Cal Hobson: They Are "Gutless Wonders"..

   A few weeks ago, after the Oklahoma legislature adjourned for the year, a couple of area representatives wrote in local newspapers - that this past session was probably the hardest ever. Tim Downing of District 42 opined that he had worked long and hard for his constituents, but not much was accomplished - as his friends told him it was the most arduous session ever. While reading his column, one could almost hear violins echoing the sadness of the grueling legislative session.
   This, almost pleading for forgiveness, Downing column, drew the ire of a former Oklahoma Senator and Representative, Cal Hobson. Mr. Hobson spent 28 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and Senate, and felt compelled to answer Downing's explanation of failure that "the job was just too hard". Mr. Downing seemed to be especially proud of his "Herculean effort" to balance the state budget, according to Hobson. Many people know by now though, that the budget is probably unconstitutional and unlawful, so lawmakers will probably be called back to the capitol to try again. It is good news to attorneys like Downing, who will be earning overtime pay, as it will cost taxpayers about $50,000 a day to raise their own taxes. So, it's a win win for Downing, as he will increase his take home pay by increasing taxes for the rest of us.
   Cal Hobson, angered by Downing and others' explanation of their failures (the job was just too hard), challenged him to debate the most important constituent issues, such as balancing the state budget, allocating appropriate funding to state roads, corrections reform, funding our state hospitals and health care, and supporting our public schools. After the first public challenge two weeks ago in the Purcell Register and Norman Transcript, Mr. Hobson heard nothing but crickets chirping. Hobson shouldn't have wasted the challenge, as I could have told him that Downing wouldn't reply - as he will not discuss important issues publically. Downing, in fact, turned down several invitations to debate the issues when campaigning for the House District 42 seat in 2015.
   Cal Hobson has now invited Mr. Downing and others to answer constituent questions (not a scary debate) a second time, at any local Purcell eating establishment, during the months of July or August. Mr. Hobson has even offered to pay for coffey for everyone who shows up to ask questions. Mr Hobson is likely to hear only crickets answering again, as he knows the issues, and Downing doesn't.
   Unlike Cal Hobson, I'm not a former senator or representative and not even a politician, but just a Tim Downing constituent, so I'll issue my own public challenge to debate - or just answer questions about the last session, and issues important to McLain and Garvin County citizens. So, here's the challenge, Mr. Downing: I'll meet you anytime, during the months of July or August, at any Blanchard or Lindsay eating establishment (your choice), to discuss any issues important to your constituents. Just answer this challenge (in your column) in the Lindsay News or the Blanchard News. Like Cal Hobson, I'll probably only hear crickets chirping from Tim Downing...