Tulsa World
By Richard P. Rush
Feb. 13, 2010

Partnering with a host of elected officials, civic and business leaders, the State Chamber of Oklahoma has worked on countless public policy initiatives during the past 84 years aimed at improving Oklahoma's economic climate. Our goal is always to grow existing businesses and encourage new ones to move to our great state to create jobs.

Oklahoma has gained a growing and positive image as a result. One way we have been successful is to know what battles need to be fought and which ones are best left behind.

On that note, we want to thank the state Supreme Court for its wisdom on Monday in rejecting Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony's "suggestion" to once again try to revisit a 24-year-old Southwestern Bell (now AT&T) rate case.

This is the same case that he tried to revisit in 1992, 1997 and 2003.

When a decades-old regulatory case is repeatedly questioned and brought back into the limelight, it only serves as a red flag to other companies to stay away from the Sooner state. Make no mistake; this manner of regulatory action can hurt our state's reputation for good business.

While Oklahoma is doing better than most states, these are tough economic times. This action would be costly and time-consuming for taxpayers. Damages inflicted on business are often spread to their customers. Damages can result in job loss. I can't think of a more devastating time in recent memory to shed jobs.

The Supreme Court is to be applauded for its action. The case involved a different company, under different management during a far different time. Guilty parties involved were caught and jailed. The longer this case would have continued, the more nervous businesses looking to expand or move to Oklahoma would have become. Our economy does not need that uncertainty.

It is our hope that Commissioner Anthony will do what is in the best interest of Oklahoma families and Oklahoma businesses, and indeed do what he said he would on Tuesday — not plan further appeals. It is time to focus on the future of Oklahoma and the jobs it will take to grow our economy.

As for our work, we will continue partnering with elected officials, civic and business leaders to make Oklahoma the state of choice for business. As we said at a joint Capitol press conference Tuesday with partner chambers and even two union representatives, Oklahoma is in a global competition for jobs.

Even while cities across the state continue to make "best of" lists for economic development, jobs and places to raise a family, our work cannot stop. We must all take action together and send a strong message to employers large and small that Oklahoma is open for business.

Richard P. Rush is the president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma.