The Oklahoman Editorial, NewsOK
Published: April 26, 2011
AS head of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Gary Ridley has made it a point not to wade into political battles. He didn't take a public stand on a proposed gasoline tax several years ago that would have benefited ODOT, and he stayed out of the fray last year over an education funding proposal that, if approved, would have adversely affected his agency and others.
Multimedia Photoview all photos For ODOT director, some federal laws difficult to swallow Because state and federal politicians wield the clout to help ODOT, or not, it's in Ridley's interests to get along with them as best he can. He has done this exceedingly well during his many years in charge, earning their respect as an honorable man whose overarching interests are to maintain and improve Oklahoma's roads and bridges.
So Ridley's recent appearance before Congress, where he criticized the policies of some federal agencies, is notable. Among other things he made his displeasure known about the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to toughen air-quality standards, and said the Federal Highway Administration “is running amok,” citing changes that he said will keep states from using “sound engineering judgment.” FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Tue, April 26, 2011
by John Cox