Tardy taxpayers at state Capitol

Tardy taxpayers at state Capitol
Sun April 13, 2008

Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah
Cargill filed overdue federal and state income tax returns after the Tax Commission warned him in January about missing 2005 and 2006 state returns, The Oklahoman reported earlier. He said then he was due refunds. He also paid property taxes late on his Harrah law office six years in a row. The late fees added up to more than $560.
"I take full responsibility,” he said in January.




Rep. Greg Piatt, R-Ardmore
He was late on 2004 business personal taxes on a snow cone stand. Also, his distributing company was late on 2006 business personal taxes, records show. He said the 2006 taxes were the office manager's responsibility. Late fees totaled $4.97.

"Everyone should pay what they owe,” Piatt said. "Obviously, paying late does happen. That's why there are penalties involved. You pay your stuff and you get it right the next year.”


Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon
Armes fell behind on both income tax returns and property taxes. He was late on his 2005 and 2006 state and federal returns. He said they are in now and he got refunds. He was late on 2001 taxes on his home and 2002 taxes on a rental house. He said those were bank errors. He also was late on 2007 taxes on a house in Lawton he was renovating for sale. He paid Jan. 28, records show. Late fees totaled almost $100.

"The project took longer than expected,” he said of the fix-up house. "Once I realized that this redo house was not current, I paid those immediately, in full.”


Rep. Richard Morrissette, D-Oklahoma City
Morrissette was late four years in a row on property taxes for a rental home, The Oklahoman reported Feb. 1. Morrissette paid $271.01 in penalties and interest.

"It was an oversight,” he said in January.




Rep. Charles Key, R-Oklahoma City
Key was hit in 2006 with a tax warrant alleging he owed the state $1,525 in unpaid 2004 income taxes, penalties and interest. A Tax Commission spokeswoman said Key made a partial payment but still owes more than $1,000.

Key also was late eight years in a row on the property taxes on his home. His tardiness cost him $356.17 in penalties and interest.

"There were some mistakes made,” Key said of the tax warrant. "I take full responsibility for it. ... We got it worked out. ... It was a disagreement over how much was owed. ... There's nothing I can say to make it look good. ... I try to pay my taxes like everybody else but I'm a middle income earner and it's difficult sometimes to pay your taxes and pay all the expenses that you have.”


Rep. Randy McDaniel, R-Edmond
McDaniel fell 13 months behind on 2006 property taxes on his rental properties even though he is a longtime financial adviser.

He said he had new life priorities — a marriage, a move and a new baby — and never got a tax bill. He paid the Oklahoma County Treasurer on Feb. 4 to catch up on the late 2006 and late 2007 property taxes. He also was late on some 2001, 2003 and 2004 property taxes. Late fees totaled almost $1,900.

"I'm very proud of my history of always paying everything on time and in full in every endeavor, which probably would be reflected in a consumer credit report,” he said last week. "I do know if I was ever late for any payment of any kind, whether it be a credit card payment, a phone bill or in this case, it was definitely unintentional.”


Rep. Terry Harrison, D-McAlester
He is taxed on his home, a steak house, a law office and rental houses. Some payments were late on 2004, 2005 and 2006 taxes. Late fees were about $430.

The steak house also was late in paying $778.96 in sales taxes, a tax warrant shows. Late fees on the sales taxes were $586.70.

"I have people who write checks for me,” Harrison said. "Literally. I never write any of my checks. I have employees that do. And if one of my employees was remiss in paying something on time, certainly it's my responsibility and my fault. I can't blame anyone else. ... I should have been a better supervisor.”


Rep. Phil Richardson, R-Minco
Richardson said he owns a Caddo County hog farm that has almost $2,700 in overdue real estate taxes. He said the company leasing the farm is supposed to pay.

He was late on 2004 and 2006 property taxes on his home and other land in Grady County. He paid the first half on time but missed the deadline for paying the second half. Late fees were $15.28.

"It's pretty easy to forget the second time because you pay the first-half taxes and they don't send you a statement. Sometimes it's been confusing on when that is due,” he said last week. "Basically, this past year, I just paid it all at once.”


Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa
The Tax Commission warned Shumate in January about missing 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 state income tax returns. He said last week he has caught up on those state returns and overdue federal tax returns, too. He said, overall, he got refunds. He plans to send in his 2007 returns today — two days early.

