns, Capital Investigator; and Shena Burgess, Deputy Chief Public Defender from the Tulsa County Public Defenders Office and Joe Robertson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System.
Ben Jones, commuted from death, to life, then to freedom in 2011, and Tina Jenkins, sister of Ernest Marvin Carter, executed in 2002, read the names of those executed in the US during 2012-2013.

Family members of Mark Andrew Fowler, executed in 2001, Timothy Shaun Stemple and Garry Thomas Allen, both executed in 2012, were also present.
Polley said, “I believe that our job is to bring this issue of the death penalty out of the shadows and into the light of facts and reality. I believe we can overcome the sense of vengeance with love and misconceptions with facts.”

For more information, visit www.okcadp.org

Dad’s Plumbing CEO honored for creative solution for handicapped restroom use

Special to the Paper — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:27:16 +0000

Special to the paper- Jack Werner
Owner, A to Z Inspections

What an exciting evening at the Skirvin Hotel! Last Thursday The Journal Record presented the 2013 Innovator of the Year awards. Recipients from around Oklahoma showed two things: creativity and caring for the business and for others. It was a special night to see a young member of the A to Z Group, Todd Feehan, owner of Dad’s Plumbing, receive his Innovator of the Year award.

Several plumbers had been called on different occasions to repair a toilet that was being continually dislodged when it was struck by the electric wheelchair of a seriously handicapped person. She stayed at home alone all day while the family worked. When the toilet became disabled, she had no access to it and had to wait for assistance until someone returned home from work in the evening.

Todd cared enough to use his time and talent to craft a permanent solution—the Kelly Plate. Creating a solution just because we care—that’s what creativity, capability, and caring can accomplish for clients. And that’s why Dad’s Plumbing and Todd Feehan are part of “Your House A to Z.” Congratulations, Todd!

Todd Feehan has sixteen years experience in plumbing and owns Dad’s Plumbing. He can be reached at 405/602-2615. Jack L. Werner, Ph.D., is the owner of A to Z Inspections. He was the first designated Master Inspector by ORCIA (Oklahoma Residential and Commercial Inspection Association). Werner holds a degree in construction from OSU and teaches Certified Aging in Place Specialist and Universal Design & Build courses for the National Association of Home Builders. He can be reached at 405/412-7861.

Smart Play: OSU’s all-star Freshman of the Year honored along with Burke, Larranaga, Izzo

Patrick B. McGuigan — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:19:35 +0000

From left, Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State University, named Wayman Tisdale Basketball player of the year for men’s NCAA basketball, greets Jason Stverak, president of the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity. Smart, who decided late last week to return to the Cowboys squad for his sophomore season, received his award at the 2013 Devon College Basketball Awards dinner, held last week at the National Cowboy Museum. Stverak was one of the “Frosh” sponsors for the awards program. Photos by Patrick B. McGuigan.

By Patrick B. McGuigan
Associate Publisher

Throughout the evening at last week’s Devon Energy College Basketball Awards, fans gently lobbied Marcus Smart, the star player for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, to stick around for a second season at the school in Stillwater.

At the end of the evening, it was Michigan State University head men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo – winner of the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award – who drove the point home. Izzo pointed to Trey Burke, star player at the rival University of Michigan, and said bluntly that an extra year of college eligibility had made Burke a greater player.

Burke received the Oscar Robertson Award as the nation’s best male college player.

Smart, the Tisdale Freshman Player of the Year in men’s NCAA ball, hinted he was hearing the message. Just a couple of days after last week’s event at the National Cowboy Museum, he thrilled a packed house at the Student Union in Stillwater, saying he would return for another season. He led the Pokes to their best season in more than a decade, and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Also during the gala evening, Jim Larranaga of the University Miami received the Henry Iba Coach of the Year award, regaling the crowd with stories of his beloved high school coach who, half a century ago, set an example of service and excellence for him.

Both of the players, Burke and Smart, spoke eloquently but briefly, thanking their coaches and the huge contingent of fans from their schools who traveled to Oklahoma City for the awards program.

It was the two coaches, and the legendary Robertson, who lingered over their remarks – and the crowd loved it. Robertson was praised as the greatest high school basketball player of all time, and one of the legendary greats of the college and professional game, as well.

A professional all-star team member an incredible 12 times, Robertson was deemed the College Player of the Twentieth Century by the Associated Press. He delivered a stirring speech praising the two young men before their honors were received.

Coach Izzo was both earthy and eloquent, detailing the reasons he loves college basketball, his admiration for many of the other coaches and reporters in attendance, and the intensity of his belief in “giving back” through acts of charity. He had the audience laughing at his reference to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as the home of “eleven months of winter, and one month of bad sledding.”

