Demo Okla State Rep Ryan McMullen can not take it, Going to play in the Obama Administration

The Obama Administration today announced that Ryan McMullen will serve as Oklahoma State Director for Rural Development at the USDA.

In 2004 McMullen, by 162 votes was elected to the legislature at the age of 25, and has served a district that includes the four counties of Washita, Kiowa, Caddo, and Canadian, stretching from the Oklahoma City suburbs and encompassing a large amount of rural southwestern Oklahoma.

Early in McMullen’s career, he was elected by colleagues to serve in one of five elected leadership positions in the House of Representatives. McMullen’s service as Chairman of the Democratic Caucus made him the youngest legislator in Oklahoma history to be elected to House leadership. He currently serves as the ranking member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

McMullen hails from the small community of Burns Flat, Oklahoma, where he was the fourth generation raised on the family farm. McMullen credits his beginnings in leadership to the experiences he gained through the agricultural leadership organizations of 4-H and FFA. As a young man, McMullen was elected to serve as State President of the state’s largest youth organization, the Oklahoma 4-H Program and its 147,000 members.

Proceeding to Oklahoma State University, McMullen graduated as a Top Ten Senior man with a degree in agricultural economics. He then began a career in agriculture and economic development. Prior to his service in the Legislature, Ryan served as the Director of the El Reno Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation. Currently McMullen and his family still operate a small cow/calf operation south of Burns Flat.

McMullen is expected to take the helm at USDA Rural Development in mid-July, at which time he will vacate his seat in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

"Ryan McMullen will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout the state and help administer the valuable programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance their economic success," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

During his time as a state representative, his policy and legislative efforts have focused on agricultural and rural economic development issues. Previously, McMullen worked with the El Reno Chamber of Commerce and Development Corporation as Executive Director. He has broadcast radio experience and is familiar with rural economic issues throughout Oklahoma. McMullen holds a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University.

Rural Development administers and manages over 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of over $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. Reflecting President Obama's commitment to expanding economic opportunities in rural America, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the USDA are working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.

People's Republic of Norman not spending Money well

Editor, The Transcript:

Did the City of Norman really spend a million dollars on "speed humps" in the last six years? What were we thinking? Now some are having second thoughts about "humps" on CART and emergency vehicles routes.

No mention of school bus routes though. These concerns were voiced by many citizens years ago but were ignored. Whatever happened to Law Enforcement "calming traffic?"

The "humps" continue to grow. Thirty-seven of the latest ones need to be modified due to severity of graduation at a cost of $2,000 each. Did we not have specifications when we contracted for these to be installed? Did we not check before we paid the contractor to be sure the "humps" were installed correctly? Are we really that stupid?

Or as long as it is someone else's money you're spending it doesn't matter. Voters of Norman wake up. On next election day, remember how this City Council is spending your money. Or better yet demand a stop to this nonsense now!

BARBARA ELLIS

Norman

RIP COL. ED MCMAHON USMC Ret.

Hat Tip Blackfive

I know you probably knew him better as Johnny Carson's side kick, but Ed McMahon, who died today at the age of 86 was a proud former Marine.

He enlisted in the Marines for WWII and became a fighter pilot and served as an instructor pilot and test pilot. In 1946 he left active duty for the reserves and went to college. After college he returned to active duty and in 1953 he went to Korea where he flew 85 tactical air control and artillery spotting missions in an unarmed O-1E Bird Dog. After Korea he remained in the reserves retiring as a Col.in the Marine reserves in 1966.

In an interview in 1999, McMahon was asked what he would be remembered for. His answer?

"Two things. That I was a good broadcaster and a great Marine."

Semper Fi, Col McMahon and God Speed.

Carnivore support group

A WIN for the GOOD GUY's

Happy to see one of the GOOD GUY's, Former OK State Representative Forrest Claunch named Executive Director of OCPA

SC Gov. Sanford AWOL since Thursday

The whereabouts of Gov. Mark Sanford have been unknown to state officials since Thursday, and some state leaders are questioning who is in charge of the executive office.

Neither the governor’s office nor the State Law Enforcement Division, which provides security for governors, has been able to reach Sanford after he left the mansion in a black SLED Suburban SUV, said Sen. Jake Knotts and three others familiar with the situation but who declined to be identified.

Sanford’s last known whereabouts were near Atlanta, where a mobile telephone tower picked up a signal from his phone, authorities said.

First lady Jenny Sanford told The Associated Press today her husband has been gone for several days and she doesn't know where he is.

The governor’s personal and state phones have been turned off and he has not responded to phone and text message since Thursday, a source said.

Jenny Sanford said she was not concerned.

She said the governor said he needed time away from their children to write something.

The governor’s office issued a statement Monday afternoon: "Gov. Sanford is taking some time away from the office this week to recharge after the stimulus battle and the legislative session, and to work on a couple of projects that have fallen by the wayside.

"We are not going to discuss the specifics of his travel arrangements or his security arrangements.

One official familiar with the situation said there is no indication that foul play is involved because Sanford occasionally makes trips without his security detail.

Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer said he didn't know where Sanford is but said he had not been put in charge.

Knotts, a longtime Sanford critic, said he contacted SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd Saturday after he heard reports the governor could not be reached.

"Chief Lloyd confirmed that my information is legitimate," Knotts said in a statement released early in the afternoon. "He shared my concerns" about succession of power in Sanford’s absence, the Lexington Republican said.

"I was recently made aware that Governor Sanford has frequently been eluding SLED agents and disappearing at odd times," Knotts said.

"As the head of our state, in the unfortunate event of a state of emergency or homeland security situation, Governor Sanford should be available at all times to the chief of SLED," the senator said.

"If for any reason, including the unknown whereabouts of the governor, he is unable to perform the duties of his office, the constitution provides that the lieutenant governor assumes the position of governor.

"I want to know immediately who is running the executive branch in the governor’s absence," Knotts said.

This will upset the Tea Pot LOL

VERY BIG NEWS coming out in the next few weeks about a Statewide Elect Official stepping down and what State Senator Gov. Brad Boy appointed to the Office...