"You get to moving fast,” Shumate said. "I didn't check back with my tax man to make sure certain things were done. There were some years I filed extensions and I didn't follow up. I've gone throughout my district to apologize. It was a huge oversight on my part.”


Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, D-Tulsa
McIntyre was late in paying her 2004, 2005 and 2007 property taxes on her home. Late fees totaled $21.37.

McIntyre paid her 2007 bill after a Tulsa newspaper reporter contacted her Jan. 31.

McIntyre said before then she had scolded Shumate for not filing his tax returns.

"I just chewed him out,” McIntyre said of Shumate. "And I'll be durned if I didn't get a call, too, about my property tax. ... I could have sworn last year that I paid those. I was truly shocked. Although it sounded, you know: ‘Yeah, right, here's another lying politician.' I thought I had paid it.

... We're public officials, and I have no excuse. ... It should have been done. It wasn't done. But it won't happen again. Now, that, I do know. I was on the school board in Tulsa for 16 years, starting in 1981. So I do know the value of property taxes. Definitely.”


Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan
He is taxed on his home, rental properties and business. He was late on some payments in six of the last seven years. Late fees totaled more than $340.

"One person might argue that it's neglect, and I guess, after a fashion, it is. I don't think it's entirely unusual,” he said last week. "I will admit that I've been late from time to time. It's not something I deliberately did. ... It's a difficult thing to keep track of. I'm active in my church, and I'm active in a gospel group, and I'm active in my business and I'm active in politics. ... You've got a lot of things on your plate at any given time.”


Sen. Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee
He was late four years in a row in paying real estate taxes on his home. Late fees totaled $132.94. He said he tried to pay his 2007 tax bill on time, New Year's Eve, but the courthouse was closed.

"I didn't consider it a big deal, but then there has been a lot of notoriety brought to it since then, so I'm certainly going to be more careful about it now,” Laster said last week.


Rep. Ryan McMullen, D-Burns Flat
He filed overdue 2006 federal and state income tax returns shortly after getting a Tax Commission warning in January. He said he got back more than $2,000 in refunds. He said he filed his 2007 tax returns months early.

"I've never been so on top of that in my life,” McMullen said last week.


Rep. Jerry McPeak, D-Warner
He's missed one tax deadline since elected four years ago, paying 2004 real estate taxes late. He also was late on 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2003 real estate taxes as well as some personal property taxes. Late fees were $75.58.

"I just overlooked it,” he said last week. "I've never been in politics before. So, honest to gosh, I never worried about it before.”

Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo
He paid 2003 and 2004 property taxes late on his then-home. Late fees were $87.29. He owes $82.08, plus a $3.70 penalty, on the 2007 property taxes on his new home, records show. Taxes were due Jan. 31.

He said the treasurer sent the 2003 tax bill to the previous homeowner. He said his mortgage company made a mistake on his 2007 payment. He had no explanation for the late 2004 payment.

"I'm an imperfect human. I make mistakes,” Rabon said last week.

Rep. Mike Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City
He was late a few weeks on his 2001 property taxes on a lot in Moore and his 2006 property taxes on his Oklahoma City home. His late fees were $32.63.

"One year, I paid ... a day late or something,” Reynolds said. "The other one, it's simply I missed it last year.”


Rep. Gus Blackwell, R-Goodwell
He was late in paying property taxes on his home 13 years in a row and on rental houses some years, The Oklahoman reported Feb. 1. His explanation was he was mistaken about when property taxes were due.

"I'm not blaming anyone but myself,” Blackwell said in January.

Sen. Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City
Johnson missed deadlines to file her 2004, 2005 and 2006 state tax returns, records show. In January, she blamed a 2002 divorce and said she was behind on federal returns, too. She has caught up on the state returns, The Oklahoman was told.

Lawmakers missing mark on their taxes

Lawmakers missing mark on their taxes
By Nolan Clay and Randy Ellis
Sun April 13, 2008

About one in nine state legislators repeatedly missed tax deadlines, an investigation by The Oklahoman found

They paid property taxes late and failed to file income tax returns on time or both.

The next tax deadline looms. Income tax returns are due Tuesday.

The Legislature was thrown into upheaval this year when Rep. Lance Cargill stepped down as House speaker because of a public outcry over his tax problems. That same week, Rep. Gus Blackwell dropped out of the race to take over as speaker because of late property taxes.

