Dear Editor,
Lately, some people on social media have been busy attacking me for filing open records requests. Let’s call it what it is — an attempt to distract from the real problems facing Watonga.
The Oklahoma Open Records Act is not a loophole, it’s the law. Every citizen has the right to ask questions and request records. I will never apologize for using that right to shine a light on how our city operates. That’s accountability, not misconduct.
Critics also claim I “refused to pay.” Here are the facts: I never refused to pay for records. That phrase was written by the City Clerk’s office on the bottom of my requests. In reality, I lawfully invoked the public-interest fee waiver allowed under Oklahoma law. My requests have always been about protecting taxpayers, not avoiding costs. Suggesting otherwise is political spin, not fact.
The louder the attacks, the clearer it becomes that some people would rather smear me than answer tough questions about oversight failures, finances, and public trust. But personal attacks won’t change the truth — and they won’t silence me.
I was elected to represent the citizens of Watonga, not to keep secrets. I will keep fighting for transparency and accountability, no matter who tries to stand in the way.