Cargill Says Democrat Complaints Are A Surprise

House Speaker Lance Cargill (R-Harrah) said today that complaints from Democrats about House office renovations are a surprise to him.

“Not one House Democrat complained when we repaired their offices over the past two years, so I was surprised to learn they’re objecting now that the job is completed.

“Had it not been for decades of willful Democrat neglect when they controlled the Oklahoma House of Representatives, we would not have been forced to make such a significant expenditure on office repair. Instead of maintaining the House properly, the Democrats were shipping tax money to Gene Stipe and alleged dog food plants – actions that are now drawing federal scrutiny.

“I know that House Democratic Leader Danny Morgan sure didn’t seem upset when we spent over $25,000 on furniture for his office and conference room – an expenditure that I believe was justifiable due to years of Democrat neglect.

“After years of Democratic control, House offices had unsecured walls ready to collapse, desks on blocks and even chicken wire holding everything together. I wish I was kidding. But we got off lucky. The Democrats left the rest of state government with $9 billion in maintenance needs. We also face another $9 billion backlog to repair our roads and bridges – as anyone with a car has known for years.

“I am also surprised House Democrats would also complain about our House staff salaries, which are now market-based instead of patronage-based. If Representatives Morgan and Mike Brown truly believe we can fund pay raises for all state employees by eliminating a few members of House staff, they are less equipped to handle budget issues than I realized.

“Although House Democrats were unable to find any cost-savings during the 80 years they controlled the House, I certainly appreciate their newfound concern.”

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