Pictured above is Dorsey Glazener who says personal service and a quality repair is their main goal at Dorsey’s Auto Body Shop. The repair shop has been located on or near 39th & Youngs for over 60 years. Photo by Robin Dorner.

Located on or near the 39th street strip since 1948, Dorsey’s Auto Collision is a full service auto body repair shop with a staff well trained in appraising damages including all repairing and painting.  Over the years, body shop owner Dorsey Glazener has seen many changes in this neighborhood.

“My father opened a shop at 2205 NW 39th in 1948,” said Glazener.  “We have been in this neighborhood helping our friends and neighbors ever since.  This is such a wonderful and diverse neighborhood.”

Dorsey’s moved to 3933 N Youngs Blvd. in 1981 (just south of 39th, before you get to Ingrids!). Glazener said the wonderful families they have served for generations have also become friends. “They are a big part of our service and success.”

At times, these long-time customers of Dorsey’s have been concerned that they may not be able to have their vehicle repaired at Dorsey’s and have it paid for by the insurance company.

“Insurance companies will tell you to go to their repair shop for many reasons. You don’t have to go where they want you to go; you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice,” said Glazener. “Directing repairs is not right and it disrupts relationships that we have worked at developing for years.”

Brant T. Cale, Communications Officer Oklahoma Insurance Department told the Gayly that Title 36 §1250.8 Section D prohibits insurance companies from making a consumer have their vehicle repaired at a specific repair shop.

“Insured’s or 3rd party claimants are free to have their vehicle repaired at any facility they choose, because the contract for repairs is between the body shop and the vehicle owner,” said Cale.  “Insurance companies can, however, ask an insured or claimant to take the vehicle to a specific body shop or repair facility to have the initial estimate written.”  Here is the link to the exact language: http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=437234.

“While it is typical for insurance companies to have contracts or agreements with repair facilities, these are usually based on setting standard repair prices and using the personnel to write the estimates,” adds Cale. “The company will usually guarantee the work of that particular facility as well.”

Always remember, the company (or adjuster) can make a suggestion that a vehicle owner use one of their preferred facilities, but they cannot force you to.
Glazener concluded by saying, “Personal service and a quality repair is our main goal. We work for you not the insurance companies.”

Dorsey also has an experienced mechanic and will help facilitate customers with renting a car if needed. Call (405) 521-1286 to make an appointment.

By Rusty Surette

At the American Red Cross, our clients, volunteers, employees, donors and suppliers represent a wide array of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, ages, lifestyles, beliefs and philosophies. It is critical that we embrace the rich diversity around us.

That’s why the Red Cross is producing its own, “It Gets Better” video. President and CEO, Gail McGovern, is featured in the video. McGovern strongly embraces diversity and the LGBT community in Oklahoma and across the nation.

“By actively incorporating a wide range of people, programs and services, we can reach deeper into the communities we serve, discover where gaps in service exist, and work to close those gaps,” said McGovern. “Acknowledging the inherent value in our varied cultural backgrounds and experiences strengthens our great organization and improves our ability to deliver on our mission and secure the trust of the American people.”

I’m proud to say as an openly gay man and regional spokesman for the Red Cross, I was also asked to play a role in the making of this video.

In addition to the video, the Red Cross recently launched an Affinity Group on Facebook for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and volunteers and has hosted a number of meetings in different communities to help develop ideas on how to diversify our volunteer base and seek new community partners.  We also continue to push for the FDA to lift a ban that bars any man who’s had sex with another man since 1977 from donating.

We look forward to continuing this critical work in the weeks and months ahead and encourage all sections of our society to join us in volunteering and carrying out the Red Cross mission.

To make a gift to our organization or to volunteer, please call (405) 228-9500 or go online to www.okc.redcross.org.

