(Editor’s note: The following was written by Andy Moore, executive director of the nonprofit, nonpartisan civic-action group Let’s Fix This. His commentary appears courtesy of NonDoc’s Funded Content advertising solution.)
A lot of folks have commented on the lack of leadership among our state Legislature and other statewide-elected officials. That deficiency has been highlighted repeatedly this year by the Legislature’s fledgling attempts to fix the state budget. From the unconstitutional revenue bills in the spring to the recent breakdown in negotiations during the special session, many of the leaders responsible for guiding our state’s financial well-being have left people feeling pretty scared about the future.
Leaders shouldn’t make you feel scared. That’s not leadership. Real leadership makes others feel confident and inspired. Leadership clearly articulates a vision for the future, identifies the objectives necessary to make that vision come to life, and encourages others to join in the pursuit. True leaders pursue their vision relentlessly, and their achievements define their legacy.
Oklahoma needs a new vision. We need something to believe in — something bigger than ourselves, bigger than our perpetual budget hole, and bigger than our reliance on the oil and gas industry. We need to believe that we’re better than being 49th, that we’re not just some flat, one-party, “flyover state” that can’t do anything right besides play football, survive tornadoes and compare ourselves to Texas all the time. Oklahoma needs to get its groove back. We need to embrace the vision that Oklahoma is successful and desirable. The sooner we start believing that, the sooner we’ll start acting like it’s true. Once you realize you’re not just some ugly duckling, being a beautiful swan is a whole lot easier.
Oklahoma needs you
What Oklahoma needs is you. Our most important resource isn’t buried underground, it’s our people. Oklahoma needs you and me to stop complaining about stuff on social media and start doing things that actually move the needle. I firmly believe that if we, the good people of this great state, traded in our apathy for action and our partisanship for partnership, we could get things fixed faster than you can say, “Boomer Sooner.”
And that’s exactly why I started Let’s Fix This. We’re a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization on a mission to educate and equip Oklahomans to actively engage with their government. We believe that a better Oklahoma can be achieved through bipartisan cooperation and citizen leadership — citizens like you. We love helping people become involved with their government, and we create opportunities for you to do so in meaningful ways, both at the state Capitol and in your local community.
BourBUN
A bourbon and Korean steamed bun fundraiser7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 3 at SixTwelve in Paseo$50 online or at the door
This Friday evening, Nov. 3, is one of those opportunities. We’re hosting a fundraising event for our organization, and you should come. The event, called BourBUN, will feature a bourbon tasting, Korean-style steam buns, fancy water, local beer and a whole bunch of really great people who share a passion for making Oklahoma better. You will learn more about Let’s Fix This and how to get involved. You will also have the opportunity to connect with advocates, legislators and other local leaders.
BourBUN will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at SixTwelve in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District. Tickets are $50 and are available online or at the door.