The Oklahoman checked all 149 legislators' taxes because of the public concern. “What a bunch of baloney. ... Our elected officials need to set a better example,” one person wrote.

What the check found

Fifteen legislators repeatedly were late in paying their property taxes, which mostly go to fund schools. Others missed property tax deadlines just once in recent years. Some paid hundreds of dollars in late fees.

A few legislators fell more than a year behind on property taxes. One was Rep. Randy McDaniel, who has a second job as a financial adviser. “I take full responsibility. This is a sad day for me,” McDaniel said. “At some point you've got to say, these are human beings. This is one of many things you're trying to make sure you are 100 percent perfect on.”

Legislators often blamed themselves for their tax troubles. Other excuses: bank errors, employee mistakes, divorce and never-received tax bills. “I knew it wasn't going to break the United States or Oklahoma. I didn't get all torqued about it,” said Rep. Jerry McPeak of his late taxes.

The late bills included taxes on homes, rental houses and businesses.

Five legislators who had overdue income tax returns have caught up. “There really is no excuse. ... I can tell you this. It won't ever happen again,” Rep. Jabar Shumate said.

State workers fired over late income tax filings

State workers fired over
late income tax filings
Fri February 8, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY - Failing to file state income taxes has caused political headaches for some lawmakers, but for many state employees, the consequence has been especially dire: They've been fired.

A 2003 law directs agency heads to fire state workers who do not resolve their income tax problems. The law requires the Oklahoma Tax Commission to notify agencies that have employees who have not filed their state returns.

"We don't keep track of terminations, but there have been numerous people fired due to this law," said Paula Ross, an Oklahoma Tax Commission spokeswoman.

Ross said she was aware of the firings because agency officials have called the Tax Commission to report the employee terminations.

Oklahomans who face an April 15 tax-filing deadline should be aware that failure to file is a criminal offense under state law, a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Offenders rarely have been prosecuted, however.

"I know people have been prosecuted, but the cases have been handled by the district attorneys and I don't have numbers on that," Ross said.

In recent years, she said the Tax Commission has exclusively used a civil procedure to compel reluctant taxpayers to resolve their tax problems.

The Associated Press asked the Tax Commission to outline its procedures after four state House members got letters for failing to file their returns.

One of them is Rep. Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, who stepped down as House speaker soon after published reports said he did not file income tax returns for 2005 and 2006.

Cargill, who voted for the law to require the firing of state workers who did not file their returns, also was late paying property taxes on his law firm for six years.

He and the other lawmakers have apologized for the tax-filing lapses and say they have taken care of the problem.

Ross said people who fail to file income tax returns and do not respond to collection efforts could still be charged with a crime as "a last resort."

She said over the last couple of years, the Tax Commission has changed its focus from criminal prosecution to sending out "Notice to File Return" letters to taxpayers and seeking district court orders directing taxpayers to comply.

"In cases where the defendant fails to produce the returns after being ordered to do so, the OTC pursues citations of contempt for failure to comply with the court order. This procedure has resulted in the filing of returns in all but a few instances," Ross said.

"Our main goal is to have compliance with the tax laws and to make it fair and equitable for those who properly file. This measure has worked better and is more cost effective for the Tax Commission and the taxpayer."

She said the "vast majority of people file their taxes on time."

How many state employees have been fired over tax problems is not known.

Ross said her agency does not keep tabs on that; neither does the Office of Personnel Management.

Patti Omerod, the human resources program manager at the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, said no employees have filed appeals of their dismissals because of the tax issue in the two years she has been on the job.

For Cargill, disclosure of his tax problems was the latest in a series of episodes that led to discord in the Republican House caucus.

The former speaker has been the subject of an ethics inquiry into his fundraising activities. One of the issues was how checks made out to the state Republican Party wound up in an Oklahoma County fund.

Soon after taking office early in 2007, Cargill drew criticism after he summoned lobbyists to one-on-one meetings at a political consultant's office to seek contributions to Republican political action committees and for the speaker's "100 Ideas Initiative."

Questions have been raised about other issues, including the expenditure of more than $1.6 million during the past two years for furniture and related equipment for House members.