The Public Hearing for the $73.2 million rate increase proposed by OG&E began Monday, December 13, 2011 before the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in the 3^rd floor courtroom at the Jim Thorpe Building. Testimony and cross examination of witnesses is scheduled for the morning sessions with public comments at 1:30pm each day. At stake is a monthly increase of about $6.60 in the base rate for most OG&E residential customers and increased usage cost to many commercial users. What has made this hearing different is that it is coming not only at a time when people in Oklahoma and Arkansas are coming off of a summer with the highest electric bills of all time, but at a time when OG&E’s profits are at an all time high. Most affected are the fixed income groups like seniors and the disabled, including aids-related disabilities.  Disturbing to many is the fact that conserving electricity doesn’t help in this situation because the fee increases are fixed regardless of usage to the residential customer.

OG&E is requesting this increase so it can make an 11.25% return on equity (ROE) to its investors in order to be able to raise money on Wall Street for its projects. Another rate increase request is scheduled for sometime in 2013. The Oklahoma State Attorney’s office is asking for a $4 million decrease in rates considering the excess revenues this summer. According to PRNewswire, the board of directors of OG&E Energy, OG&E Utility’s parent company on December 6, 2011 approved an increase to $1.57 per share annual dividend to its stockholders up from the originally projected $1.50 per share. Also in December 2011 OG&E Energy stock hit a 52 month high of $54.21.

The only OG&E executive scheduled to testify before the Commission is Jessie Langston, VP of retail Natural Gas. OG&E is also presenting testimony from experts within its company as to why it needs the increase at this time.  Attorneys for the Oklahoma State Attorney General’s office, the AARP, the Oklahoma Industrial Energy Consumers, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart, and with several other interests were represented on the first day of testimony to dispute OG&E’s claim that this rate hike is required.

In the afternoon, many individual consumers and consumer groups let their feelings be known to the Commissioner. The Oklahoma Sponsoring Committee comprised of 25 congregations and non-profit groups concerned about pressures mounting against families in the Oklahoma City metro area presented their findings through spokesperson Melodie Garneau. Not only had OG&E Energy made record profits in the last couple of years, but they also had 5.5 times the net income to pay their bondholders. This in comparison to the 2-3 times net income that comparable utilities in other areas have.

Many individual consumers statewide spoke to the Commission about the hardships the past summer had imposed upon them and how this rate increase would make things even more difficult.  One consumer asked, “How much money does OG&E spend on the statewide commercials telling everyone what a good job they do?”  Other speakers included Zakk Flash of the Occupy Norman movement who appeared with four other members.  Mr. Flash stated, “In 2009, OG&E demanded $110 million from their customers in Oklahoma. That year they also got $13.5 million dollars out of 65,000 people in Arkansas, via the Public Service Commission. Now, the electrical monopoly asks for $73 million dollars more per year, right on the heels of receiving $8.8 million in June from the Arkansas Public Service Commission.”

Mr. Flash went on to say, “Keep in mind that this is not a one-time increase – OG&E is seeking to once again increase the base charge borne by all customers every single month, regardless of how little electricity a customer uses. In 2002 the charge was $2/month. We currently pay $13/month and, if this proposal passes, we can expect to see $20/month as the bare minimum. That means those who use the least are already paying the most per kilowatt hour. And now OG&E would like them to pay even more.”

The hearings continued to December 22, 2011.  However, should additional time be needed the hearings will pick up again on January 3, 2012 on the 3^rd floor of the Jim Thorpe Bldg. near the State Capitol in Oklahoma City. The decision of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is expected in early January, 2012.

[box]For more information or questions about the rate increases, contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission; OKC office (405) 521-221, or Tulsa office, (918) 581-2296. You may also call OG&E (405) 553-3000 and ask for Brian Alford or Donald Rowlett.[/box]

Zakk Flash with, “Occupy Norman,” speaks to the Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners against OG&E’s proposed rate hike.

Harding/Shelton Inc. has a thirty year history in Oklahoma and is actively involved in the Oklahoma City community. In offering these scholarships, Harding/Shelton aims to help ease the stress of tuition payments for OKCU students.

Those eligible and interested in applying should send a resume and cover letter to publicaffairs@hardingshelton.com as well as indicate their interest on the Harding/Shelton Facebook page or via Twitter

At a time when the unemployment rate is highest since the Great Depression of the 1930’s and Oklahoma families have suffered through a summer of the highest electric bills of all time, a large number of Oklahoma citizens are angry that OG&E is now proposing a $73 million rate increase. This increase would add an additional $6.50 per residential customer per month.

