Okmulgee Times Henryetta Free-Lance Friday October 26, 2018 2018 General Election C1 Voter’s Guide Editor’s Note: The General Election is November 6 and the Okmulgee Times has prepared information sheets for the candi- handle criminal cases, family law cases (in- to Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office where I dates in the various races. In an effort to save space, if a question was not answered, it was ommitted from cluding divorce, custody, paternity, adop- became a full time officer. I achieved the the candidate information. tions, and guardianships), juvenile cases, rank of Lieutenant and became the east side civil cases, estate planning matters, pro- supervisor and a member of the Drug Task bate, and appellate matters. Force. I went to work as an intern with the District Judge District 24, Office 3 Pawnee / Osage County District Attorneys How long have you been practicing in office, which is where I tried my first jury the district and in Oklahoma? 12 years in trial. Soon after passing the bar, I became the district. 12 years in Oklahoma. a solo practitioner and have maintained a general practice since that time. I have Ken Adair Candidate Background: Community ser- practiced in state and federal court and vice, education employment and other maintained a diverse practice – giving be a Hometown: Sapulpa C a n d i d a t e relevant experience. broad knowledge of the law. I have tried Current Town: Rural Okmulgee County Background: I was a law enforcement officer for 10 over a dozen felony jury trials and have near Wilson C o m m u n i t y years – much of which as a reserve officer. I tried almost every kind of case that could Education: J.D. OU College of Law service, edu- began my career in Mounds, OK. I then went come before the state court bench. Age: 58 cation em- ployment and Have you ever received any type of other relevant reprimand from the bar association? No experience. Six years U.S. District Judge District 24, Office 4 How long have you been practicing? Navy (Two De- 17 years and 8 years on the bench stroyers: USS Wm. Lawe DD- What areas of the law do you practice 763 and U.S.S. in? Representing people; family, civil and DD-993); pub- Kelly Hake criminal lic defender Hometown: Oskaloosa, Iowa tent and work- four years; Current Town: Bristow ing day labor How long have you been practicing in Oklahoma Dept. American Legion: two Education: BA in Philosophy from Iowa jobs before the district and in Oklahoma? 10 years in years Judge Advocate; two years Legisla- State University and Doctor of Jurispru- having the op- Okmulgee and 8 years as judge tive Liason; Salvation Army Board in Ok- dence from Tulsa University College of Law portunity to mulgee. Age: 62 become an actual rough- Have you ever received any type of neck. I was ac- reprimand from the bar association? No, cepted at the I have never received any type of public or TU College of private reprimand, ethical or otherwise, Law in 1981 District Judge District 24, Office 3 from the bar association or any other pro- and moved to fessional body. Oklahoma to attend. Upon How long have you been practicing? graduation, I I have practiced law in Oklahoma for 34 moved to Bris- Rod Wiemer years. All of those years have been spent tow where I would build my practice and Hometown: I was born in Chicago but ing served on practicing within the district in which I am raise my family. I am the proud father of have lived most of my life in Okmulgee the Board for now running for office which covers Ok- a son, a Marine Corps veteran and surgical Current Town: Okmulgee the past 6 1/2 mulgee, Creek, and Okfuskee counties. technician, and two daughters, a legal sec- Education: Okmulgee High School (Vale- years. I was retary and a registered nurse. They and my dictorian - 1983) instrumental What areas of the law do you practice three grandchildren are the absolute lights University of Tulsa (Bachelor of Science in raising the in? I have three decades of multifaceted le- of my life. Giving back to society is some- in Business Administration-1987; funds to refur- gal experience in a wide range of areas hav- thing I believe that we should all strive to Juris Doctorate with Honors – 1990) bish Harmon ing tried cases at both the state and federal do and I have made volunteering a priority Stadium and levels. As a sole practitioner, I handle mat- throughout my life. During my time as an Age: 53 have worked ters ranging in diversity from criminal cas- attorney in Bristow, I have been very active diligently to es including misdemeanors and felonies to in community events and volunteering. In Have you ever received any type of rep- improve all civil matters such as adoptions, guardian- the 80s and 90s, my love of my children rimand from the bar association? Never aspects of Ok- ships, family law, wills, trusts, oil and gas and athletics led me to coach youth sports mulgee Public leasing, title opinions, and real estate. in our community for nearly two decades How long have you been practicing? 28 Schools includ- and I enjoyed those years immensely. I’m years ing academics, Candidate Background: Community a member of the Lions Club, member and facilities, and atmosphere. service, education employment and oth- past president of the Bristow Historical What areas of the law do you practice In 2016, I was the Co-Chair of the Okmul- er relevant experience. Society, member and past president of the in? General Civil, Criminal and Domestic gee Pecan Festival Committee that re-es- As the eldest of six children born to a Creek County Bar Association, and serve (divorce and custody) Litigation, Indian tablished the festival after an over 15 year Lutheran minister and a registered nurse, on the Central Oklahoma Business Board. Law, Business Law, Adoption, Guardian- hiatus. I served as Master of Ceremonies my siblings and I learned very early in life In addition to my successful private prac- ship and just about anything else that my for Okmulgee Main Street’s Big Brain Trivia the value of hard work and education. tice, I have served as both the city attorney clients need. Night in 2015 -16. For 4 years I served as Throughout my youth, when I wasn’t work- and prosecutor for the City of Bristow for the President of the Creek Council House ing one of my many odd jobs, I could be 25 years. My myriad positions and work- How long have you been practicing Museum Board and was a founding Board found playing sports. I played golf, was a ing conditions, education, life experience, in the district and in Oklahoma? I have member of the Okmulgee Education Foun- member of state championship winning and years of wide ranging legal practice spent my entire 28 year career in the pri- dation. I was a certified personal trainer baseball and basketball teams, and was the have given me a unique perspective and an vate practice of law in Okmulgee. who volunteered at the YMCA for five Golden Gloves Boxing Champion in 1975. incredibly helpful administrative skill set years and was awarded both national and I worked odd jobs to pay my way through along with a wealth of knowledge with re- Candidate Background: Community local volunteerism awards. Iowa State University where I studied en- gard to the types of matters that are specif- service, education employment and oth- I was appointed to the Oklahoma Indi- gineering and philosophy and after grad- ic to the district court system and I would er relevant experience. gent Defense System Board by Governor uating I made my way to Texas to take be honored by the opportunity to further I graduated from Okmulgee High School David Walters in 1993 and was reappoint- advantage of the oil boom where I spent serve my district in a judicial capacity. as Valedictorian in 1983. I received a schol- ed by Governor Frank Keating in 1998. In quite a while truly roughing it sleeping in a arship to the University of Tulsa where I 2003 and 2008, Governor Brad Henry ap- was Intramural Athlete of the year in 1986, pointed Mr. Wiemer as the Chairman of the President of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Board. President of the Interfraternity Council. I The agency provides public defenders in earned a Bachelor of Science in Business 75 Oklahoma counties. As a result of my Okmulgee County Commissioner, Administration in 1987 and my Juris Doc- influence on the Board, Judicial District 24 torate with Honors in 1990. is the only district on the east side of the For the past 28 years, I have engaged in state that is served by full-time profession- District 1 the private practice of law in Okmulgee. I al public defenders. have an extensive clientele in Okmulgee I am well known in Okmulgee County County and have likely represented many as a youth baseball coach and I am an Ac- Aaron Myers of you, your families and friends. I am also credited Interscholastic Coach with the Na- a certified mediator. tional Federation of High School Associa- Political Party: Republican What are I served as General Counsel to Principal tions. I currently serve as the Bench Coach Hometown: Pawnee Chief A. D. Ellis of the Muscogee (Creek) and Pitching Coach of the Okmulgee High Current Town: Beggs the top three Nation for 8 years and served as Special School Baseball team for the past 4 years. Education: Working on mechanical engi- messages of Prosecutor of the Muscogee (Creek) Na- The 2017 OHS Baseball team won the 4A neering degree from Oklahoma State Uni- tion for 2 years prosecuting over 50 brib- Academic State Championship. It has been versity your cam- ery, embezzlement and public corruption my pleasure to coach multiple youth base- Age: 49 cases. I am the former President of the Ok- ball teams from T-Ball to 18U in Okmulgee paign? mulgee County Bar Association (2000) and and Morris and I am a long time Board Candidate Background: Community ser- 1. Account- Muscogee (Creek) Nation Bar Association member of the Okmulgee County Baseball vice, education employment and other ability- The (2007-08). & Softball Association. relevant experience. citizens of Ok- I have had the privilege of serving my I look forward to continuing my service I graduated from Pawnee High School. I mulgee county community and state in numerous leader- to Okmulgee County by becoming your have credits from Northern Oklahoma Col- deserve to ship positions. I am the current President next District Judge. lege and Oklahoma State University. know where of the Okmulgee Public School Board hav- I have worked in residential home con- the tax dollars struction and also as an iron worker in are spent and commercial construction.I have managed for county leadership to be more respon- oil production fields and operated heavy sible with spending of county revenues equipment as part of field operations and including how those tax dollars spent on District Judge District 24, Office 4 lease road maintenance. I have spent the county roads and city streets. last 12 years in satellite installation and re- 2. Economical Development- The county pair since moving to Beggs in 2006. has been in an economical downfall for quite some time. I want to work with com- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes munity leaders and Creek Nation leadership John M. Dunn or court ordered judgements? No to bring more jobs to Okmulgee county. Hometown: Cleveland, OK How long 2. Have you ever been convicted of a More money coming into Okmulgee county Current Town: Jennings have you been felony? No means more money for roads, streets, and Education: BS Chemical Engineering (OSU practicing? 