It is hard to not get caught up in the regular campaign rhetoric that permeates through our radio, print, web, and radio habits. You have GOP candidates tying themselves to Governor Henry, publicizing the budget compromise and tax cut they did together, all the while spending and the growth of Oklahoma’s government keeps going through the roof.

Confusing is the first word that comes to my mind when describing the current state of political affairs in Oklahoma

Are we still the party of Goldwater, Lincoln, and Reagan? Do we still believe in limited government or don’t we? Do we believe in that government is too big or do we want to be part of expanding it even further?

Oklahoma is such a wonderful state, we should not have to prop up our economy on the backs of the oil and gas industry while the escalation of Native American gaming seems to become more and more prevalent in our state. What will happen when the oil bust comes? Just as in the 70’s and 80’s we did not plan or think ahead and we are just now getting to have a more diversified economy, but still the engines that drive our state’s economy are four cogs - petroleum, agriculture, Native American gaming, and the state’s number one employer, state government. We must work with the tribes so that they are not too reliant on gaming and together as a society we must pay for the ills of gambling. The problem will come if the other areas of our growth slow down, it will leave the state government out there extended with promises for this, that, or the other and we will be committed with the only way to pay for it will be tax increases.

Oklahoma is benefited by a couple of things that set us apart from those states around us. First, our geographic location of having three major interstate highways is an asset that needs to be utilized. The first step to open those doors of investment is getting rid of the turnpike system here in Oklahoma. Solid transportation networks are the base upon we base our economic development. Companies who have to pay tolls will figure that into the cost of transporting goods and will if they can figure a way to avoid our state. To make sure the roads are funded better than they have been for the last forty years of Democratic party control, we need to establish trust in people that gas taxes will go to fix roads, tag fees will only go to roads, not to the general piggy bank of the bureaucrats at 23rd and Lincoln. States that invest in infrastructure have a base level of where to start to build a pro business atmosphere where companies will want to move here, it is not the catch all, it is the first step.

Another thing we have that is an asset underutilized, our students coming out of college and career tech here in Oklahoma. How do we keep them here? One must admit there are a certain number of National Merit Scholars at OU and OSU that are recruited here from surrounding states, there is no reason for them to stay here, they want to go home and have a good job, we would love for them to stay, but the only way they will do that is a combination of good quality of life and opportunity for the American dream, primarily a quality job.

I suggest we change our lottery system. I disagree with having one, I don’t think it good to have, but the people have spoken. It is not going away, so I am thinking of changing the funding outflow. OHLAP is a great program if you ask me, in concept, in that if a Oklahoma high school student keeps a high GPA, they get a college scholarship. I want to bring the lottery to fund OHLAP. If you go to college or some post high school education system, graduate and then get a job here in Oklahoma, and you kept your grades up, then you get your school paid for. Also, if you attend a private, Christian college, you get a scholarship as well.

I think we may have to look into having a comprehensive and exhaustive look to include consolidation of administration of schools, consolidation of cities and county governments, look where we can really streamline and make our government better. Why can’t we have good government here in Oklahoma? Essentially have a centennial examination on where we are as a state. We need a complete look at what and where we want to go as a state as we go into our second 100 years? Do we want to be content to be in the bottom of all the important rankings or do we want our state to be one that other surrounding states look to for leadership in solving problems? I think prioritizing what government needs to do, we can do that well, then move on to the different opinions on what government should do. Oklahomans deserve no less.

Finally, people should question the rhetoric of campaigns and politicians. Elections are too important to be left to marketing and political experts who say playing a piano in a church looking setting or having a stained glass background will resonate with church going voters. Listen, then find out what they mean by it, some really mean what they say and portray, some are using visual messages to leave a less than honest view of the candidate on the voters mind. Look past the three prong, 30 second slick spot written by some advertising firm in Ohio, Austin, LA, DC or anywhere else. If a politician says trust me, question them harder. I think an active political landscape is healthy, and dialogue built in a constructive way is always good.

Kyle D. Loveless, the owner and founder of Phoenix Consulting, has spent the majority of his adult life in politics or working for his family's business. He is a Georgetown University graduate. Loveless is widely recognized as one of the up and comers in the political landscape of Oklahoma and the southwest. His opinion has been published by several different publications, from the newspaper Oklahoman, to the local weekly, The Oklahoma Tribune, to the online journal, SoonerPolitics.com.

He cut his political teeth on Capitol Hill as an intern for Congressman Ernest Istook and eventually worked his way up to campaign manager. Loveless has been involved in numerous political races including city council elections, state legislative seats, statewide races, and two successful re-election bids for Congressman Istook. He was the political consultant for the Denise Bode for Congress primary campaign, and the Mick Cornett for Congress runoff campaign. He is also currently Cleveland County Republican Party Chairman. He is married to his lovely wife, Summer Loveless and has two golden retrievers.

email: kyle@phnx-consulting.com