Since statehood, railroads have been a significant part of the Oklahoma’s transportation system. Since about the 1950′s, however, passenger rail options deteriorated for Oklahomans. Passenger rail has recently begun making a comeback, with a major interstate carrier, AMTRAK’s Heartland Flyer, providing service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. Freight transporters have continued to have many rail options, with short-line railroads, such as FarmRail and the Kiamichi Railroad, emerging to provide service to rural areas and small towns that larger companies ignored. By 2000, twenty-two railroad companies provided the Sooner State with interstate and intrastate rail service on about half of the mileage of track that had existed a century earlier, but do we need more?

Earlier this year, Oklahoma’s Department of Transportation was hoping to be a recipient of a portion of the $8 billion in stimulus grants for high-speed rail projects, but the majority of the money went to other states, including California, Florida and Illinois. ODOT had planned to use the money to provide high-speed rail service between downtown Oklahoma City and Tulsa along the I-44 Turner Turnpike corridor as well as updates to existing railroads in the state.

The advantages of rail in Oklahoma would include environmental and economic benefits in addition to providing Oklahomans more transportation choices. According to the Environmental Law and Policy Center, rail transport is three times as energy efficient as cars and six times as efficient as air travel. Rail travel reduces our reliance on foreign oil and is better for the environment. Rail travel could also spur the economy by providing jobs for Oklahomans and after completion would stimulate commerce, tourism and travel within the state.

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Oklahoma consistently ranks near the bottom nationally and regionally in the amount of money we devote to common education. While money spent on education does not necessarily equal results, it’s hard to argue that Oklahoma has been getting the best results–consistently losing our new teachers to surrounding states and consistently under-performing in many subject areas.

This November, a ballot initiative to modify the Oklahoma Constitution will be up for a vote of the people. SQ 744 would set a minimum average amount the State of Oklahoma must annually spend on common schools. According to the ballot language, “It requires the State to spend annually, no less than the average amount spent on each student by the surrounding states…Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado, and New Mexico.” In the event the average were to decline, the State would be required to spend the same amount as the year before. (You can learn more about SQ 744 at www.yeson744.com).

How do you feel about this ballot initiative?

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Rep. Sally Kern
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 332
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Re: Our Race to Represent House District 84 – An Open Letter

Dear Rep. Kern:

I’d like to introduce myself to you. We have only been in the same room briefly, when some fellow Young Democrats and I decided to meet at the Capitol on July 2, 2009. And we’ve both been interviewed at various times relating to our race for the legislature. I’m writing today to let you know how I intend to run this race, and to explain why I decided to challenge you for this seat in the legislature.

First, as much as we may disagree about policy or the role of government in the lives of individual Oklahomans, I will not be personally attacking you or your family. I urge my supporters to avoid personal attacks as well. I firmly believe that we can disagree without being disagreeable. Also, as a candidate myself, I feel a new sense of respect for any individual who is confident enough to put themselves on the line to run for a public office. It truly is a public service, and candidates deserve a certain level of personal respect.

With that said, there is no doubt that political races require the candidates to highlight differences. Where we have differences in policy, how we view the future, or how we view the role of government in the lives of individual Oklahomans, you can continue to expect to hear about those things from my campaign.

Next, there are a number of reasons that I decided to challenge you for this seat. It would be folly for me to deny that one of those reasons happens to be that I want to have the job of representing my fellow Oklahomans in the legislature. It’s true. I’m an ambitious person, I’m a confident person, and I’m very passionate about legal and political issues. I want the job of representing Oklahomans and defending the Oklahoma Constitution in our legislature.

The other reason that I decided to challenge you for this seat in the legislature, is that fellow Oklahomans who knew that I’m an ambitious, confident, and passionate person suggested to me that I challenge you. There are many Oklahomans who say they are embarrassed by your words and deeds as a state legislator, and The Journal Record has even devoted an entire editorial admonishing you for your behavior. The editorial opined that your behavior was “damaging [Oklahoma’s] credibility and…inhibiting our state’s ability to conduct business.” The editorial went on to plead, “for the good of our state, you must stop embarrassing us.”

I think most Oklahomans expect their elected officials to conduct themselves professionally, encouraging a sense of community and taking the economic development of Oklahoma seriously. Your record stands in contrast to these expectations. In your nearly six years in the legislature, statements you’ve made and positions you’ve taken on issues have encouraged division instead of unity and pushed new business away from Oklahoma. People are ready for a change.

I believe the people in House District 84 want someone who shares their values of community and personal responsibility and their vision of building a brighter future for our state with jobs, education, and transportation. And I feel that I’m up for that job.

A campaign really is just an extended job interview, and the voters are the boss. Therefore, I’m asking you to agree to a couple of town hall meetings where voters can ask us questions and decide who they believe will do the best job representing them. I hope this is something that interests you. If so, or if any community group is interested in organizing such an event, please contact my campaign.

I look forward to a vigorous debate with you and your campaign through Election Day on November 2.