12 other county services. 1995). Juris Doctor (University of Tulsa years 2005) What areas Age: 45 of the law do you practice Have you ever received any type of rep- in? I am a gen- rimand from the bar association? No eral practitio- ner. I currently I I C2 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com 3. Streets and Roads- I plan to take a pro- more people to move here thus boosting 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- issues if elected? active approach to road and street repairs our local businesses and economy. es or court ordered judgements? No and maintenance. Too long has the repair 2. Another pressing issue in Okmulgee 2. Have you ever been convicted of a 1. Lack of industry – I would work with and maintenace been more of a reactive ap- county is county finances. I will do a full felony? No the state representatives in any way I could proach. audit of all branches of the county govern- to bring some industry to this county. ment and eliminate mismanagement of 2. Better roads – I would work with the county funds. I want to be as transparent as What are the top three messages commissioners to secure funding for roads What are the top three most press- possible by publishing the findings. of your campaign? and bridges. ing issues facing rural Oklahoma? 3. I plan to take a proactive approach 3. Lack of employment – Again work with to repairing streets and roads. My plan is 1. I want to make changes to the way this the state representatives to bring develop- How would you address these to start with the worst and most traveled office runs. ment to our rural areas. issues if elected? streets and roads. Too often in the past it 2. I want to revisit the budget of this of- has been more of a reactive approach to re- fice and cut waste and maybe get newer Explain your positions on economic 1. One of the most pressing issues affect- pairs and maintenance of roads. If we are trucks. development as it pertains to rural Okla- ing rural Oklahoma and Okmulgee county to entice people and businesses to Okmul- 3. Change the way the public views this homa in general and Okmulgee County is the decline of small towns and communi- gee County, the first thing they notice is office. Make it more transparent and admit in particular: ties. the conditions of the streets and roads. It when we are wrong and work to fix prob- We need better economic development We need to bring more industry to the doesn't matter if you live in a humble abode lems as soon as possible. to lesson our dependence on oil and gas county which in turn brings jobs back to the or a mansion, we all have the same number and target more Ag – Industry or even county so citizens don't need to commute of votes and we all should be treated with from retail industry. We have an interstate to large cities for work. It would also entice the same amount of respect. What are the top three most press- and Hwy. 75 that run through this county ing issues facing rural Oklahoma? and sit in the middle of the country, just hours from major cities. I think we could How would you address these boost Okmulgee’s economy by taking full Okmulgee County Commissioner, advantage of this. District 1 Ron Ballard County Assessor ing issues Political Party: Democrat Hometown: Beggs facing rural Candice Gaither Current Town: Beggs Political Party: Democrat 2. To ensure Education: Beggs HS to 12th Grade. Oklahoma? Hometown: Morris the office will Age: 62 How would Current Town: Morris be run in a Education: Morris High School 2004, professional, Candidate Background: Community ser- you address OSU-IT 2017 courteous and vice, education employment and other these issues Age: 32 efficient way relevant experience. to better serve Beggs Fire Department for 25 years with if elected? Candidate Background: Community the tax payers approximately 12 years as Chief, served as 1. Lack of service, education employment and oth- of Okmulgee mayor of Beggs and City Council member. good paying er relevant experience. County. jobs. We are I have been employed with the Asses- 3. Keeping 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes working with sor’s Office for 9 years, and currently the office in or court ordered judgements? No several employ- serve as the head of the mapping depart- c o m p l i a n c e 2. Have you ever been convicted of a ers now to produce more jobs in Okmulgee ment. In those 9 years I have been trained with the Okla- felony? No County. in many areas of the office including map- homa Tax 2. Poor or inadequate roads and bridges. ping, sales, business personals, mobile Commission. I will continue working with ODOT and the homes as well as training for the asses- What are the top three messages of legislature for more funding. sor position learning all monthly reports, your campaign? 3. Rural broadband. I will make the legis- handling informal and formal protests What are the top three most latures aware and also the cell phone com- and working closely with the Oklahoma pressing issues facing rural Okla- 1. I’m for county wide planning and zon- panies. Tax Commission on the yearly audit to ing ensure our office stays in compliance. I homa? How would you address 2. Let me finish several projects that will Explain your positions on economic am in my second year with the Okmulgee these issues if elected? come about in the next 2-4 years – road and development as it pertains to rural Okla- Service League. I have volunteered for the bridge projects homa in general and Okmulgee County last 15 years with the local Relay for Life. The biggest issue Okmulgee County fac- 3. I’m experienced at the job with 12 years’ in particular: I have received my associates degree in es, as well as state wide, is keeping our experience. Why start over with someone I’m very interested in economic develop- business management from OSU-IT and schools funded. As your county Assessor that has to start from the beginning. It takes ment. We must support our education sys- have my advanced certification from OSU- I will make sure the schools of the county 2-4 years minimum to even learn the basics. tem to produce quality people that can do Center for Local Government Technology. receive the appropriate amount of Ad Va- the jobs in the new era of technology we lorem taxes. To achieve this, I will make are in. 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- sure to keep our tax roll fair and correct. What are the top three most press- es or court ordered judgements? No 2. Have you ever been convicted of a Explain your positions on economic felony? No development as it pertains to rural Okla- homa in general and Okmulgee County in particular: State Representative, District 24 What are the top three messages As the county Assessor I will be your go- of your campaign? to resource for anyone wanting to come in and place a business in Okmulgee Coun- 1. I have been training for 4 years for the ty. I will assist them on what their taxes assessor position to promote a smooth would cost for a new construction or on Logan J. Phillips transition from the retiring assessor. an existing building.

Editor's Note: Mr. Phillips was unable to respond to Political Party: Republican the questionnaire by press time. Exhaustive search- Current Town: Mounds ing could not locate any further information Age: 35 State Representative, District 16 State Representative, District 24 Scott Fetgatter

Political Party: Republican dress these Hometown: Okmulgee issues if Steve Kouplen Current Town: Okmulgee Education: Some College elected? Political Party: Democrat Oklahoma? Age: 49 1. Public Ed- Hometown: Beggs How would ucation. Will Current Town: Beggs Candidate Background: Community fight to make Education: BS in Agriculture, MS in Agri- you ad- service, education employment and oth- the best deci- cultural Education er relevant experience. sions for our Age: 67 dress these I have served on the Okmulgee Chamber rural schools issues if of Commerce Board of Directors. I am also r e g a r d i n g 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- involved in several other events around funding. es or court ordered judgements? No elected? the community that occur throughout the 2. Rural eco- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a 1. Education year. nomic devel- felony? No 2. Agricul- I am the owner of Big Pappa Construc- opment. We ture tion. I started this business 11 years ago. need to diversify industry in our commu- 3. Rural We focus on millwork and theming. nity. What are the top three messages Health Care 3. Infrastructure. With roads falling of your campaign? 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- apart, I will make sure this remains a pri- Explain your positions on economic es or court ordered judgements? No ority. 1. Education development as it pertains to rural Okla- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a 2. Agriculture homa in general and Okmulgee County felony? No Explain your positions on economic 3. Rural Health Care in particular: development as it pertains to rural Okla- We must have a knowledgeable and homa in general and Okmulgee County educated workforce to improve our infra- What are the top three messages in particular: What are the top three most structure and quality of life for our citi- of your campaign? In Okmulgee County alone, we have pressing issues facing rural zens. three higher education facilities. Our 1. Public Education and how to properly rural communities lack the ability to fund it compete. We need to work on our area 2. Mental health and incarceration rates residents getting the best education pos- 3. Employer/employee education gap sible to strengthen the workforce to in- County Assessor centivize certain industries to come. Also concerning our area's lack of adequate What are the top three most housing facilities and technology. Once pressing issues facing rural we identify the problem, we can work on Ed Johnson Oklahoma? How would you ad- the outcome.

