The Okmulgee County GOP held its monthly meeting on Tuesday evening, with residents gathering to hear from State Senator Roger Thompson and Representative Scott Fetgatter. The meeting, which took place at 6:30 p.m., was open to the public, welcoming individuals from all political backgrounds.

— Honoring Sen. Thompson

During the meeting, Senator Roger Thompson was recognized for his years of service, particularly in his role as the Senate Appropriations Chair. Marsheila Pryor expressed deep appreciation for his hard work and dedication, emphasizing his instrumental role in securing Oklahoma’s financial stability, including the state’s substantial rainy day fund. “You really were a watchdog and kept a good eye on it,” Pryor remarked, noting how Thompson consistently kept Okmulgee County informed on budget matters.

Representative Fetgatter addressed the audience to briefly discuss his current campaign. While he began with a lighthearted tone, Fetgatter soon turned serious when addressing the realities of public office. He explained that decisions often make one group happy and another upset, and public officials frequently face anger and criticism.

However, Fetgatter acknowledged the privilege that comes with his role, especially when he can directly assist constituents in resolving long-standing issues. Reflecting on his time working alongside Senator Thompson, Fetgatter spoke highly of his colleague’s integrity. “Senator Thompson has been honest and forthright. He lets his yes be yes and his no be no,” he noted, emphasizing Thompson’s strong stance on staying true to his convictions despite political pressures.

Senator Thompson provided an indepth overview of Oklahoma’s budgetary challenges. He highlighted the significant growth of the state’s rainy day fund, which now exceeds $2 billion, while also cautioning about potential financial challenges. Thompson shared concerns about the school voucher program and the rising costs associated with it, noting that while $250 million has been allocated to help children access education, some students are still left without adequate support.

Thompson also touched on the complexity of balancing fiscal responsibility with constituent needs. “We often speak on one side and then speak on the other side,” Thompson said, pointing out the contradictions in requests from different groups and the difficulty of finding common ground.

He further expressed his concern about the changing nature of politics, where truth is increasingly overshadowed by a desire to win at all costs. “Politics has gotten where truth doesn’t matter,” Thompson lamented, adding that polling results have begun to dominate decision-making processes, even at the expense of sound policy.

Both Thompson and Fetgatter voiced concerns about the political division within Oklahoma and the country. Fetgatter pointed to the need for meaningful tax reform but acknowledged the difficulty of achieving it due to the state’s strict tax laws. “As long as we have that threshold, we can never have true tax reform in Oklahoma,” Fetgatter stated.

Thompson echoed these sentiments, highlighting that while tax cuts are popular, they could lead to future financial difficulties if not carefully balanced. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the state remains fiscally responsible while meeting the needs of its citizens.

As the meeting concluded, Thompson expressed gratitude for his time in office but affirmed that his season in politics is coming to an end. He will soon focus on new endeavors, including his work with the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association, where he plans to continue advocating for rural healthcare and supporting the next generation of medical professionals.

The meeting provided valuable insights into the challenges and successes of Oklahoma’s government.