Other speakers included Scott Hill, director of Access Sports, who described the charitable programs of his group, and his relationship with the Knights of Columbus, who host many of the tournaments and other activities for Access Sports held at the Santa Fe Family Life Center.

Fran Fraschilla returned as master of ceremonies for the awards, now based in Oklahoma City. Kicking off the evening were R. Allan Marcus on behalf of the sponsoring Devon Energy; and David Gillikin of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, who selected the winners honored at the annual event. Chuck Bowman, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, delivered the invocation.

In addition to Devon’s role as name sponsor for the basketball awards, Integris, Aflac and Shields Pipe Corporation were leading advocates for the program.

Other major supporters included Sandridge, Lamar, OGE, Quik Print, J.P. Morgan, Covenant Global Investors, First National Bank, Hudiburg Auto Group, Ken Davidson, Oklahoma Tank Lines, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, the OSU Foundation, the OU Foundation, the Franklin Center for Government & Public Integrity, and the the Oklahoma Council, Knights of Columbus.

Oklahoma City University raises the bar on energy management

Darla Shelden — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:06:58 +0000

Oklahoma City University Director of Facilities Jeff Castleberry looks at readings in real time on a meter donated by Eaton Corporation as part of their energy management plan. Photo provided.

By Darla Shelden
Contributing Writer

Oklahoma City University is participating in Earth Day every day. The university will implement a new energy management plan this spring aimed at making it one of the most energy-efficient schools in the nation.

OCU has partnered with THG Energy in Tulsa to create effective energy management initiatives. The efforts are designed to lower usage during peak demand hours and to educate students and employees about methods to conserve energy at work and home.

THG works with partners to help implement sustainable programs for achieving energy savings.

Since partnering with THG, OCU has already reduced energy consumption 10 percent and earned $19,181 in rebates from OGE for installing high efficiency light bulbs.

Although OCU is a private university, the plan addresses Gov. Mary Fallin’s energy efficiency law that requires public higher education institutions and state agencies to improve efficiency and conservation measures 20 percent by 2020.

OCU Director of Facilities Jeff Castleberry says that OCU already has cut average monthly energy use by 8 percent since 2010. He expects efficiency to improve another 5 percent in the next year and 20 percent before 2020.

OCU President Robert Henry said, “As a leader in private, liberal arts education, Oklahoma City University continues to implement innovative ways to nurture our students in a campus community that is both caring and creative.

“Thanks to proactive efforts by our facilities department, we are already on the cutting edge of energy saving innovations for private colleges and universities,” Henry continued. “Through our new energy management plan, we will continue to reduce consumption.”

Ten percent of OCU faculty and staff along with student representatives will work together across campus on “Green Teams” to improve energy efficiency in classrooms, offices and dorms. They will work to obtain Energy Star labels for new and existing buildings.

Arts & Sciences Dean, Mark Davies said, “There are student representatives on the Executive Green Team that is overseeing energy efficiency and efforts across campus. Green Teams student involvement will focus on increasing energy efficiency in each of the major buildings on campus.

“These students will be learning about Oklahoma City University’s energy usage and efficiency efforts. They will participate in educating our students, faculty, and staff concerning measures that will continue to make the campus more ecological sustainable.

“There will be some healthy competition among buildings that will be part of the process as we challenge each other to move towards greater efficiency,” Davies added.

Jim Roth, Chair, Alternative Energy Practice Group at Phillips Murrah law firm in Oklahoma City and OCU alumni said, “OCU’s leadership on energy efficiencies and conservation, as well as the many forward-thinking ideas from President Robert Henry, is proof that a great university can teach a student many valuable lessons both inside and outside of the curriculum and the classroom.

“What OCU will save in the years ahead will no doubt mean a richer college experience for every student enrolled today and in the years ahead,” Roth added.

Planned measures include software installation to reduce energy usage on campus computers and upgrading ice storage equipment with a system that will nearly eliminate the use of electricity for cooling during peak hours throughout the summer.

Davies said, “Students in our Environmental Studies major and in our Oikos Scholars Program for Social and Ecological Responsibility continue to engage the university efforts for energy efficiency both in and out of the classroom.

“These students will continue ongoing audits of the university’s sustainability practices as part of their research and service in a course titled ‘Sustainability and the Environment’ taught by Dr. Adam Ryburn, the Director of Oklahoma City University’s Environmental Studies Program.”

According to Davies, students will be making use of The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) made available by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, of which OCU is an institutional member.

Students participate in the Oklahoma City University Sustainability Council and in the student centered organization called Blue Goes Green. Both groups are involved in efforts to educate the campus about sustainability issues and practices.

For more information, visit www.okcu.edu.