Political Party: Republican gaming, oil Hometown: Okmulgee and gas valva- Current Town: Okmulgee tion (pipeline), Education: High School and Different c o m m e r c i a l classes for different trades property and Age: 59 our state pro- grams. I love Candidate background: Community working with service, education, employment and oth- youth and have er relevant experience: 20 years Cross- been a part of town Ministries, CMA, I have taken all sorts Okmulgee’s tax I of classes, from oil well blow out, preven- run for many tion, beverage and retail to C.L.E.E.T. and years. FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C3 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com

ever been convicted of a felony No 2. Economic Development. We need to State Representative, District 16 make sure we are offering the right incen- tives to promote rural Oklahoma jobs. What are the top three messages 3. Education that includes preparation of your campaign? for students to enter higher education/Ca- reer Tech or be prepared for the job mar- Chandler Torbett 1. Education ket. 2. Economic Development Political Party: Democrat Oklahoma? 3.Healthcare Explain your positions on economic Hometown: Okmulgee How would development as it pertains to rural Okla- Current Town: Okmulgee/Morris What are the top three most press- homa in general and Okmulgee County Education: High School, Morris High you ad- in particular School ing issues facing rural Oklahoma We need jobs in rural Oklahoma. Our dress these Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and/or Sequoyah County? How workforce numbers have been challenged Oklahoma State University – Stillwater issues if over the past few years with many moving Juris Doctor – University of Oklahoma would you address these issues if to the larger population areas. Manufactur- College of Law elected? ing is a key to economic growth. I will con- Age: 26 1. Public Ed- elected? tinue working to bring manufacturing jobs ucation. I am 1.Rural Health care is a challenge. We to our area. It is my belief the retail follows Candidate Background: Community the only can- must continue to fund rural health clinics manufacturing. service, education employment and oth- didate willing and increase funding for uncompensated er relevant experience. to do what it care I am the President of the Okmulgee takes to fully Young Professionals Organization. I serve fund public as a Board Member of the Okmulgee Edu- education in a way that does not ask the cation Foundation. I also sit on the Board middle class to foot the bill for it. of Crosstimbers Rural Economic Develop- 2. Access to healthcare in rural areas. State Senator District 8 ment Organization. I am actively involved Fight to expand Medicaid, which would in numerous Community Organizations bring $1 billion to the State to increase in and around District 16. My family ran access to healthcare, especially in rural Torbett Printing in Okmulgee for 90 years. areas. Shannan Tucker I own and operate two small businesses 3. Job Development. I would fight to in downtown Okmulgee: my Law Firm and invest in education and invest in infra- Political Party: Democrat success for the Lokal Okmulgee Coffee Shop. I am a structure, especially cyber-infrastructure Hometown: Okemah i n d i v i d u a l s . practicing attorney, so I see the day-to- in rural areas, thus making Oklahoma, Current Town: Okemah By working day effects of our laws every single day, particularly District 16, more appealing to Education: Master's in Public Adminis- to create a and I believe that business and legal expe- businesses and thus spurring economic tration, Juris Doctor, B.A. In English more educated rience makes me the most qualified can- development. Age: 50 workforce, we didate for State Representative for House can positively District 16. Explain your positions on economic Candidate Background: Community impact our development as it pertains to rural Okla- service, education employment and oth- district's lo- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- homa in general and Okmulgee County er relevant experience. cal economies es or court ordered judgements? No in particular: English Teacher at Okemah High School, and decrease 2. Have you ever been convicted of a As stated above, there are various steps Oklahoma Bar Association Member, Pri- the number felony? No that must be taken to spur economic vate Practice Attorney of citizens de- development in Okmulgee County. Eco- pending on nomic Development is a multi-faceted 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- state services. What are the top three messages issue that incentives alone will not ad- es or court ordered judgements? No Education and of your campaign? dress. We need carefully targeted incen- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a training can empower the citizens of our tives that will deliver a return on the in- felony? No district to thrive, whether that be at the 1. Prioritize Public Education. vestment to the taxpayers. I also believe K-12 level, or through higher education 2. Invest in the future and stand up to we MUST address our education crisis as and career technology training. lobbyists and special interests. a step towards economic development. What are the top three messages 3. Health 3. Fix the Budget mess in a way that It is putting the cart before the horse of your campaign? We can't continue to ignore our core ser- strengthens the middle class and stops to think that jobs are just going to ap- vices. By increasing our health and educa- the corporate welfare handouts to multi- pear if we don’t have a well-educated and 1. Education tion initiatives, we can positively impact billion-dollar out-of-state corporations. well-skilled workforce. We must develop 2. Responsible Administration incarceration and addiction rates, as well a long-term vision to create prosperity 3. Health as increase the overall health of our state. in our state and to achieve the potential By implementing early intervention pro- What are the top three most that I know Oklahoma and Okmulgee grams, we can greatly decrease state tax- pressing issues facing rural County is capable of reaching. What are the top three most press- payer costs for incarceration, addiction, ing issues facing rural Oklahoma and health. and/or Okmulgee County? How Explain your positions on economic would you address these issues if development as it pertains to rural Okla- homa in general and Okmulgee County State Representative, District 16 elected? in particular. 1. Responsible Administration I hope to rebuild our infrastructure and We must work together for Oklahomans. core services, so we can more readily help By building systems of accountability and those in need and be attractive to outside bipartisanship among the legislature, state investors. I treasure rural communities James Bo Delso agencies, and constituents, we can foster and want them to thrive. I will continue to change and ensure our state is making the push for funding of education for future best decisions for its citizens. generations, knowing education is key for Political Party: Independent those job 2. Education a strong future and long-term community Hometown: Schulter skills. Make Education greatly impacts economic success. Current Town: Schulter them a part of I Education: Some B.S. In Education their require- Age: 53 ments to get a diploma. Candidate Background: Community 3. Health- State Senator District 8 service, education employment and oth- care – Our ru- er relevant experience. ral areas are I have lived and worked in Oklahoma al- losing doctors most all my life. I graduated from Dewar and hospitals. High School and then went to Northeast- To keep and Marlena Nobles ern State College and graduated with a retain doctors B.S. In Education and have taught in Okla- by the state Political Party: Independent this state and homa for more than 20 years. by paying Hometown: St. Louis this has to be doctor's educaton in the fields that are Current Town: Eufaula addressed. We 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- needed in rural Oklahoma in exchange for Education: Associates degree, business need reform at I es or court ordered judgements? No comparable years of service. management the state level 2. Have you ever been convicted of a Age: 64 of regulations, felony? No Explain your positions on economic and taxation at development as it pertains to rural Okla- Candidate Background: Community the state level homa in general and Okmulgee County service, education employment and oth- for small busi- What are the top three messages in particular: er relevant experience. nesses. I have a of your campaign? Companies want well-educated, trained I am a member of the Chamber of Com- plan in place to and skilled workers before they will in- merce, Eufaula area, I am a small business level the play- 1.Education vest in an area. Okmulgee County and owner, operating M & M Taxi Service from ing field for 2. Jobs Oklahoma should be focused on produc- the Eufaula area, I have worked in Oklaho- small business- 3. Healthcare ing workers that can fill those positions. ma as a Rep for Glidden Paints, with Cross- es, eliminate a Okmulgee County and the state have to mark Inc., I do volunteer work for and am lot of the taxes provide job experiences that will prepare a lifetime member of the Auxiliary VFW, I and licenses that are required to operate What are the top three most students for a career in a field of study have done many different services for resi- within the state, reduce the amount of cost- pressing issues facing rural Okla- that the industries need and Okmulgee dents here in Eufaula as an Entrepreneur. ly, time consuming paperwork required on should motivate its students to find a job I donate time and resources to Hope Ha- small business owners, and save the state homa? How would you address in those fields. ven Animal Rescue here in Eufaula, and I some money in the process by eliminating these issues if elected? Oklahoma should expand much more am an active member of the community in duplicating agencies that force draconian into alternative energy to compete with many different ways. I drove for Uber, but compliances of over regulated small busi- 1. Educate – Provide real world job expe- other countries so our state and country branched out on my own as an Indepen- nesses. Small business owners need less riences to prepare students for the work will not be so dependent on the Middle dent business owner when I seen the need government interference in their lives, and force. East. to be more than what Uber would provide they need to get the government out of the 2. Jobs – Ask companies what skills to the residents in our area also. way so they can do what they do best, mak- they want workers to have and then teach ing their businesses grow and prosper. 