Wishing You The Very Best 2014!

As we close out yet another year and usher in 2014, may we be ever mindful of the blessings we have been given. Looking back on a year that was full of challenges, struggles, and new opportunities for those in Pottawatomie and Cleveland counties I believe we stand stronger now than we did at the beginning. It is never easy to watch your community struggle through a challenge like the natural disasters this spring, but the joy of seeing individuals of every faith, political persuasion, age, and lifestyle come together for their neighbors and friends far outweighs those challenges. I have never been so proud to be a part of a community that selflessly laid aside their own needs for the good of a complete stranger. I have never been more honored to play a leadership role than in helping begin the recovery and relief efforts for those affected.

The amazing thing about New Year’s is it stands for a new beginning; a clean slate. No matter what your 2013 held, your 2014 stands ready to welcome you. No matter where you are in your life. No matter what the political challenges are at the current time. No matter what situation you find yourself in today; you are blessed. We are all blessed beyond measure. Blessed to live in a state with a strong economy that holds common sense family values dear. Blessed to live in the most free and prosperous nation on earth. Blessed to simply draw another breath.

So as 2013 ends, pause and take account of your blessings. Set your focus on the year ahead and charge towards it with a new passion. We never know what the future holds, but I for one am glad I know who holds my future.

I am extremely honored to continue serving as your state representative. Your prayers, thoughts, concerns, and insight are always appreciated. With God’s help I will continue to serve to the best of my ability. Please feel free to always contact me at my office or stop me and chat if you see me out in district. That is why I am here.

Looking forward to 2014,

Representative Josh Cockroft

House Calls for Citizen Input on Speak Up Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – In ongoing efforts to increase public participation in state policy discussions, the Oklahoma House of Representatives is seeking input from citizens for the 2014 legislative session through a new portal called Speak Up Oklahoma.

Oklahomans can register to weigh in on policy discussions and polls at www.speakupoklahoma.com, said Joel Kintsel, House parliamentarian and administrator. To participate, Oklahomans must simply fill out a short registry form before voting on policy ideas and polls, or simply submitting an idea of their own.

“The Oklahoma House has worked to become increasingly transparent,” Kintsel said. “In past years, we have introduced live video of session online, made votes available online and basically taken advantage of emerging technologies and software to create additional ways to connect state lawmakers with their constituents.”

Matt Hall, community manager at Granicus, Inc., the software provider for the website said the Oklahoma House of Representatives is joining a number of government entities that are making use of an open discussion forum.

“The Oklahoma House is a part of a wave of innovative state and local governments that are bringing citizens and government together online,” Hall said.

Leading up to the 2014 legislative session, House staff has posed questions for citizens to respond to and will continue to prompt Oklahomans to join the conversation, Kintsel said.

The new service is powered through a platform called CivicIdeas™, created by Granicus, Inc. a San Francisco-based company. The platform is specifically designed to help government agencies gather meaningful and measurable feedback from the public. Currently, Granicus provides transparency and community collaboration solutions to more than 1,000 local, state, and federal government agencies across the U.S. and Canada.