Published: August 27, 2005 08:24 am            

Inhofe discusses issues in local meeting

U. S. Sen. James Inhofe, R-Oklahoma was in Woodward Friday for a town meeting – and to receive a proclamation for his work in securing $1 million for Woodward’s Main Street Renovation Project.

Mayor Bill Fanning read and presented the proclamation, but Inhofe also took about an hour and a half to visit with community leaders and supporters over issues facing the nation including the recently passed highway bill that included the $1 million for Woodward.

“Although I am the most conservative senator in the United States Senate according to the American Conservative Union, I am happy to say that I authored the largest non military spending bill in history, and many of the funds allocated in the bill will be coming to Oklahoma,” Inhofe said. “Funds just like the money that has been allocated for the main street project here in town.”

One issue discussed was the United Nations.

Inhofe said, “I have a serious problem with the United Nations, but I am happy with President Bush’s newly appointed ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton. He hates the United Nations more than I do which is saying a lot. The U.N. is in serious need of reform and he is the best person for the job.”

Immigration which is another hot topic especially in Oklahoma and Texas was another issue brought up by Inhofe.

“I am excited to report that I have submitted a bill to Congress that will add numbers to our border patrol not only adding numbers but also adding men with years of experience in law enforcement,” said Inhofe.

As for the current gas prices and the United States dependency on foreign oil Inhofe said, “ We have a 65 percent dependence on foreign oil to even be able to go to war, this cannot be the case for to much longer, I support President Bush’s new energy bill which will help find alternative fuels and technologies to fight foreign oils grasp on the nation.”

The current round of base realignments and closings was another issue brought up by the senator.

“I am happy to report that Oklahoma actually benefited from the commissions findings and one of the things that helped Oklahoma with the commission was the outstanding community support that all of our military bases have by the communities they are located in. One of the major requirements for keeping a base open is community support which Oklahoma abounds with,” said Inhofe.

Inhofe surprisingly also touched on the environment and gave a few thoughts on a handful of environmental issues.

“The environment is a very important issue to me as well even though it is something I haven’t discussed a lot. I currently am working on getting two animals taken off the endangered specialist one being the Arkansas shiner a small fish commonly used for bait and also a beetle which is costing tax payers millions of dollars every year. I am also fighting to restructure the Environmental Protection Agency so that is serves Americans instead of ruling Americans,” said Inhofe.

Inhofe after leaving Woodward was on his way to Guymon via his personal plane that he pilots himself.

“I have been flying for the past 48 years and will continue to until I die or can’t physically do it any longer which ever comes first,” Inhofe said with a laugh.

        

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