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- 3. Education costs are out of hand. The es or court ordered judgements? No amount of school districts, the adminis- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a trative costs in these schools, the quality felony? No of education are all out of hand. We have State Senator District 8 to consolidate, and eliminate a lot of the administrative costs from the top down, What are the top three messages in our education system. It is time to get of your campaign? back to a better, more cost effective way of teaching our young people today. The en- Roger Thompson 1. If I am elected I shall be a strong ad- tire ciriculum needs to be addressed, and Political Party: Republican leader vocate to get veterans the benefits and the a lot of what is being taught today needs Hometown: Okemah My wife owns help they need in medical care and deter- to be eliminated, while more of the basic Current Town: Okemah Pamela's Flow- minations of disabilities. Every veteran education, life skills, and more trades be- Education: Thd. Theology ers and Oke- who has served this country deserves the ing taught at the high school level so that Age: 61 mah Office benefits they were promised upon entering when students leave high school some are Supply the military, and they deserve much bet- prepared to go out into the workforce and Candidate background: Community ter, more simplified processing of medical become productive members of society. service, education, employment and oth- 1. Have you and financial benefits they were offered at Classes that teach carpentry and mechan- er relevant experience: ever failed to the time of enlistment than they are being ics and body shop work, and trades like President of Community Improvement pay any taxes give. Quality care at VA facilities needs to that can help our students go out of school Association or court or- be addressed and improved on, and this prepared to work in society. We need no Past President of Rock Creek Youth dered judge- will be one of my priorities if elected. common core, and more prep for our stu- Camp, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce. ments? No 2. Small businesses are being strangu- dents to have opportunities to do what My wife and I own the Okemah News- 2. Have you lated with regulations, and over taxation in they want to do in life after leaving high C4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com school. children in the basics, we need better op- policy, health care, commerce, and manu- to Washington, D.C. tions for our children's education that are facturing. He sits on three subcommittees: Mullin also serves as a member of the Re- not being met. We need more parent in- the Subcommittee on Energy, the Subcom- publican Whip Team. Representatives who What are the top three most press- volvement, and options for special needs mittee on Health, and the Subcommittee are members of this team work closely ing issues facing rural Oklahoma children that are not currently available. on Digital Commerce and Consumer Pro- with Republican leadership to ensure every Too much money is being spent of our tax tection. Additionally, Mullin is a member American’s voice is heard in Congress. and/or Okmulgee County? How dollars on top heavy administration that of a number of caucuses, and is a co-chair Each of the committees and caucuses would you address these issues if needs to get back into classroom instruc- of the Men’s Health Caucus and of the Reg- Mullin serves on aims to solve problems tion and preparing our students to become ulatory Review Caucus. facing the constituents of Oklahoma’s elected? productive citizens that can earn a decent During his time in the U.S. House of Second District. Mullin is dedicated to 1. Jobs, good paying jobs. Oklahoman's living in Oklahoma. Representatives, Mullin has been a strong serving the people of his district with hon- specifically are not well trained to get good voice for business owners across Oklaho- esty and integrity, and fights each day to paying jobs, and there are few good pay- Explain your positions on economic ma, bringing their perspective into the na- ensure his constituents’ voices are heard ing jobs. We need to increase the good development as it pertains to rural Okla- tional debate on many issues that directly in Congress. A family man grounded by a paying jobs, and equip Oklahoman's to fill homa in general and Okmulgee County impact the business community. As one deep faith and love for his country, Mullin those needs. We have a income disparity in in particular. of only two Native Americans currently strives to serve the Second District with this state and the standard of living for all There are many areas in rural Oklahoma serving in the House, Mullin brings a first- the same principles in which he leads his Oklahoman's needs to improve. By lower- where we have large tracts of land that hand knowledge of Native American issues life. ing regulations, lowering taxes, and raising could be utilized for manufacturing, and the education level for skilled workers in for commercial use for economic develop- this state and in rural Oklahoma we can ment that are sitting idle. We need to make improve the standard of living for rural land and tax credits available to businesses Oklahoman's. to develop industry and business in Okla- U.S. Representative District 2 2. Healthcare for Oklahoman's in rural homa. By reducing corporate taxes, by re- areas. We have a disparity in the healthcare ducing regulations, by improving the infra- industry for rural Oklahoman's that has to structure in roads, bridges, water, and cyber be addressed. We need good doctors and infrastructure, making rural Oklahoma good community hospitals in rural Okla- more technology capable, we will be more homa so that when needs arise for rural able to provide economic opportunities to Jason Nichols Oklahoman's to get services needed they development of a more vibrant economy so will be available in our rural towns and cit- that Oklahoman's can stay in rural Oklaho- Political Party: Democratic Party that. Investing ies. We need more small town doctors and ma if they choose to do so. We need to de- Hometown: Tahlequah in better roads, hospitals for rural Oklahoma, so they will vote more resources toward helping small Current Town: Tahlequah bridges, ports, not have to drive 25-50 miles or more to businesses grow and thrive to provide eco- Education: Tahlequah High School (1994) and other vital get the healthcare they need. nomic development for rural Oklahoman's Bachelor’s Degree in History w/ a Politi- facilities will no matter what vocation in life you have. cal Science Minor make it easier 3. Education. We have a top heavy educa- Infrastructure and reinvestment in Infra- Master’s Degree in American Studies for larger and tion system with a lot of waste going on structure is crucial to providing economic (both college degrees from Northeastern more varied within our state. Oklahomn's are not keep- development back to Okmulgee County and State University) employers to ing pace with education in other parts of to Rural Oklahoma. We need to do a better Age: 43 choose to lo- the nation. We have far too much admin- job of developing the infrastructure in Ru- cate in one of istrative money being spent, and too little ral Oklahoma to attract and continue eco- Candidate Background: the twenty-six pay and teaching in our classrooms today. nomic development in Okmulgee County Jason’s roots run deep in Oklahoma. He counties of our We need better education for all Oklahoma and in Rural Oklahoma. was born and raised in Tahlequah. He has district. More lived his entire life in Cherokee County, as importantly, have multiple generations of his family. investing in our people through improve- Before he entered education as a profes- ments in education creates a skilled work- sion, Jason worked in technology. force that those same employers desire and U.S. Representative District 2 Over the course of his professional ca- makes it much more likely that parents rais- reer, he has worked for Tahlequah Public ing children will choose to live in Oklahoma Schools and the United Keetoowah Band of to work for them. Cherokee Indians. But, he got his start at You improve an economy by making it as the City of Tahlequah eighteen years ago easy as possible to business in it, and infra- Richard Castaldo as its first Information Technology Man- structure and education are indispensable ager. He spent five years working hard to components in doing so. I would fight hard Political Party: Libertarian would you help modernize his hometown’s local gov- to reshape the infrastructure proposals cur- Hometown: Grove address ernment. Soon, he realized that he would rently being discussed in Washington so Current Town: Grove be able to have more of a positive impact that the resources involved find their way Education: Associates in Liberal Arts, these issues on his community by running for the city to rural and small-town Oklahoma and not NEO council and solving the problems he’d seen to big cities and the pockets of politically Bachelors in Business Administration, if elected? while working for the city. He spent six connected contractors. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 1 Education years on the city council and was elected More than half of nation’s schools need Masters in Biblical Counseling, Global reform is a mayor in 2011. He is currently serving significant maintenance and upgrades to be Grace Seminary pressing issue his second four-year term as mayor of his brought simply to good condition. Given Age: 36 because we be- hometown. our state government’s neglect of education lieve those Jason is currently a political science in- for the past twenty years, it is a good bet Candidate Background: Community closest to each structor at Northeastern State University, that Oklahoma’s schools are in even worse service, education employment and oth- unique child where he teaches courses related to Ameri- condition. A national infrastructure pro- er relevant experience. can provide the can federal government and state and local posal could help resolve that. Similar situa- Retail management, writer, Christian best education. government. tions exist for our state’s roads and bridges worship leader, liberty activist. That experience should be based on each Jason has also served on many boards and Congress can, and should, help address student’s individual strengths, challenges, and committees for non-profit organiza- that situation as well. 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- and interests. tions and Tahlequah’s First Baptist Church, 2. As a mayor, I played a role in providing es or court ordered judgements? No 2 We also believe that our veterans de- where he and his family attend. He spent public safety services through police, fire, 2. Have you ever been convicted of a serve the best opportunities and health- many years as a coach, the head referee, and emergency management departments. felony? No care imaginable and that the people of and president of the Indian Nations Soc- At the national level, “public safety” has a OK-2 care deeply about this. cer Club (now Tahlequah Youth Soccer broader scope. National security, from our 3. We stand on the principle that the life Club) and was a member of Leadership armed forces that physically defend our What are the top three messages and liberties of every pre-born individual Tahlequah Class XV. He is currently partici- country, to things like cybersecurity that of your campaign? deserves protection. We need to pass a pating in the Northeast Oklahoma Regional involve the protection of things like our “Life Starts At Conception” Act in Con- Alliance Leadership program and serves as power grid and election process, must be at 1. I want to protect your freedom to live, gress. a board member for that organization. He the forefront of the considerations of a new to love, and to worship or not to worship has also served on various committees for Congress. And, so must protections from the way you believe is best, not the way the Explain your positions on economic Northeastern State University, Tahlequah other “enemies” that threaten people’s lives millionaire bureaucrats in Washington DC development as it pertains to rural Okla- Public Schools, and other educational insti- such as disease, structural poverty, and demand. homa in general and Okmulgee County tutions. When needed, he has even helped changes in the environment that contribute 2. I will focus on criminal justice reform in particular. unload the delivery trucks at the food pan- to things like drought and severe heat and in Congress that includes cannabis decrim- Vote for me and I promise your vote will try his grandmother, Rebecca, operates in cold. inalization, stopping the prosecution of count toward a candidate of integrity who Tahlequah. Inherent in improving our armed forces victimless crimes, and ending mandatory understands how and why you should be is making certain that we care for our vet- sentencing. set free to live and prosper. To create the 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes erans. Promises were made that once they 3. The USA needs to get our finances in greatest economic opportunities for every or court ordered judgements? No were done taking care of us that we would order so I will lead for a Balanced Budget household in Okmulgee County we need to 2. Have you ever been convicted of a take care of them. The United States relies Amendment, responsible but meaningful free farms and small businesses from ex- felony? No on a volunteer force to defend itself and spending cuts, and a continuous decrease cessive property taxes and federal regula- recruitment will suffer if the brave souls in the size and scope of the federal govern- tions, abolish the IRS, and transition from considering putting their lives on the line ment by keeping it strictly accountable to the Federal Income Tax to the FairTax. In What are the top three messages of for our country start to doubt that the its the Constitution. Congress I will lead to create a separation government won’t be there for them after between corporation and State. The focus your campaign? their service is complete. The VA hospitals should be on you, not bailing out special 1. We need to restore a sense of compas- throughout the nation must be improved What are the top three most press- interest groups and propping up corporate sion and civility to government and elect a and the services they provide offered more ing issues facing rural Oklahoma cronyism. Economic liberty provides the representative who will stay focused on the effectively and fairly. It can be done, and best opportunity for everyone to prosper, needs of the people of eastern Oklahoma. without privatization, which I steadfastly and/or Okmulgee County? How especially the middle class and families 2. I am fully aware of, and will never for- oppose except as a very temporary mea- struggling in everyday life. Vote brave. get, that I work for the people who elected sure to resolve some urgent issues. The me, not special interests, or the party lead- Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in ership in Washington D.C. Muskogee is, by almost all reports, one of 3. I have the knowledge, training, back- the more effective VA hospitals in the coun- ground, and experience required to provide try and we should provide the necessary U.S. Representative District 2 proper representation to, and be an effec- funding and resources so that all VA medi- tive advocate for, the 750,000 people who cal facilities are able to be genuinely given live in Oklahoma’s Second Congressional such praise. Raising the standard of care District. for our veterans is both a moral imperative and a national security issue. 