Last month, a group of concerned citizens, headed by the Oklahoma Sponsoring Committee (OSC), held a forum regarding the proposed rate hike. Attended by a large number of concerned citizens and members of the OSC, others attending included Donald Rowlett, OG&E’s director of regulatory policy and compliance; Brian Alford, corporate communications director for OG&E; Deborah Thompson, an attorney representing AARP in petition against the OG&E rate hike; and Bill Hume, an attorney from the attorney general’s office.

Despite record earnings in 2010, OG&E’s representatives said the proposed rate hike is necessary to recover costs of improvements made over the last two and a half years. This rate hike proposal comes after a $20 million reduction by OG&E of pensions and benefits for its employees in 2011.

Last month, a group of citizens concerned about further increases in utility rates meet with leaders of OG&E, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office and a spokesperson for AARP.

Jim Tappan, a researcher for the OSC stated, “One in five Oklahoma children fear going to bed hungry,” and, “Oklahoma is the 4^th hungriest state in the nation.” He also found, “OG&E made an increase of $54 million in revenue over last year (2010). This amounts to $2.18 per share earnings in 2010, a 7.6% increase over 2009.” Mr. Tappan also said the $24 million rate hike in 2009 was expected to earn $2.13 in 2011. In the first nine months of 2011, this rate increase had earned $2.48 per share.”

“As a stockholder, I am thrilled by OG&E’s performance.” Melodie Garneau, a leader with Mayflower UCC, said. “However, I am concerned that OG&E has failed to recognize the tight economy we are in at the expense of rate payers.”

She and other leaders point to:

• In a tight economy, OG&E has raised its dividends to stock holders every year since 2006.
• If a shareholder reinvested their dividends, their annual return on stock has averaged over 14% for 10 years, compared to the same investment in the S&P, which returned 2.9% for the same period of time.
• As of June, 2011, OG&E had an interest coverage ratio of 5.5 (the number bond investors look at to assure a company can pay the interest on its bonds).  Comparable utilities in other communities have a ratio of 2 to 3, meaning that their net income is 2-3 times the money they need to pay the interest on their bonds.  OG&E has five and a half times the net income it needs to pay interest to its bond holders.  Given this high number, OG&E could very comfortably issue bonds for the infrastructure improvements they have made and possibly even offer rate payers a rate reduction.

Bill Hume from the Attorney General’s office spoke saying, “The Attorney General’s office has filed today for a $30 million dollar decrease in OG&E rates.”  This was met with loud applause from the audience.

On Tuesday December 13, 2011 from 9:30 am-12:30 pm the Oklahoma Corporation Commission will begin hearing testimony regarding the proposed rate hike at the Commission office in the Jim Thorpe building on the grounds of the State Capitol. Two citizens groups, OSC (www.oksponsoring.org) and a group called “Occupy OG&E,” will be in attendance to oppose the rate hikes and support the rate decrease. All citizens are encouraged to show up and support the cause.

For more information about the rate increases, contact the Oklahoma Corporation Commission; OKC office (405) 521-221, or Tulsa office, (918) 581-2296. You may also call OG&E (405) 553-3000 and ask for Brian Alford or Donald Rowlett.

This is part two of a two part series on estate planning for the LGBT community. Last month, we covered laws pertaining to legal marriage and the rights LGBT’s are denied due to current laws as well as each element of estate planning. These elements are explained in detail below.
It is important to plan your estate carefully and know your rights according to the law: 

A will is the foundation of your estate planning. Within this document you express your wishes concerning the disposition of your estate. It is a powerful document that essentially allows you to speak from the grave. The important thing to know is if you should die without a will, called “intestate”, the state will determine what happens to your estate. This will create a nightmare for the loved ones you leave behind.

