Congressman Frank Lucas held a town hall meeting at City Hall, Tuesday.  Lucas seemed pleased with the attendance saying, "I think this may be the largest crowd I’ve had here in Cushing."  He said the size of the crowd seems to have a direct correlation as to how well people think things are going.  "Usually small crowds indicate things are going well," he noted, "while larger crowds indicate people have concerns."

One concern foremost in the minds of Americans everywhere, was brought up by several in attendance – healthcare.  Dr. Gary Detrich, DVM, voiced his desire to see healthcare for all Americans.  "Lives are needlessly being lost in our country, because they have no healthcare," Detrich said.  "I think it is the most embarrassing thing about our country."

Lucas conceded saying, "We have a big hole that needs to be filled.  It is the working folks who are in the middle."   He went on to say that President Obama, as well as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, are "totally committed" to getting the healthcare bill passed.  "I think you will get what you want – I just don’t know how."
  When pressed as to what he would do, Lucas said, "I cannot give you a commitment when I haven’t seen the bill.  I’ve got to wait and see." 

Lucas seemed better versed in the area of his expertise – agriculture and the impact the energy bill will have on Oklahomans.  "I voted against it," he said.  "In my opinion, the way it was written does not encourage other sources of energy.  For example, it has a heavy focus on wind energy, but not atomic." 

Another issue Lucas has with the energy bill is the cost to his constituency in the 3rd District.  "Agriculture is an intense consumer of energy," he said.  "I think we will pay higher and higher prices."

Senator Jim Halligan was in the audience and requested attention toward an issue unique to Cushing – its vast expansion of pipeline.  "This is a national issue," Halligan said.  "It should not be up to the City of Cushing to bear the expense of having the appropriate equipment on hand should a catastrophe occur."

Lucas agreed, saying, "I’m committed, the need is apparent."

Lucas also touched on another bill he gave a no vote – the $800 billion stimulus package.  "It was too loosely written," he said.  "The stimulus package was put out in a frantic way, in my opinion.  Of course, we are trying to get our fair share for our state.  And I will admit there are a few good things coming out of it – improvements to the infrastructure – for example."

He continued with a prediction of a second stimulus package later in the year, should this one not do the trick.

"My prediction?" Lucas said.  "We will see $2 trillion – maybe even $3 trillion in new debt by the end of the year.  It’s a fine kettle we’re in."

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