3. For the first time in half a century, the Markwayne Mullin What are the top three most press- average American life expectancy has de- ing issues facing rural Oklahoma? creased, in part due to the number of over- Editor's Note: Mr. Mullin was unable to respond to homa’s Sec- dose deaths related to opioids. the questionnaire by press time. The information ond Congres- How would you address these It is estimated that nearly 43,000 people below was taken from his website. sional District issues if elected? died in 2016 from an opioid overdose. in November That number climbed from 33,000 deaths Political Party: Republican 2012. He is 1. The first and most important issue is in 2015 -- a 28-percent increase. The num- Hometown: Westville currently serv- that of the economy. Despite a national ber of deaths rivals, or has surpassed, the Education: A graduate of Stilwell High ing his third economy that is statistically doing well, loss of life cause by breast cancer, guns School, Mullin attended Missouri Valley term in office. our state often lags behind and many Okla- and traffic accidents. College on a wrestling scholarship. Shortly In 2010, Mullin homans never even see the benefits of it. Congress compounded the problem after, Mullin’s father fell ill and the family’s completed his Many candidates and politicians talk about with the passage of the Ensuring Access small plumbing company encountered fi- education and job creation, but they often overlook the and Effective Drug Enforcement Act in nancial troubles. Mullin left college to re- received his de- effects of stagnant wages and fail to real- 2016. This law undermined the Drug En- turn home and take over his family’s busi- gree in Applied ize, or neglect to mention because it is an forcement Agency’s ability to prevent the ness, forgoing his wrestling scholarship Science in Con- uncomfortable fact, that twenty percent of shipment of obviously and undeniably ex- and education. struction Tech- Oklahomans live below the poverty line. An ploitative shipments of prescription pain Age: 40 nology from emphasis must be placed on creating jobs medications. Areas of the country with the Oklahoma State University Institute of that pay a livable wage and policies must fewer than 3,000 residents saw more than Candidate Background: Community Technology. be adopted that create an environment 21 million pills shipped to them between service, education employment and oth- Mullin currently serves on the House where everyone has a chance to improve 2006 and 2016. er relevant experience. Energy and Commerce Committee whose their lives and those of their families. Im- The 2016 law that allows these kinds of Congressman Markwayne Mullin was broad jurisdiction includes issues impor- proving our schools and infrastructure are situations to occur more easily should be first elected to serve the people of Okla- tant to rural Oklahoma including energy two indispensable ways of accomplishing repealed. I FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C5 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com

As we fight to control this epidemic of ly important to me. Companies do not lo- 3. Bob has encouraged job growth burdens to business. misuse and abuse of prescription opiates, cate in areas without a skilled labor pool, throughout Oklahoma by helping keep our 2. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Bob personally drew and to minimize the deaths they cause, we where their employees aren’t safe. Em- state’s utility rates among the lowest in the the largest toll-free calling circle in the must remain aware of the need for enforce- ployees won’t come to work, or stay work- nation, ordering the largest utility refunds United States around Tulsa, allowing citi- ment against the illicit manufacturing and ing, in facilities located in communities in state history, and by reducing regulatory zens throughout Okmulgee County to call sale of substances like heroin and fentanyl. that lack access to health care and don’t burdens to business. all the way to Tulsa, Claremore, Wagoner As efforts to stem the tide against prescrip- have good schools. And, obviously, busi- and Drumright toll-free. Eliminating those tion pills becomes more effective, these nesses, farms, and ranches will be difficult burdensome long-distance charges en- non-pharmaceutical alternatives are taking to operate if they can’t get their goods to What are the top three most press- couraged economic development through- their place and are often more dangerous. market, or customers to their goods, on ing issues facing rural Oklahoma out the region. In fact, the most recent increases in opioid a solid highway system, over rail, or in a 3. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. Bob has incentiv- related overdoses are due to these types waterway like the McClellan-Kerr Arkanas and/or Okmulgee County? How ized the roll-out of high-speed Internet to of substances. Funding for treatment and River Navigation System. It is difficult to would you address these issues if more than 100 Oklahoma towns and cities, overdose prevention medications must make a profit providing a service if you connecting businesses across Oklahoma, also be a part of any plan that aims to re- can’t get your employees to where they are elected? small and large, with markets throughout duce opioid addiction and deaths. Federal supposed to provide it, or you can’t con- 1. Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. In business, Bob’s the world. funding for the National Institute of Health nect with customers as well as your com- family employed hundreds of people in and other agencies dealing with the epi- petitors, who are potentially from around Okmulgee County for more than half a demic must be protected. And, through all the world, because of obsolete or under- century. (The C.R. Anthony stores opened Explain your positions on eco- this, the availability of prescription pain- built communication systems. in Okmulgee in 1927 and in Henryetta in nomic development as it pertains killers for those who truly need them must I strongly believe that significant in- 1941.) At the Corporation Commission, be maintained. But swift action must be vestments need to be made in the Bob has encouraged job growth through- to rural Oklahoma in general and taken to keep Americans from dying easily transportation and communication net- out Oklahoma by helping keep our state’s Okmulgee County in particular. preventable deaths. works throughout the district, includ- utility rates among the lowest in the na- ing Sequoyah County. Improvements to tion, ordering the largest utility refunds in See above. Interstate 40, the surrounding roadways state history, and by reducing regulatory Explain your positions on eco- that connect to it, and the systems that nomic development as it pertains allow for faster and cheaper Internet con- nectivity would be some of my top priori- to rural Oklahoma in general and ties. Each of those provides both immedi- counties in particular. ate and long-term benefits to businesses, Corporation Commissioner consumers, students, school systems, As I explained in one of my answers local governments, and the overall econ- above, economic development is extreme- omy.

U.S. Representative District 2 Ashley Nicole McCray Political Party: Democrat the Oklahoma Hometown: Shawnee Corporation Current Town: Norman Commission's Education: I received my Bachelors of website) - we John Foreman Arts in Psychology from the University of also know hy- Central Oklahoma in 2010, my Masters of draulic frac- Arts in History and Geography from the turing projects Political Party: Independent control of the University of Central Oklahoma in 2012, are bad for tra- Current Town: Park Hill U.S. House of my Masters of Arts in History of Science, ditional oil well Education: College Courses, Graduate of R e p r e s e n t a - I Technology, and Medicine from the Univer- operations and East Central High School, Tulsa tives and Sen- sity of Oklahoma in 2014, and was admit- our economy. Age: 53 ate. These two ted to the History of Science, Technology, As a Corpora- parties seem and Medicine Ph.D program the same year. tion Commis- Candidate Background: Community to be work- sioner, I will service, education employment and oth- ing harder to Candidate Background: Community advocate for a er relevant experience. oppose the service, education employment and oth- statewide mor- He has taken college courses in busi- other party er relevant experience. atorium on hydraulic fracturing projects, ness and religious studies. He graduated than working She is part of the #RF100 campaign in a ban on interstate and intrastate frack from East Central High School in Tulsa, in for the people. Norman, which recently became the first wastewater dumping in Oklahoma, and a 1983. He has taught Bible classes, adult We will not city in Oklahoma and the 70th city in the mechanism for recourse for Oklahomans bible fellowships and Sunday school. He do opposition nation to commit to a policy that will move who have been adversely impacted by the has taught various other work related research on Norman to 100% renewable energy by the recent influx of earthquakes. courses. the other cam- year 2035. She is part of a watchdog collec- 2. With cities like Norman committing to paigns or candidates because quite frank- tive that monitors extractive projects, ad- 100% clean energy, it seems the transition 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- ly, we do not care what they are doing or vocates on behalf of Oklahomans impact- to wind & solar is inevitable - all signs point es or court ordered judgements? No not doing. ed by eminent domain, advocates for local to renewable energy being the wave of the 2. Have you ever been convicted of a governments to protect constituents from future. The harsh regulations currently im- felony? No eminent domain and environmental degra- posed against wind and solar aren't just What are the top three most dation, and educates the public about the harmful for the environment, they also pressing issues facing rural Okla- impacts of excessive resource extraction hurt Oklahomans who are seeking to pro- What are the top three messages on our health, economy, and environment. duce their own form of sustainable energy. of your campaign? homa? How would you address Ashley was most recently recognized Wind energy creates jobs and is good for these issues if elected? by the Oklahoma Sierra Club's Red Earth rural communities. As a proud member of The Foreman for Congress campaign is Group as their 2017 Distinguished Activ- the #ReadyFor100 campaign that was suc- all about the people of the State of Okla- 1. Veterans having to wait months, even ist. In 2016, Ashley participated in the Pro- cessful in Norman, I will continue to advo- homa especially the people of the Sec- years for the services that we