chris smith

Most readers know that I’ve been fairly insistent in recent commentaries that Oklahoma City continue our upward momentum by investing in quality of life infrastructure. That insistence has now turned to advocacy following the recent deaths of two Oklahoma City bicyclists on metro streets. Alan Spencer and Clyde Riggs were struck and killed by motorists […]

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is leading the legal battle being waged to prevent the implementation of the newly minted national health care bill. Arguing against the constitutionality of the legislation, McCollum has been joined by 12 other attorneys general in joining the fight to halt the mandate on states across the country. The issue […]

Following the re-election of Mayor Mick Cornett, some are questioning this and asking what direction we’re going. Specifically, some are questioning where we should be spending MAPS dollars. Criticizing MAPS has become a ratings bonanza for some, and it’s an easy way to attract attention in this community. However, for those of us who are […]

Republican legislative leadership recently unveiled its 2010 legislative agenda. In it, they outlined their hope of targeting reforms to Oklahoma’s education system, workers’ compensation system and modernizing state government. Additionally, individual legislators have announced specific legislation related to everything from reforming marriage to cutting taxes. However, the only issue certain to be discussed this session […]

I’ve never heard it said that a prenuptial agreement could save the world, but I’m starting to believe that it may be able to actually save a few marriages. As an attorney who works with divorcing couples on a daily basis, I’ve had a professional perspective on the issue. However, with many friends and acquaintances […]

The policy of “government knows best” in Oklahoma has created a leviathan of sorts when it comes to the massive obligation that is our state government. As such, the financial demand that is placed on individuals in Oklahoma to continue to fund too many failing systems has done little to encourage growth and economic expansion […]

It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and studies have continually shown real benefits to children brought up in a household with both a mother and father present. Yet Oklahoma law does little to promote such a family dynamic.   State Rep. Sally Kern, who has recently become something of […]

If you want to see a group of legislators scatter like a covey of quail, just mention the “C” word: consolidation.  Consolidation is one of the dirtiest words in politics, yet most honest observers will admit that Oklahoma has an excessive number of school districts. As of the end of the school year, Oklahoma has […]