The Norman Transcript Editorial: No one is above the law

The Muskogee Phoenix Editorial: Wise move to resign

Speaker’s tax woes continue

Speaker Paid Property Taxs late again

Muskogee Phoenix Editorial: Speaker’s leadership in question

Oklahoma House Speaker Not Fill Income Tax Returns for Two Years !

Muskogee Phoenix Editorial: Speaker’s leadership in question

Muskogee Phoenix Editorial

Speaker’s leadership in question
Published January 24, 2008

Oklahomans have a right to be very disappointed in five state legislators who failed to file their state income tax returns on time.

The offenders, Reps. Don Armes, R-Faxon; Ryan McMullen, D-Burns Flat; Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa; Sen. Connie Johnson, D-Oklahoma City; and House Speaker Lance Cargill, were elected because they claimed to be leaders.

Failing to file their tax returns is a poor way of demonstrating leadership.

Cargill, who failed to file his returns for two years, gave the excuses that he is human, and he and his accountant miscommunicated. He said he was disaappointed because it will cost him by reducing his refund.

It will not only cost him in penalties but in respect from Oklahomans. And frankly, Cargill has given other reasons to doubt his leadership.

Almost a year ago, Cargill held a private meeting with lobbyists to solicit funds. He did that one day before promoting a new ethics plan for openness in political fund raising.

Last year, too, Cargill organized “100 Ideas,” an initiative to present the Legislature with ideas for improving the state. But Cargill refused to identify the financial sponsors of the project, who conceivably could profit later from ideas that may be sanctioned by the Legislature.

This month, Cargill went to Texas to the home of businessman Gene Phillips, who has been linked to convicted former insurance commissioner Carroll Fisher. Fisher, who is in prison for embezzling and lying to authorities, is also accused of accepting $25,000 and other gifts from Phillips and his family and associates in exchange for favorable treatment of their insurance companies.

Also this month, Cargill defended the $8.7 million funding rollover the House accumulated while other agencies are operating without adequate funding.

Any of these issues by themselves might be overlooked as the result of human failing, poor communication.

But together, they raise an issue about the leadership this state is getting from one of its most important officials.

Oklahoma House speaker endorses McCain for president

Oklahoma House Speaker Not Fill Income Tax Returns for Two Years !

5 legislators are warned for not filing
By Nolan Clay and Randy Ellis
Staff Writers
© Copyright 2008, The Oklahoman

Oklahoma House Speaker Lance Cargill failed to file his personal income tax returns for the last two years until getting a warning from state tax officials, The Oklahoman has learned.

Four other legislators also have overdue personal income tax returns, tax records show. One has not filed five years' worth of state income tax returns, the records show.

Intentionally failing to file a state income tax return is a misdemeanor, even if no further taxes are owed. The crime has a maximum punishment of a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

"I'm human. I made a mistake,” said Cargill, an attorney. "There's nobody more upset over it than I am because I cost myself money because I was entitled to refunds.”

Cargill, R-Harrah, said he rushed to complete federal and state tax returns and sent them in Friday after getting a notice at his house from the Oklahoma Tax Commission. He blamed a miscommunication with an accountant. Legislators in a 2003 law required state agencies to fire state employees who repeatedly fail to file state tax returns. Cargill was among those voting for the law.

The Tax Commission sent Cargill a form letter Jan. 7 warning him that its records showed he had not filed his 2005 and 2006 state income tax returns.

Cargill was told in the letter that a law requires the Tax Commission to notify any state employee "deemed to be out of compliance” with state income tax laws. He was told: "The Tax Commission is unable to verify that you are in compliance.”

As House speaker, Cargill has a key role in deciding how tax dollars are spent.

Also not filing recent state returns were Rep. Don Armes, Rep. Ryan McMullen, Rep. Jabar Shumate and Sen. Connie Johnson, records show.

Most tax records about individuals are secret but who filed a state return is public. The public records do not reflect whether the legislators owe any overdue taxes.

Armes, McMullen and Shumate confirmed they also got letters this month from the Tax Commission.

The tax records show Armes, R-Faxon, did not file 2005 and 2006 state returns. Armes said he recently sent in his 2005 federal and state tax returns and is due a refund. He said he is close to getting his 2006 returns done.

Armes said, "I just got behind. I'm a small businessman and trying ... to balance that with legislative work. We just get strung out. ... My biggest problem is just getting it done. I don't have a great excuse other than just too many irons in the fire.”