promised tect Our Public Lands Act (POPLA) Caravan cate for pathways to open up for renew- ond Congressional district. This district for their service. tour to the Democratic National Conven- able energy sources. encompasses the 27 counties of Eastern 2. Opioid and other drugs running ram- tion, where she keynoted the Climate Sum- 3. As a member of the Oklahoma Cor- Oklahoma. The campaign is not about pant across our nation. mit and led the March for a Clean Energy poration Commission, I will advocate on other candidates, but is about replacing 3. We have underfunded education in Revolution. POPLA would have protected behalf of Oklahoman citizens for a utility the two major parties that currently have the K-12 areas millions from excessive resource extrac- rate adjustment for all rate-payers. It is the tion by banning hydraulic fracturing on mandate of the OCC to protect Oklaho- public lands. Her testimony was included mans from corporations that are necessary in the Permanent Peoples Tribunal on the to everyday living and it shouldn't be the Human Rights Impacts of Fracking. Ashley case that utility companies monopolizing Corporation Commissioner was a 2015 White House WHO: Champion the industry are positioned to exploit our of Change for Young Women Empower- state's citizens. ing Their Communities, she was the 2015 recipient of the Norman Human Rights Commission's and Norman City Council’s Explain your positions on eco- Human Rights Award, she was selected to nomic development as it pertains Bob Anthony be part of the 2015 and 2016 pilot cohort of the Gloria Steinem and Wilma Mankiller to rural Oklahoma in general: Political Party: Republican award given to School for Organizers at Smith College, My platform of ACT: Accountability, Hometown: Oklahoma City a citizen who and she was a 2015 CoreAlign Speaking Communication, and Transparency, are Current Town: Oklahoma City “at great per- Race to Power fellow. three qualities missing from the OCC - our Education: Bob Anthony holds a B.S. de- sonal sacrifice, She has appeared in documentaries state's only regulatory body regarding de- gree from the Wharton School of Finance has unselfishly about her work in Oklahoma, including cisions related to oil and gas. As a member at the University of Pennsylvania, an M.Sc. served his com- “Awake: A Standing Rock Dream,” “Protect: of the OCC, I will ensure vital information from the London School of Economics, an munity and the Indigenous Communities at the Frontlines affecting Oklahomans and Oklahoman M.A. from Yale University, and an M.P.A. nation.” Too of Climate Change & Fossil Fuel Extrac- communities is dispersed to the public, from Harvard University. He served in the extensive to tion,” and ViceLand TV's Hate Thy Neigh- stand up for Oklahomans facing potential U.S. Army Reserve where he earned the list, Bob Antho- bor "United States of Oil and Gas." eminent domain cases, and ensure OCC rank of captain. ny's civic and actions reflect science and the voice of Age: 70 community ac- the people. While I am best known for my tivities have in- What are the top three messages advocacy work, I am not filing just as an Candidate Background: Community cluded service of your campaign? advocate for communities and the environ- service, education employment and oth- as chairman of ment. In fact, I know just how important er relevant experience. the trust com- 1. My position on hydraulic fracturing is the oil industry is to our state because my Bob Anthony served as president of the mittee of the largest bank trust company to listen to Oklahomans and the science, father, like many Oklahomans, has dedi- C. R. Anthony Company from 1980 to 1987 in Oklahoma, president of the Economic both of which are loud and clear: hydrau- cated his life to a career in oil. My goal in when it was the largest privately owned Club of Oklahoma, board chairman of lic fracturing is bad for Oklahoma. The this position is to create pathways for con- company headquartered in Oklahoma. Crown Heights United Methodist Church data not only indicates the link between sent to take place between the industry During his seven-year term as president, and lay delegate to the 2008 and 2012 Gen- fracking and earthquakes (available on and Oklahoman communities. annual sales for the retail chain increased eral Conferences of the United Methodist from $256 to $411 million and payroll, Church. Much more at BobAnthony.com. employment, and dollar profits reached all-time record levels. When Anthony was 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- first elected to the Corporation Commis- es or court ordered judgements? No Corporation Commissioner sion, he received more votes than any Re- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a publican since statehood. Later, Anthony felony? No became the first Republican incumbent in Oklahoma history to win reelection to a state office. He has also received more What are the top three messages Jackie Short votes than any candidate for state office of your campaign? in Oklahoma history. In 2012 he won all Political Party: Independent the less for- 77 counties. Anthony has served six times 1. “Honesty. Integrity. Anthony.” At the Hometown: Hennessey tunate. I have as chairman of the Oklahoma Corporation Corporation Commission, Bob has rooted Current Town: Oklahoma City served on the Commission. He is a member of the board out corruption, enforcing the toughest eth- Education: Graduate of UCO, Master of Lupus Board I of directors for the National Association ics code in state government and embed- Liberal Arts Degree from OCU, Juris Doc- to help people of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, a ding regular performance, financial and torate from BA, MLA, JD (law degree), Bro- with autoim- past chairman of the National Regulatory operational agency audits. ker mune disor- Research Institute, and a past president of 2. “My only special interest is Oklahoma.” Age: 66 ders. My cur- the Mid-America Regulatory Conference. Bob’s record shows he stands up for Okla- rent passion is Anthony is a member of the National Pe- homa consumers. He is not afraid to ask Candidate Background: Community with Ambucs. troleum Council, having been appointed tough questions and hold big companies service, education employment and oth- We bring mo- four times by the United States Secretary accountable. His record shows a commit- er relevant experience.. bility and in- of Energy, and a past board member of the ment to the public interest, not the special I have been a self-employed attorney for d e p e n d e n c e Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce. interests. A national consumers group over 25 years. I am a long-time member of to people with In 1995 the Federal Bureau of Investi- honored him for his "tireless efforts on be- Toastmasters. I was in Lions Club for years physical and gation honored Anthony with its highest half of Oklahoma consumers". and we have a number of programs to help mental handi- I C6 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com caps. I also raised a child with cerebral pressing issues facing rural Okla- scorecards, territory analysis, client and tial & Engineering Scholarship Winner palsy. I have served as Chairman of the market penetration. LOMA (Life Office Management Associa- Oklahoma Senior Follies whose mission is homa? How would you address Increase brand identity through e-Mar- tion) I & II, to uplift and energize seniors. these issues if elected? keting, Trade Conferences, Distributor NASD Series 26, General Principal, NASD networks and Customer loyalty programs. Series 6 Registered Representative (Inac- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- 1. Cutting unnecessary spending Management/Operations tive) es or court ordered judgements? No 2. Enforcing the open records act and Managed Client/Customer service opera- Skillsets 2. Have you ever been convicted of a having open meetings tions with P&L responsibilities for multiple MDX, SQL Process Improvement / Qual- felony? No 3. Allowing oil and gas companies to op- business units including Individual Life & ity Management Systems (QMS Quality Au- erate at a profit while protecting the envi- Annuities, Dental Call Center, Group Insur- ditor), MSOffice, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ronment. ance Eligibility & Benefits and Institutional Publisher, Project, Access, Visio, Outlook), What are the top three messages Employee Benefits Reporting & Data teams. Adobe & StatSoft, (Statistica 7-Regression of your campaign? Span included performance management Analysis, Modeling, Forecasting, Histo- Explain your positions on eco- & development, budget, expense, forecast- grams, etc.), SQL Query/DBA Cognos/Im- 1. Transparent and open government. nomic development as it pertains ing and performance delivery. promptu, Crystal 8+, MAS 200, Microsoft 2. Government run within a budget that Managed internal & external vendor and CRM 4.0, Visual Studio /SSRS (SQL) Re- can survive being audited to rural Oklahoma in general and partner relationships including SLA (Ser- porting Services, Adobe Creative Suite 5.5, 3. Being the voice of reason between the Okmulgee County in particular. vice Level Agreements); negotiation, prob- KPIs, Dashboards, HALO, Business Objects citizens and the companies of Oklahoma lem resolution, resource management and Public Service / Civic Responsibility / that are overseen by the Corporation Corporation Commissioners may not strategic implementation. Volunteerism Commission. have as much impact on rural develop- Business Intelligence Reporting/Analytics Chairwoman – TCDP – March 2017 – ment but they should closely scrutinize Advanced level use of Business Objects Present rate increase requests. including reporting, data conversion, CMS Advisory Board Member – Smart Growth What are the top three most administration and user management. Tulsa – 2016 to Present Experience with dashboard develop- State of Oklahoma Judicial Nominating ment, KPI reporting, advanced visualiza- Commission Term: 2009-2013 tions, data validation Reading Partners – Literacy Program – Experience with business process analy- 2013 - current sis and design, including identification and Starlight Civitan Member – Broken Arrow implementation of “best practices”, project YWCA of Greater Tulsa - Supporter Insurance Commissioner management and process improvement. Tulsa Area United Way – Loaned Execu- Experienced knowledge of SAS, SQL and tive & Fundraising Power BI and PowerPivot Junior Achievement – Elementary Class- Experience with other BI reporting tools room Teaching “Introduction to Econom- (Crystal, Business Objects WEBI, SAS, SPSS, ics” QlikView, Tableau, HALO). Tulsa Community Food Bank Volunteer Glen Mulready Managed strategic operations reporting Magic Empire Girl Scout Volunteer team - issue & trend analysis. Developed Political Party: Republican solvent or wor- and implemented a Business Intelligence 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- Hometown: Tulsa ry about what data management strategy; applied single es or court ordered judgements? No Current Town: Tulsa would happen source data methodologies, improved data 2. Have you ever been convicted of a should their accuracy, and instituted standardized met- felony? No Candidate Background: Community insurance com- rics, scorecards and measurement objec- service, education employment and oth- pany leave the tives. er relevant experience. state. Database administration, lifecycle imple- What are the top three messages Glen Mulready is a long-time insurance As Insurance mentation, requirements definition, UAT, of your campaign? professional and private sector business- Commissioner, business process redesign, customer man- man who has worked with businesses of all Glen will make agement. Each and every citizen in Oklahoma is a sizes. Mulready spent 13 of his 33 years of certain Okla- Lead project team to build business in- consumer that I am here to protect and for experience in the insurance industry work- homa’s insur- telligence model for consolidated data whom I will advocate. ing on the executive teams of Oklahoma’s ance industry management reporting platform. As your next Insurance Commissioner, I two largest health insurance companies. is stable, pro- Delivered customized business analy- will fight to ensure that policies that affect Principled Republican Legislator vides choices sis, implemented corrective actions, and your life will be fair and accessible to you. ​ Glen Mulready has fought for our fami- for