Regards,
Brittany M. Novotny

Rep. Sally Kern authored a bill (HB 3219) which is now under consideration on the House floor that proposes that Oklahoma leave environmental regulation of our state’s resources solely to Oklahoma. According to Rep. Kern, “the act declares that regulation of hazardous waste, emissions, water quality, drilling, processing, and exploration of oil and natural gas that originate and remain in the state shall not be subject to federal law or regulation.”

Considering that federal law is the supreme law of the land under the United States Constitution, such legislation is likely to be ruled unconstitutional and will cost the state a significant amount of money in defending the legislation in court. Furthermore, if the state suddenly were to tell citizens and businesses in Oklahoma they no longer have to follow federal environmental regulations, would DEQ really be prepared to protect our environment and resources instead of the EPA? What are your thoughts on this legislation?

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Recently, the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a measure that now moves on to the Senate which would ban women from selling their eggs to fertility clinics. Supporters claim it will protect college aged women from exploitation, while those opposed say it will hurt business for fertility clinics, and is also an unnecessary intrusion of the state into the private medical decisions of women. Read more HERE.

What do you think?

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Brittany M. Novotny
Candidate for House District 84
P.O. Box 374
Bethany, OK 73008
405-420-5890

Rep. Kern Votes for More Government Involvement in Medical Decisions

Oklahoma City, OK – March 2, 2010

According to the website of Rep. Sally Kern, she “believes in limited government” and “the U.S. Constitution.” This session, however, Rep. Kern has taken positions that run counter to these stated beliefs, instead pushing for more government involvement in the private lives of Oklahomans.

Rep. Kern’s opponent in the upcoming November election, Brittany Novotny states:

“This session, Rep. Kern has shown that ‘limited government’ is nothing more than a political buzzword for her campaign. She introduced HB 2279, which ‘would eliminate the incompatibility grounds when there are living minor children in the marriage, the parties have been married 10 years or longer, or if either party files a written objection to the divorce.’ Somehow, in Rep. Kern’s world, adding more government restrictions into the lives of Oklahomans is ‘limited government.’”

Just today, Rep. Kern voted to add more restrictions into the private medical decisions of Oklahoma women, requiring that women obtain an ultrasound before procuring an otherwise legal medical service. “You can’t be for limited government and pass legislation that adds more government interference into the lives of Oklahomans,” said Novotny.

Recently, Sen. Andrew Rice’s (D-OKC) bill to allow voters in Oklahoma and Tulsa County to vote on whether to allow grocery stores in their county to sell wine and high point beer was rejected in the Senate Committee on Business and Labor.

Proponents of the bill believe it would help Oklahoma attract more diverse grocery shopping options, and would allow the people in the state’s two largest cities to decide whether this was a worthwhile endeavor. Opponents of the bill are concerned about the impact it would have on liquor stores in Oklahoma. What do you think?

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Welcome to a new feature on www.brittany4hd84.com – WOW (or Wednesday Opinion Watch). In order to better understand the diverse viewpoints of Oklahoma voters, we want to hear from you! Check back on Wednesdays for new polls. This week we look at HB 2569.

A measure authored by Rep. Wesselhoft (R-Moore) and co-authored by Rep. Kern, HB 2569, would prohibit the State of Oklahoma from embedding radio frequency identification tags in state issued driver’s licenses or ID cards. Read more here.

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Title: Brittany’s 30th Birthday Bash!
Location: Gopuram Taste of India – 4559 NW 23rd St. OKC, OK
Link out: Click here
Description: Help Brittany celebrate her 30th birthday with the wonderful food of Gopuram Taste of India!

Tickets to this event are just $30, and include food from Gopuram’s wonderful, fresh buffet and beverages. Not only will you be helping Brittany celebrate her 30th birthday, you’ll also be supporting her campaign for the state legislature this November!

So come enjoy the best Indian food in HD 84 with the next State Rep. for HD 84, and help Brittany share our common values and vision of a brighter future as we work to attain victory over Rep. Sally Kern in 2010!

Please RSVP to be put on the guest list no later than March 1, 2010, as space is limited!!!

RSVP here on facebook, or contact Lisa Price at 405-305-2089 or l_m_price@hotmail.com!
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2010-03-06
End Time: 20:00

Title: Pancake Breakfast – OKC
Location: 2808 NW 31st St., OKC, OK
Link out: Click here
Description: Join the fun and help ensure that Brittany Novotny has the resources to share our common Oklahoma values and vision of a brighter future for Oklahoma with the voters of HD 84 as we work toward victory over Rep. Sally Kern in 2010.

Enjoy pancakes, bacon, coffee, and OJ with friends and supporters of Brittany! This event is sponsored by Dana Orwig. Minimum suggested contribution of $10 to enter.

Please RSVP either via facebook or call Emily Allen at 942-2559. Please RSVP no later than February 17, 2010!

Get your pancake on!!!
Start Time: 08:30
Date: 2010-02-20
End Time: 10:30