OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Ross Ford, R-Broken Arrow, today issued a statement asking all law enforcement to increase public safety efforts at all polling places throughout the state during the upcoming general election. The call comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation's recent arrest of an Afghan national who the bureau said was planning an Election Day terrorist attack. Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, a 27-year-old man who had been living in Oklahoma City, told the FBI he and his brother-in-law planned to target “large gatherings of people” Nov. 5, according to an affidavit filed by federal agents in court. "I know our state election officials are working overtime to ensure poll workers and everyone planning to vote are safe in our upcoming elections," Ford said. "But as a former police officer, I just want to urge other law enforcement officers to be extra diligent during this time. "I'm grateful to the men and women in the FBI, whose hard work and alertness stopped this plot. I'm confident they and other law enforcement will be just as thorough in the coming weeks to monitor suspicious activity and thwart any further threat. I deeply appreciate those who work so hard daily to protect us and keep our state safe. "We must ensure people feel safe and secure as they exercise this important right." Ford served as a police officer for over 25 years with the Tulsa Police Department.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, this week led an interim study examining criteria used by the state of Oklahoma to determine the retail value of vehicles for tax purposes. The study took place Oct. 23 before the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on General Government at the State Capitol. "This issue was brought to my attention by one of my constituents and a neighbor of mine," Grego said. "He bought a truck, and there was fluctuation between what he paid and what the value of the vehicle was determined to be. So, my goal is to look at this issue and see if we can make some changes in the system to make this more fair for consumers who purchase vehicles." Grego invited Joe Mack McAlester of Wilburton to explain his experience. McAlester said he bought a used truck at an auction for a price that was well under the listed Blue Book value. He planned to use the vehicle on his farm, so he wasn't concerned that it wasn't in perfect condition. When he went to get his tag and title, however, he said was charged excise tax based on the full book value of the vehicle without consideration for the vehicle's condition. His argument was he should only have been charged based on what he paid, the same as how sales tax is calculated on other purchases, instead of the higher value. The difference in price would have saved him several hundred dollars. McAlester said he's talked to other neighbors who've had similar experiences. "I was very grateful for Joe's input on this topic as I know it's one that affects a lot of people in our state, particularly farmers and ranchers who tend to buy older vehicles to use for their work," Grego said. Representatives from Service Oklahoma and Tinker Federal Credit Union also presented during the study, sharing their methodology for determining a vehicle's value and how the state assesses taxes. Tinker is the largest indirect dealer financing partner in the state. Grego said the methodology used to calculate excise tax was largely inherited from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. But the lenders explained that loan risk factors based on credit history, collateral values and other things all play a role in determining a vehicle's value. They also rely on industry standards such as those set by the National Automobile Dealers Association. Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, also participated in the study, giving insight as a former automobile dealership owner. He said he's willing to help Rep. Grego draft legislation that might help Oklahoma vehicle buyers pay less tax.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Eddy Dempsey, R-Valliant, and Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, will hold an interim study on the Kiamichi River in Southeast Oklahoma before the House and Natural Resources Committee. Humphrey said the study is being conducted to address Southeastern Oklahoma citizens who have expressed serious concerns about a hydro-energy plant being proposed at the Kiamichi River. "Southeast Oklahoma Power Corporation (SEOPC) is alleged to have threatened over 500 landowners with eminent domain and plans to remove these landowners to complete their project," Humphrey said. "The study will review potential effects of this project on the river, wildlife and the landowners." Speakers will include opponent Seth Willyard; Tye Baker and Ahndria Ablett, both with the Choctaw Nation; Zach Quintero with Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., and Nels Rodefeld with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Date: Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 Place: Room 206, State Capitol, 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City