McMullen, D-Burns Flat, said he was notified he has not filed his 2001 and 2006 state tax returns. He said he was a college student in 2001 and did not have to file a return then. He blamed "the rigors of this job” for not filing his 2006 state and federal returns. He said he expects a refund.

"It's just one of those things that I've put off for a little bit. ... It's on the top of my list to do,” McMullen said. "There is a difference between people who file their tax returns late and folks who simply do not pay their taxes. I pay my taxes. Like many hardworking Oklahomans juggling jobs, church and family, I sometimes let important matters slip my mind.”

Shumate, D-Tulsa, said the Tax Commission notified him by letter he has not filed his 1999, 2001, 2004, 2005 and 2006 state tax returns. He said he thought he had filed the returns and will check with his tax preparer.

"It was a shock to me,” Shumate said. "I had no idea. ... They said that I was sent a letter in 2004 and 2007 but I don't recall getting a letter. ... I will take care of this.”



The records show Johnson, D-Oklahoma City, did not file 2004, 2005 and 2006 state returns. She blamed a 2002 divorce for not filing her recent state and federal income tax returns.

"The paperwork, you know, my ex has it and some accountant has it, so it has put me in a bind, but I know the Tax Commission is working with me to try to help me get my situation straightened out,” she said.

Legislative Leaders Critical of TPS Lawsuit Against Charter Schools

GOP Legislative Leaders Critical of TPS Lawsuit Against Charter Schools

State Capitol, Oklahoma City – Speaker of the House Lance Cargill and Senate Co-President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee today criticized Tulsa Public Schools’ lawsuit against the state’s charter schools law. The lawsuit’s goal is to get the Charter School Act, which allows charter schools to operate in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties, declared unconstitutional.

“Charter schools are an amazing success story in Oklahoma, with many charter schools excelling in areas where traditional, urban school settings have not. It is very disappointing that the Tulsa Public School District is pushing this misguided, anti-student lawsuit,” stated Coffee, R-Oklahoma City. “Charter schools provide a much needed complement to traditional public education, and give parents a choice and an alternative for their children. TPS should be working with the Legislature to expand the successful charter schools program, not attacking charter schools with a lawsuit.”

"The Tulsa School Board is trying to force a one-size-fits-all education system onto Oklahoma students, who all learn in different ways," said House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah. "Instead of imposing a monopoly on education, the board needs to accept that charter schools have been very successful in settings where unique studies and personalized attention have benefited students. After all, this is about getting Oklahoma's children the very best education possible, not nursing bruised egos."

Charter schools are public schools established by contract with sponsors, and are exempt from many state regulations. Oklahoma law authorizes charter schools in 12 school districts: Broken Arrow, Edmond, Jenks, Midwest City/Del City, Moore, Mustang, Oklahoma City, Owasso, Putnam City, Sand Springs, Tulsa and Union Public Schools.

These districts' boards of education, or the area CareerTech school boards serving them, may sponsor a charter school. Oklahoma law also allows a comprehensive or regional institution of Higher Education to sponsor a charter school in certain school districts.

TPS' lawsuit plan is under fire

TPS' lawsuit plan is under fire
By NORA FROESCHLE World Staff Writer
12/20/2007

Lawmakers and charter school officials question the district's motive.

Two Oklahoma legislators say Tulsa Public Schools' planned lawsuit over the state's charter school law reveals the district's dislike for charter schools, not its concerns that the law violates the state's constitution.

The school board voted Monday night to authorize a lawsuit against the state Department of Education regarding the 1999 Oklahoma Charter School Act.

The lawsuit is the only venue through which the law's constitutionality can be determined, according to the school district's attorney, Doug Mann, and school board member Matt Livingood.

TPS will contend that the law violates the provision in the Oklahoma Constitution against "special" or "local" laws because it applies only to school districts in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties.

Several lawmakers strongly disagree, however.

Rep. Tad Jones, R-Claremore, chairman of the House Education Committee, said Monday, "I'm extremely disappointed in the Tulsa school board for challenging this bill, especially since it helps address the constitutional concerns that they raised last year."

Supporters of the legislation say the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in a 2006 case -- City of Enid v. Public Employees Relations Board -- that a population restriction is constitutional.

Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, said he is appalled by the school district's pursuit of litigation to settle a matter on which he and others worked hard to find a compromise.

"TPS is wrong, and their attorneys are not being fair," Shumate said.

"Our Supreme Court stated as early as a year ago that the Legislature can pass laws that are population-oriented and not specific to a particular city."

The change made this year in the law says that counties that contain districts with at least 5,000 students can sponsor charter schools, Shumate said.

Charter schools receive public funding through a sponsoring school district but are governed by an independent board. Tulsa has three charter schools: Deborah Brown Community School, Dove Science Academy and Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences.

Livingood has said those schools are not the intended target of the lawsuit, although they could be affected.

Shumate said the charter schools in Tulsa are making a difference where the public schools have failed.

"The reason why there's a fight here is because those (charter) schools are showing that kids can learn no matter how they look, where they come from," he said. "They can learn if we put the resources into reaching kids where they are."

Harold Roberts, director of development for the Deborah Brown school, said the school wants out of its charter with Tulsa Public Schools and never has received support from the district.

"We think the actions of TPS" on Monday evening "are indicative of their attitude about charter schools," he said. "They have basically been anti-charter schools."

Roberts said Deborah Brown officials have battled repeatedly with TPS on nonsubstantive issues regarding its contract renewal.

The recent change in the original charter school law enables universities to sponsor charter schools, and Roberts said Deborah Brown is eager to end its relationship with TPS and enter a new sponsorship with Langston University.

He said the school sent a letter Oct. 23 to TPS Superintendent Michael Zolkoski asking to be released from its contract. The district has yet to respond, Roberts said.

"The fact that the law allows higher education to consider charter school sponsorship, that's what's giving them heartburn, because we don't have to go to them anymore," he said.

TPS officials said they did not receive the letter, although Roberts said it was sent by certified mail.

Roberts said Tulsa Public Schools receives 5 percent of the state funding for his school, which amounts to about $100,000 a year.

"The response we're now getting is they're obviously not planning to release us from the contract," he said. "If you could get $100,000 a year for doing nothing, (why not) keep getting it?"

Langston University President JoAnn Haysbert said the university wants to sponsor the Deborah Brown school and has told Tulsa district officials of its interest in doing so.

Haysbert said she wrote to Zolkoski in October requesting that the district transfer the Deborah Brown school's charter to Langston.

"The students and the record of the Deborah Brown school speaks for itself," she said. "If we're going to sponsor a school, it would certainly be one that is carrying out the teaching an learning process."

Haysbert said she has not received a response from TPS but continues to be interested in sponsoring the school.

Dove Science Academy Principal Fevzi Simsek said in an e-mail that he has received many inquiries about the issue from parents.

"We believe that the Charter School Act is constitutional," he wrote. "We think it is wasting public money to challenge Charter School Act."

Nora Froeschle 581-8310
nora.froeschle@tulsaworld.com


Charter fight: Can't beat 'em? Sue 'em
Thu December 20, 2007

The Oklahoman Editorial

We don't buy the idea that Tulsa school officials were thinking about Oklahoma children when they decided this week to sue over the state's charter school law. As with many lawsuits, this one's about money and power.

The 1999 law has long bugged a few Tulsa officials. It allows for charter schools at only a few districts in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metropolitan areas. Districts have little authority to say no to schools seeking a charter as long as they meet the state-mandated criteria.

Charter schools receive public funds but are free of much of the red tape common in traditional public schools. Funding has been a major concern in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, with worries from school officials that charter schools are siphoning off too much money. School board members also have complained that they don't have enough authority over charter schools.

The Tulsa school board's primary contention is that the focus on only a few districts makes the law unconstitutional. Those who disagree include two Democratic state lawmakers from Tulsa. Rep. Jabar Shumate said the district is wasting money with a lawsuit; Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre called the litigation a "smoke screen” to hide failures in north Tulsa schools.

The point of charter schools is to offer competition and help take ideas that work and replicate them in traditional public schools. Instead, we hear a lot of complaining about money and grumbling about why tactics that work in charter schools can't be duplicated.

The lawsuit is a shameful waste of taxpayer money — much more shameful than using it for charter schools that are succeeding with ways to make sure all children get a quality education.

Tulsa school officials can keep saying they're concerned about children who don't get a chance at charter schools. But anyone who's been paying attention knows that couldn't be further from the truth.