Pike Off OTA, Author at Pike Off OTA

Too Many Red Flags to Approve a 1.5 Billion Dollar OTA Bond Issue Without Due Diligence

December 4, 2024— “There are just too many red flags for the Council of Bond Oversight (COBO) to approve the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s 1.5-billion-dollar bond issue request that’s on their agenda for their December meeting,” stated Tassie Katherine Hirschfeld, Ph.D. a researcher for Oklahomans for Responsible Transportation. Three objections to the OTA Bond request have […]

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In a succinct presentation before the Oklahoma Senate Transportation Committee Interim Study Session on September 27, 2022, Professor Tassie Hirschfeld illustrates the absurdity of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operations. Hirschfeld is a professor in anthropology who specializes in post-soviet autocratic countries and anti-corruption research. In less than 15 minutes Hirschfeld explains how the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operates more like a Soviet regime than a "State of Oklahoma" agency.

How the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operates like a Soviet Regime

Exposing the OTA / Pike Off OTA

In a succinct presentation before the Oklahoma Senate Transportation Committee on September 27, 2022, Professor Tassie Hirschfeld illustrates the absurdity of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operations. Hirschfeld is a professor in anthropology who specializes in post-soviet autocratic countries and anti-corruption research. Watch Hirschfeld explain how the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority operates more like a Soviet regime

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Oklahoma Turnpike Authority: Born in Broken Promises

Broken Promises / Pike Off OTA

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority: Born in broken promises 1954: Oklahoma citizens voted to build turnpikes that would be free to drive once their bonds were paid off. 1955: The legislators and lobbyists (without citizen buy-in) changed the language to allow cross-pledging. When the Oklahoma people voted in 1954 to approve SQ359 and SQ360 they never

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Another win! Oklahoma Attorney General finds House Bill 2263 amendments Constitutional

Blog / Pike Off OTA

The Oklahoma Attorney General (OAG) Gentner Drummond published a second opinion on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, detailing why House Bill (HB) 2263 amending Title 69 Section 1703 is constitutional and does not violate the separation of powers provision in the Oklahoma Constitution. HB2263 divided the executive powers of appointment to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA)

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Oklahoma Attorney General agrees with PIKE OFF OTA that no individual may simultaneously serve three state transportation roles

Blog / Pike Off OTA

On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Oklahoma Attorney General (OAG) published an opinion that it is illegal for Secretary Tim Gatz to serve in three state “offices,” and he must resign or be removed from two “offices.” In addition, AG Drummond stated that when a state officer takes on the duties of a second office

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Objections to possible COBO Bond Approval – September 2023

Uncategorized / Pike Off OTA

The Council of Bond Oversight (COBO) meeting agenda for Monday September 11, includes as agenda item 3 Discussion and possible action regarding approval of the request from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to issue up to $500 million of Second Senior Revenue Bonds, Series 2023 In other words, COBO will discuss, and possibly approve, the Oklahoma

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Over a backdrop of the Supreme Court room in the OKC capitol, are the words "You've got a great case. How much justice can you afford?" - Attorney Stan Ward, 2022

Statement on August 1, 2023 Supreme Court Bond Validation

Uncategorized / Pike Off OTA

In a split 6 to 3 ruling, the Oklahoma Supreme Court validated Turnpike Authority bonds for the ACCESS project This is a destructive blow for the citizens of Oklahoma as it essentially grants to the OTA the ability to build wherever they want without regard to law, legislative oversight, or the will of the people.

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2023-07-12 Responses to OK Supreme Court Legal Questions

Blog / Pike Off OTA

Confused about what is happening in the Supreme Court?
Our latest post on PikeOffOTA.com breaks down what happened this week. Three on fire and well-prepared protestant briefs were submitted to the Court with sound arguments for why the OTA cannot lawfully build the 3 new alignments in the ACCESS program.

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Oklahoma House and Senate Vote Overwhelmingly to Override Governor’s Veto of Turnpike Board Appointment Legislation

News / Pike Off OTA

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA May 25, 2023—Today the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate voted overwhelmingly to override the Governor’s veto of House Bill 2263, a bill that will change the way members are appointed to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Board. Before this legislation passed, the Governor made all six appointments to the OTA Board.

Oklahoma House and Senate Vote Overwhelmingly to Override Governor’s Veto of Turnpike Board Appointment Legislation Read More »

Pike Off OTA’s Statement on the OK Supreme Court Ruling on May 23rd, 2023

News / Pike Off OTA

In May 2022, Pike Off OTA brought claims in Cleveland County District Court challenging the OTA’s legal authority to construct 3 proposed new turnpikes. Since then, there has been a motion to dismiss and an appeal to the Oklahoma Supreme Court in this district court case. Today’s ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court simply says

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