OPEA

It was one of those mornings where I was between awake and sleep, very early before my alarm would sound. I looked at the clock, turned over and tried to go back to sleep, but kept writing this story in my mind, so when I came in to work I put it on paper.

I have seen a lot of legislation not pass through committee and get a real hearing that would have been great for state employees. I have seen legislators come and go, leaders rise to the occasion, and many election years with endorsed candidates. But never in my career with OPEA have I seen such apathy across the state.

 I remember first coming to OPEA when Pat Hall was Executive Director. He had a collection of turtles in his office. I asked him, “Why turtles?” Pat explained to me that the turtle became the mascot of the Association after a speech he had made and OPEA members began gifting him with turtles, so the collection grew over the years. Pat went on to tell me that the turtle was a great mascot for OPEA and state employees because it is the only animal that had to stick its neck out to make progress.

That comment has remained with me for over 20 years because it is true. State employees have become very much like a turtle. They are hiding in their shells because they are just struggling to survive. Well, folks, it is time that state employees came out of their shells and stuck their necks out. It is time for you to make progress. It is time to Stand Up, Speak Out and Be Counted!

 It’s just about three weeks until the elections that will determine your future. Come out of your shells and take a stand. Let candidates know that state employees need their help. Stick your necks out and help a candidate friendly to your issues get elected. You CAN make the difference.

As Pat Hall used to say - remember the turtle – it also has to stick its neck out to make progress. So stick out your neck and make a little progress to make Oklahoma a better place to live and work.