State leaders give positive predictions for 2003

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Frank Keating and other state leaders are giving an optimistic outlook for 2003. <br><br>The governor predicts the stock market will rebound in the second half of the year. Oklahoma's

Wednesday, January 1st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Gov. Frank Keating and other state leaders are giving an optimistic outlook for 2003.

The governor predicts the stock market will rebound in the second half of the year. Oklahoma's right-to-work law will kick in about the same time, bringing jobs and growth to the state, Keating said.

Larkin Warner, a regents professor of economics emeritus at Oklahoma State University, said guarded optimism is the way to go for New Year predictions. Economic models at OSU and the University of Oklahoma show modest growth for the state's economy in 2003, he said.

``I don't think there are any economists that are breaking out champagne,'' he said. ``Nobody's ecstatic about what to expect.''

Warner said two things that will help the state in 2003 are defense spending, especially for Oklahoma City, Lawton, Altus and Enid, and the right-to-work law.

Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys also predicted good things for the city.

``I think Oklahoma City will do better than other cities around the country,'' he said. ``We're better positioned to move forward than other cities are.''

Specifically, the mayor predicted a Bass Pro Shops store would open in November in Bricktown, and that a new theater on the Bricktown Canal would be under construction sometime in 2003.

Humphrey's outlook for the state wasn't as energetic.

``I think the state is still facing quite a few hard times,'' he said. ``We need to regear our economy to where were not dependent statewide on oil and agriculture. Oklahoma City will do well because it's not dependent on those two things.''

State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett said she believes Oklahomans will show resilience in the face of looming budget difficulties.

``Oklahoma people will stand strong through this budget crisis and continue to place education as a high priority,'' she said. ``I would hope that the Legislature would do the same.''

Besides the economy, state leaders offered a few other predictions.

Keating said Saddam Hussein will be removed from power in Iraq and Osama bin Laden will be dealt with one way or another.

Humphreys said OU will beat OSU in football.