May 9-11 has been a very exciting weekend for me. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and I turned 22. My parents are so proud. In couple of weeks another big event is going on in my family, my twin brothers will be graduating from high school.
I have been talking to my brothers about this year’s election. I want to know what the youngest voters are thinking. I am pleasantly surprised to hear that many of their classmates plan on voting in November. I got to talk to a group of high school seniors from Shawnee, OK this week.
Each student discussed what issues they thought were important to recent high school grads. Some even let me know who they were voting for and why. They also had a few hopes and concerns about issues specifically facing Oklahomans.
C.J. White, 18, said he hopes Oklahoma City will get a professional basketball team. Recently a bill passed at the Capitol to expand the Ford Center so teams would be more willing to relocate to OKC.
“I hope that arena does get fixed up. I’m really looking forward to the Sonics,” C.J. said
There have been many debates among NBA owners and fans about the SuperSonics from Settle moving to Oklahoma City. In April many NBA owners approved the relocation. Also many bills have been passed at the Capitol this spring in order to gain funding to update the Ford Center arena. If the team can settle the lawsuits from their hometown, OKC could have a professional sports team. However, the name, mascot, and colors will be changed.
Kim Marshall, 18, said she was most concerned about the state’s economy.
“Our main economy is beef and grain. We shouldn’t forget about it,” Kim said. “Right now it is stable, but any moment it could go not so great.”
Gas prices are a big concern all over the country, but the group of students agreed that gas prices in Oklahoma are becoming a problem. As of May 12, the average gas price in Oklahoma $3.65 per gallon.