The Durant Daily Democrat

The sky’s not falling, but neither are interest rates

At last, the Oklahoma primary season is over. The robocalls have ceased, last-minute mail-outs gone, and most of the campaign signs are down. Friends and neighbors divided over who their favorite … more

6/30/18 01:45 PM

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,The declining condition of our streets certainly impacts Durant Main Street’s ability to promote downtown, especially when working to attract new businesses and economic development … more

6/30/18 08:08 AM

We are all Juan and Joe

Imagine that your neighbors Juan Garcia and Joe Smith, who’d been friends for years, decided to make adjoining parts of their backyards into a neighborhood outdoor gathering place.It sounded … more

6/29/18 03:45 PM

Vote and let your voices be heard

Durant residents, at least those who make the effort, will vote Tuesday on a variety of candidates and a couple of financial issues that are important to the city.One is very critical to the future … more

6/23/18 03:05 PM

It’s time to answer the big questions

Durant voters will decide two tax issues in the primary election next Tuesday. Both questions have sparked debate and discussion in Durant’s coffee shops, barber and beauty shops, across … more

6/22/18 04:15 PM

Better management would be better than bonds

In a media push to inform voters before the election next Tuesday, the City Manager has repeatedly expressed distress that some have repeated an incorrect statement concerning the $20 million bond … more

6/22/18 04:05 PM

Let us not forget our promises

June has arrived bringing the promise of baseball, blackberry cobbler, grilled hot dogs, and long, languid evenings. June also brings local, state, and federal primaries and bond issues. Like those … more

6/8/18 04:05 PM

Trump’s trade policies have nothing to do with Durant plant

What a Trump aide said at the grand opening of the CMC plant about the President’s role in bringing the plant to Durant is not true.According to an April 28, 2018, Durant Democrat Weekend … more

5/12/18 01:35 PM

Citizens have not been sufficiently informed

On June 26 the City is asking its Citizens to vote on two Propositions. The first is a $20 million General Obligation (G.O.) bond to repair city streets that would be repaid over 15 years with our … more

5/5/18 02:22 PM

Do we wantbetter streets,or should wejust complain?

The newspaper business has changed so much in the past 10 years, and not for the better in many cases. But so has everything else. Look at the music business [it’s all digital now]; the cable … more

5/5/18 01:29 PM

Voters to decide future of streets, infrastructure

On June 26, the voters of Durant will decide the future of our streets and roads and other infrastructure in our community.Proposition 1, if approved, will remove the sunset (expiration date) of a … more

5/5/18 01:20 PM

Representing District 19 even in tough climate

On May 3, 2018, representatives listened to fellow freshman representative Rick West give a farewell speech. Rep. Rick West is an extremely strong man and a person of honest character. However, he … more

5/5/18 11:17 AM

House passes measure to end wind subsidy

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed two big measures this week.Senate Bill 888 would end the incentive paid to wind energy companies. Taxpayers paid more than $60 million of $74 million … more

4/28/18 03:13 PM

Reservations concerning the June road bond

There is no question our roads are in terrible shape. I have over the last two years asked over and over why we were not sealing cracks in our roads.Almost everyone understands that the freeze thaw … more

4/21/18 04:13 PM

Most District 19 teachers stay in classrooms

I have numerous citizens who still have real concerns about the teacher walkout and school funding. First, I would like to apologize to my Facebook friends and followers. I reported last week that I … more

4/14/18 02:27 PM

Supporting the teacher walkout

We support the teacher walkout. It’s shameful that our state has allowed Oklahoma education to get into the shape it’s currently in, with many schools going only four days a week instead … more

4/10/18 03:44 PM

Additional funds for pay raises

Previously, I discussed two bills I continue to work on: SB 1030 to modify Medicaid qualifications for working age/able-bodied adults and SJR 45 to utilize TSET funds for our graduate medical … more

3/22/18 06:16 AM

House Bill 2656 would protect roads and bridges funding

I was very proud to pass House Bill 2656 on the House floor last week and send it to the Senate. This measure will protect rural roads and bridges funds. Approximately six years ago, legislators … more

3/22/18 06:15 AM

A Senate Review by Senator Josh Brecheen

We’re now just over a month into regular session and the budget for FY ‘19 looks promising. Our state economy is recovering and state revenues are rising.There are valid ideas to … more

3/17/18 06:42 AM

Readers thank utility workers

Our thanks to the brave men and women who braved the ice and cold weather to fix our frozen water pipes and downed electric lines so that we could be cozy and comfortable again. We appreciate … more

3/3/18 08:36 AM