A trust, according to Black’s Law Dictionary, is a legal entity created by a grantor for the benefit of designated beneficiaries under the laws of the state and the valid trust instrument. In other words, you are creating a legal entity to hold your property and assets for the benefit of yourself and others. There are many advantages for establishing a trust, especially in a same sex relationship situation. With a trust you can avoid the time and cost of a probate. Even with a valid will your loved ones may very well be required to probate the will. This can be a very expensive and time consuming endeavor. Unlike a will, the terms of a living trust are deemed confidential which allows your wishes to remain under wraps if you wish. As a living trust is not made public, upon your death, your estate will be distributed in private. A will, on the hand, is public record and so all transactions will be public as well. Another benefit of a trust is the handling of out-of-state property you own upon your death. With a will, that property will have to go through probate in its own state; this is avoided with a living trust.

A trust is very difficult to challenge, which is not the case with a will. Too many times, in same sex relationships, a disapproving family member will come in and challenge the terms and/or execution of a will. Allegations of coercion, fraud, and/or undue duress are lodged against the surviving partner, causing the surviving partner to endure a lengthy and emotional litigation process.

A power of attorney is a document in which one person (the principal) appoints and authorizes another (the agent) to perform certain specified acts on behalf of the principal. The acts which could be performed include real estate transactions, monetary transactions, entering into contracts, and buying and selling other assets. The power of attorney is only effective during the life of the grantor. It can be rescinded at any time by the grantor and it is best this be done in writing. Unless there is language to the contrary the power conveyed in the document becomes effective immediately upon signing.

An Advanced Health Care Directive literally lists out what you want to have happen if you are incapacitated and end of life decisions must be made. This document will generally take the form of a living will and health care power of attorney. Living wills allow you to express in writing your wishes and the type of care you want when you are incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. The health care power of attorney allows you to designate the person responsible for making health care decisions when you are no longer able to do so. Some individuals will execute a do-not-resuscitate order and a limitation on the use of life-support systems. As was discussed in the last column, for same-sex couples a hospital visitation form must be considered in putting into place protections for your family. This document will ensure that your partner will have access to you to be at your side should you end up in the hospital in an incapacitated state.

It is always advisable to seek the advice of an attorney to help you and your partner in determining how to plan your estate and to ensure all laws are complied with and none of your rights are compromised.

Dorothy Heim is an attorney with Diversified Legal Services in Oklahoma City. For more information, call (405) 601-2600 or visit www.ladylawyersokc.com

The central chapter of the Oklahoma Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) held their annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon last month. Winning the award for Outstanding Achievement in Diversity was Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation (CAF).

“When I first learned that Cimarron Alliance was being honored for outstanding diversity, my first thought was just, overwhelmed,” said Scott Hamilton, CAF Executive Director. “We’re truly representing all people in Oklahoma.” Hamilton also said the award gives him the affirmation, that the organization is moving the right direction, and that CAF is truly representing all people in Oklahoma.

The CAF vision is, “A fair and just Oklahoma.” The organization does education and advocacy at many levels.

“Gay people are part of the fabric that makes Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma such a rich place to be,” adds Hamilton. “We launched a public awareness campaign this year, not to generate income, but to generate interest. To help people realize that gay people are here in every aspect of life. Sometimes our community tends to be invisible, especially in Oklahoma.”

The Cimarron Alliance mission is “to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans.”

CAF was nominated by Lisa Pitsiri who joined the Cimarron board in 2011 and currently serves as Chair of the Communications Committee. She is the Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and the Foundation at Rose State College in Midwest City. Pitsiri is active in many organizations and is also president-elect for the Oklahoma City Chapter of AFP.

“We were nominated by someone who I have come to respect as a professional and someone who I am honored to call a friend,” Hamilton said of Pitsiri. “She is passionate about so many causes.”

Each year, National Philanthropy Day is recognized by AFP and is a day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy and those people active in the philanthropic community make to our lives, our communities and our world.

“We are encouraged by the work that is being done, by the things that we hear from people every day,” Hamilton concludes. “I have to say, one of the greatest outward encouragements that we’ve had in a long time is receiving this award.”

For more information about CAF, visit www.cimarronalliance.org or call (405) 495-9300.