Word that a few city officials may have been in attendance at the recent Rocklahoma Festival in Pryor Creek may have raised a few eyebrows around town. It turns out there’s nothing to be concerned about. It was mostly just boys having fun and revisiting their not so recent youth. There will be no city travel claims filed nor request for reimbursement for drinks.

On the other hand, the news report placing a county employee at a Hooters joint in Oklahoma City, ordering pitchers of beer and chili fries, is cause for concern. This person included the tab in their per diem claim sent to the County Clerk’s office.

Kudos to the suspicious eyes that caught this one. There’s nothing like finding out you’ve paid for a party and you weren’t invited.

Make your opinion count, sign it

To the person who wrote the well-worded letter opposing alcohol in the downtown business district. We’d like to print your letter in its entirety, but as we state frequently on this page, no can do without a valid name. It’s too bad others won’t be able to read what you had to say.

If you, or others want to express an opinion, please do so. The Daily Progress will print signed letters, providing it does not libel or slander another individual, business or organization. We do reserve the right to edit the content for style and protect our legal rear end. Otherwise, send in those comments and let’s start a dialogue about the issues that concern our community.

Helm’s away, or is he?

Allen Carter was back in the hot seat at the County Commission this week. He’s the road foreman in District 2, not an elected official, but he’s acting like one.

Commissioner Mike Helm was on another road trip to Oklahoma City to attend the statewide Association of County Commissioners Organization conference. In the meantime, back here, a not-elected District 2 employee is making decisions about spending taxpayers’ money. The question isn’t whether it’s legal or not. It’s a matter of whether it’s the right thing to do. How would voters like it if Congressman Dan Boren decided to let a staffer step in for him?

An elected official who believes a hired employee should have the right to exercise the powers of an elected position does not respect the integrity of the democratic process.

Voters should think twice on this one.