consumers, and does so at a cost com- developed statistical models to improve The duty of the Oklahoma State Insur- lies in the public sector as well, serving in petitive with the rest of the nation. customer, business and process quality ance Commissioner is to regulate your pol- the Oklahoma House of Representatives Expand Insurance Options metrics. icy coverage for home, car, business, and today as the Majority Floor Leader. Mul- Oklahomans want more choices when it Quality/Process Improvement/Project health insurance and most of all, to protect ready previously served as chair of the comes to buying insurance. As a legislator, Management your wallet, not those of special interests. House Insurance Committee and led nu- Glen authored legislation that resulted in Successful project team lead - Institu- As a small business owner, I know first- merous efforts to reform our state’s insur- more insurance companies offering ser- tional eligibility. Improved data match hand the challenge of having good health- ance laws for the better. vice in the state and he will continue to rate, cycle and frequency resulting in 4mm care and protecting hard earned dollars. Proud Family Man work tirelessly to make certain consumers cost savings. It's time we have an Insurance Commis- Glen and his wife, Sally, are celebrating have even more options to choose from to Successful data project team lead; de- sioner that stands on the promise to make 29 years of marriage and are the proud provide their coverage. fined requirements, guided vendor selec- sure insurance companies follow the rules parents of three sons, Sam, 17, Jake, 15, Improve Our Business Climate tion, and executed business strategy; EE as and get people the affordable coverage and Will, 14. Glen is an active member of Oklahomans want government to be part consumer, Sales and Service model. they need in every aspect of their lives. the Tulsa community, where he serves on of the solution, not the problem, when it Experienced ASQ (American Society for I will inform our legislators about pre- numerous boards and committees. Glen comes to creating a business-friendly en- Quality) – certified quality auditor. Lead venting laws crafted by lobbyists to promote and Sally were honored as recipients of vironment. Glen’s guiding principles will several project teams to implement and their own agendas and fight to simplify the Leadership Tulsa’s Paragon Award for include a free-market approach that cre- deploy effective Quality Management Sys- language of basic policies; making sure their work with Big Brothers Big Sisters in ates more competition and transparency tems (QMS), ISO9001 and audit effective- families, businesses, farmers and ranchers 2008. within the industry. Glen also believes that ness to increase competitive advantage, can get and afford coverage. states, not the federal government, are the improving call center attrition, reducing Insurance is BIG BUSINESS in Oklaho- best place for regulation of an industry to unit cost and improving process efficiency. ma—which has led to big opportunities What are the top three messages take place. Experienced Process Improvement to game the system and take advantage of of your campaign? Combat Fraud Leader; effectively implemented, taught our most vulnerable. Oklahomans want the peace of mind that and affected change by using methodolo- As Oklahoma’s next Insurance Commis- Safeguard Consumers if tragedy occurs, their insurance company gies such as TQM, quality measurement & sioner, I offer a variety of ways for you, the Oklahomans want to know their insur- will deliver the coverage they have prom- analysis, SWOT Analysis, PDCA (Plan-Do- consumers and workers of insurance com- ance will always work and that their claims ised. Glen will work tirelessly to ensure Check-Act), correlation analysis, control panies, to report fraud and abuse of insur- will be paid in a quick and fair manner. that those selling insurance in the state are charting and other statistical methods ance companies, agents, brokers or other Oklahomans don’t want to worry about honest brokers. to analyze business drivers and deliver consumers that abuse the insurance sys- their insurance company being financially above-goal performance results. tem in any way. Investigating fraud starts Education & Training with citizens and workers who are protect- University of Texas at Austin – A.E., Na- ed for reporting such issues. We are even tional Merit Scholarship Winner, Texas considering a monetary fee when funds Achievement Award Winner are recovered as a reward. University Of Texas at Austin Presiden- Insurance Commissioner

Kimberly Fobbs Commissioner of Labor Political Party: Democrat M a r k e t i n g Hometown: Ohio Director – Sup- Current Town: Tulsa porting Luxa Leslie Osborn Education: University of Texas at Austin clients and par- – A.E., National Merit Scholarship Winner, ent company, Political Party: Republican R e c i p i e n t , Texas Achievement Award Winner Clifford Power Hometown: Mustang Legislator of University Of Texas at Austin Presiden- Systems, Inc. Current Town: Mustang the Year, Okla- tial & Engineering Scholarship Winner FCG Group, homa State Bu- LOMA (Life Office Management Associa- B u s i n e s s Candidate Background: Community reau of Investi- tion) I & II, C o n s u l t - service, education employment and oth- gation; NASD Series 26, General Principal, NASD ing, HUBZONE er relevant experience. R e c i p i e n t , Series 6 Registered Representative (Inac- Leslie Osborn is no stranger to hard work Legislator of tive) and tough decisions. the Year, Okla- Candidate Background: Community A successful small business owner for homa Credit service, education employment and oth- more than 22 years, Leslie has been in the Union Associa- er relevant experience. trenches of the Oklahoma workplace, solv- tion; Marketing, Business Intelligence, and WOSB 2006 - Present ing problems and making things work. R e c i p i e n t , Strategic Analytics professional with key President/Managing Consultant – Pro- In 2008, she heeded the call to serve the Legislator of abilities to translate complex metrics and viding marketing support, website design, people of District 47, winning election to the Year, Okla- analysis into actionable and strategic in- campaign management, candidate devel- the Oklahoma House of Representatives. homa State Fire formation to guide organizations through opment and business process/customer And she has delivered, making state histo- Marshal’s Office; and change management, growth initiatives analysis, research and analytics for startup ry as the first female to chair the Judiciary Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Oklaho- and realization of competitive advantage and small to mid-size companies. Committee where she authored a sweeping ma Association of Conservation Districts through increased market share, brand Metropolitan Life Insurance Company workers' compensation reform bill, which Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Okla- loyalty, and process improvements. 1990 – 2006 lowered costs by more than 30% for Okla- homa State Dental Association Practice areas include: Insurance & Fi- Strategic Data Manager - Accomplished homa businesses. It has been a priority for Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Okla- nancial Services, Outsourced Service De- career progression through various super- the business community for decades. Les- homa State Medical Association livery and Power Generation industries. visory and management opportunities in lie got it done! For speaking her mind, she earned the Demonstrated ability to achieve business individual and group life insurance, con- Her gutsy work on behalf of Oklahoma ire of the good ol’ boys objectives while cultivating collaborative sumer relations, call center and Institu- families has not gone unnoticed: In 2016, she was named the first Repub- relationships with key internal and exter- tional product portfolios. Recipient, Guardian of Small Business lican female chairman of the House Appro- nal partners and stakeholders. FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE Award, National Federation of Indepen- priations and Budget Committee. Until she *State of Oklahoma, Judicial Nominating Marketing Director /Customer Relation- dent Businesses; was ousted. Commission – Gubernatorial Appointment ship Management (CRM) Leader Recipient, Legislator of the Year, District Leslie was pushed from the influential 2009- 2013. Manage advertising, promotions, web Attorneys Council; post after she called for real solutions to PROFESSIONAL HISTORY strategy, demographic targeting, market Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Okla- the budget crisis, and for an end to politi- Blackhawk Industrial, 2014-2016 analysis, brand awareness, content and homa Farm Bureau; cal pandering. She publicly contradicted Business Intelligence Analyst – IT Team collateral design, & customer satisfaction Recipient, Legislator of the Year, State party leadership about program and ser- member focused on ERP conversions, programs. Chamber of Oklahoma; vice cuts at the Department of Human Ser- SSRS, HALO, SSMS, Business Objects re- Lead strategy, requirements, testing and Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Free- vices and got fired. porting and analytics solutions. implementation of Microsoft CRM 4.0. dom Oklahoma; "Being relieved of my duties as chair only Luxa Enterprises, Develop and manage sales effectiveness Recipient, Legislator of the Year, Okla- reinforced my desire to fight the good fight 2007 - 2013 through campaign design and execution, homa Association for Justice; for Oklahomans who want to see destruc- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C7 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com tive partisan politics, bickering and petti- A vision for Oklahoma's future. ness replaced with constructive conver- "In my view, it starts with a trained and Commissioner of Labor sations, fresh ideas and bold initiatives," educated workforce," Leslie says of her aim Leslie says. to ensure safe workplaces and strong com- "Oklahomans are calling out for leader- panies. ship, and I intend to answer their call." "That said, I have opened a conversation Leslie has proven she'll take a stand with the citizens of Oklahoma to discuss Brandt Dismukes against the good ol' boys and insiders, their aspirations and ideas. I love this state, Political Party: Independent will be available even when it means standing alone. and I want to be part of a state government Current Town: Oklahoma City because I will Now this mother of two is ready to fight that serves its people by putting their in- Education: Master's in Public Administra- be in the office for all Oklahomans as State Labor Com- terests above all else.” tion, Juris Doctor, B.A. In English as a "Working I missioner, championing for both small Leslie, who graduated from Oklahoma Age: 50 Labor Commis- and large businesses and their employees. State University with a degree in business, sioner". "Together we will set a new agenda for says she is a firm believer that moving for- Candidate Background: Community ser- strengthening our economy and improving ward will take a village of citizen-advo- vice, education employment and other rel- our quality of life," she says. cates and elected statesmen. evant experience. What are "We have serious problems in Okla- Working for various businesses and my three things homa, but with leaders who put people family business. What are the top three messages over politics, I am convinced we can solve Lastly working as Assistant Director of the you plan of your campaign? them." Lupus Foundation of Oklahoma. to change while in of- What is your priority while in office? I will be a working Labor Commissioner fice? Commissioner of Labor with an open door policy where all workers Three things I would change: will feel free to visit with me about their con- 1. Open labor offices throughout the state cerns. so Oklahoma workers won't have to travel I will open offices throughout the state so long distances to receive help. workers will not have to drive to Oklahoma 2. Actually putting the workers interests City to take care of their business. first. Fred Dorrell To make sure Oklahoma workers have 3. Making it a top priority that Oklahoma the opportunity to find jobs that will provide workers have the skills to find jobs in a safe them livable wages while working in a safe environment and being paid adequate sala- Political Party: Democrat the Workplace. environment. ries. Hometown: Broken Arrow Rural com- When faced with a specific situation that Current Town: Broken Arrow munities are puts your personal viewpoint at odds with a Education: Tulsa Junior College – Asso- the backbone great many of your constituents, what deci- What is your stance on partnerships ciates Degree: Labor Studies; Northeastern of our state. sion do you make and why? across party lines to address hot- State University - Bachelor’s Degree: Indus- An educat- If my personal viewpoint is different than trial Supervision; University of Oklahoma ed and well- a majority of my constituents I will have button issues that affect the state? - Master’s Degree: Human Relations trained work- open meetings to disscuss our differences. The reason I decided to run for Labor Com- Age: 63 force benefits I will keep an open mind and always take missioner as an Independent candidate is both the em- the views of my constituents into consider- because of both parties fighting each other. Candidate Background: Community ployer and the ation. However, by having open meetings in As an Independent I will ask the voters who service, education employment and oth- wage earner. advance of making important decisions this elected me to put pressure on the legislature er relevant experience. P a r t n e r i n g problem should never occur. and Governer to help me provide Oklahoma Professional Affiliations with local and Where do you stand on communication workers with the skills to find a profitable City of Broken Arrow Planning Commis- regional Tech- with your constituents while in office? job in a safe environment. This is what the sion (2006 to present) nical Institutions (i.e. Okmulgee Tech) in Having good communications is the most labor department is supposed to do and Board of Directors, Bluelincs HMO (May developing and training for general and important factor in having a successful De- it has not been done during the past eight 1985- April 1996) specific business needs, both current partment of Labor. Again, my door will al- years under Republican Labor Commission- Past Member, Goals for Tomorrow and future is essential and will stimulate ways be open to my employees and they ers. Health Care Task Force – Tulsa Metropoli- growth in our rural and suburban areas. will feel free to visit with me at any time . I tan Chamber of Commerce Past Member, Projects with Industry Tul- sa Speech and Hearing Association What are the top three most press- Mentor, Youth Services of Tulsa ing issues facing rural Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction I have three (3) adult children and five (5) grandchildren. I have been married to and/or Okmulgee County? How my wife and best friend Maggie for twenty- would you address these issues if three (23) years. I retired from Ford Motor Company after elected? thirty-four (34) years and the Tulsa Glass I believe the Labor issues/concerns Joy Hofmeister Plant for thirty-eight (38) years total. In my across the state are universal. In addition early years at the Ford Glass Plant I worked to carrying out the laws enacted by the Political Party: Republican n e s s / S m a r t as a Glass Handler & Transport, Batch Un- legislature relating to labor I believe it is Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma Start Oklaho- loading and as a Float Control Operator. critical to foster, promote, and develop the Current Town: Tulsa ma, among oth- I was elected in May 1983 as the Presi- welfare of workers while working to im- Education: Texas Christian University ers. dent of UAW Local 1895 and served six prove the working conditions of workers (BA in education), University of Oklahoma The mother (six) years. I was appointed by the National and more importantly to advance oppor- (MA) of four gradu- Ford Department to serve as UAW Benefits tunities of workers for profitable employ- Age: 53 ates of Okla- Representative for eighteen (18) years. In ment. homa’s public May 2007 I was again elected as UAW Lo- My personal experience is that Business Candidate Background: school system, cal 1895 President/Chairman and served and Workers’ Groups tend to make the re- Joy Hofmeister is a former public school H o f m e i s t e r until the Plant closed in September 2012. lationship more difficult than it needs to teacher and small business owner. As an maintains a As Labor Commissioner I have first-hand be. If neither side invests the time to un- appointee of Gov. Mary Fallin, she served residence in experience when a major employer and derstand each other, inherent conflicts fes- on the Oklahoma State Board of Education Tulsa with her middle-class jobs leave a community and ter and cause an unnecessary divide. There from January 2012 through April 2013. husband of 31 the ripple effect that it creates. must be a balance to achieve a win-win In the private sector, Hofmeister spent 15 years, the Hon- In addition, I am an Adjunct Professor situation. years as a business owner of Kumon Math & orable Gerald L. Hofmeister. at Tulsa Community College where I have It is my belief open dialogue with and Reading Centers, which utilizes parent part- taught various Business classes and Hu- clear and visible actions, will foster long nerships to ensure high academic achieve- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- man Resources related class for the past term health and growth of an organization. ment for children. At Kumon, she person- es or court ordered judgements? No twenty-one years. I believe the same applies with government. ally worked with more than 4,000 students 2. Have you ever been convicted of a Currently I am employed at Spirit Aero- We are not elected (or shouldn’t be) for the to improve their educational outcomes. felony? No systems as an HRBP/Labor Specialist, benefit of just one group or organization Hofmeister serves on dozens of commis- where I have worked for the past six years. but for the citizens we represent, Oklaho- sions and state boards, chairs the State Board mans. There must be a balance: a win-win of Education and State Board of Career and What are the top three messages 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- is essential, otherwise it’s fruitless. Technology Education, is a regent for the of your campaign? es or court ordered judgements? No I will work to ensure that there is a bal- Regional University System of Oklahoma 2. Have you ever been convicted of a ance between business and the wage earn- (RUSO) and serves the Board of Equaliza- 1. Lowering remediation felony? No er. tion, Commission of the Land Office, Okla- 2. Raising graduation rates homa School of Science and Mathematics, 3. Lifting educational achievements for What are the top three messages Explain your positions on eco- and Oklahoma Partnership for School Readi- all students of your campaign? nomic development as it pertains 1. Workplace Safety to rural Oklahoma in general and Superintendent of Public Instruction Workplace Safety is not an option but an Okmulgee County in particular. OBLIGATION! An obligation for all parties involved. I believe that rural communities are the Education, training and awareness are backbone of our great state. Although the essential. I believe the good business/cor- Commissioner of Labor is an enforcement/ porate citizens should be incentivized and advocate role I support efforts and oppor- John Cox as well as the wage earners. tunities for all rural Oklahoma. Political Party: Democrat office and I ex- Workplace safety has a direct correlation Executive Order 13790 established the Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma pect that the on other matters as well, such as produc- Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Education: Doctorate - Educational Ad- OEA members tivity, Workers Compensation, morale and Rural Prosperity. The USDA recently pub- ministration, OSU; EDS - Specialist in Edu- will be active to contributes to rising insurance rates. lished a summary, outlining the purpose cation, OSU; Masters - Counseling, NSU; help me guide Advocate and work to provide and en- and function of that task force as a result Bachelors - Mathematics Education, NSU; public educa- sure a living wage. Increasing the mini- of, identifying legislative, regulatory, and Associate of Arts - NEO & A&M; Jay High tion and ad- mum wage is not just good for the wage policy changes to promote in rural Amer- School Valedictorian. vocate for the earner but is good for the economy! ica agriculture, economic development, much needed 2. Livable wage job growth, infrastructure improvements, Candidate Background: resources it Advocate for business to look at and ex- technological innovation, energy security, 32 years - Oklahoma Public Schools; 24 takes to help our children become success- plore new and/or different incentive op- and quality of life. years - Peggs Public School Superinten- ful. All teachers and public school employ- portunities that would be advantageous to Rural Oklahoma has lagged in almost dent; 9 years - Adjunct Professor of Edu- ees across the state will have a seat at the all. every indicator and I fully support a path- cation; Math/Computer teacher & coach at table. Winning the title of state superinten- It is my belief open dialogue with and way to these areas and citizens to be taken Wyandotte, Jay and Locust Grove; Lifetime dent is not important to me; finally having clear and visible actions, will foster long seriously and be given opportunities for member - NSU & OSU Alumni Association. someone in that position who shares the term health and growth of any organiza- growth. President - Organization of Rural Elemen- same values and experience as a public tion. I believe the same applies with gov- Again, I believe that education, training tary Schools (ORES); President-Elect - Okla- educator is of importance. One year in the ernment. We are not elected (or shouldn’t and development is paramount in any fu- homa Association of School Administrators classroom over three decades ago does not be) for the benefit of just one group or ture growth, for both business, the wage (OASA); Chairman - Oklahoma Schools As- make a career educator. organization but for the citizens we rep- earner and the community. I am a advo- surance Group (OSAG); Treasurer - Okla- resent, Oklahomans. There must be a bal- cate of partnering with local businesses homa Schools Insurance Group (OSIG); NSU ance: a win-win is essential, otherwise it’s and all community stakeholders to achieve Alumni Board; Co-Chair - OSSBA/CCOSA Vi- What are the top three most press- fruitless. common goals for the citizens and the sion Committee. ing issues facing rural Oklahoma 3. Education, Training & Development in community. and/or Okmulgee County? How What are the top three messages of would you address these issues if your campaign? elected? As state superintendent, I will be in the of- Advocating for Public Schools. Supporting fice to lead and to serve. I will only be in that curriculum and flexibility in schools. Sup- position to take care of our public schools porting local control through locally elected and be a strong advocate for our teachers board members. Valuing Public Education and support staff. When I am elected in and working together to improve the public I November, the OEA will have a seat in my education system. C8 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com

ies and communities throughout the state and the good of Oklahoma. Superintendent of Public Instruction to assist with the construction of water infrastructure. To date, these loans have saved more than one billion dollars to the What are the top three most press- residents of Oklahoma. ing issues facing rural Oklahoma Dr. Larry Huff My wife, Eileen and I met at UCO in 1997 Political Party: Independent to receive a free and were married in 2000 at the Cathe- and/or Okmulgee County? How Hometown: Keota appropriate ed- dral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help where would you address these issues if Current Town: Oklahoma City ucation. I have we continue to be active parishioners and Education: Associate Degree, Bachelor the education, teach children about God. We live on the elected? Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctorate Degree qualifications, I outskirts of Oklahoma City and have three Our teachers, state workers and labor- Age: 76 and experience children; Chloe, Christian, and Max. ers matth. We need to attract business to accomplish I have over 21 years of experience in Fi- and show we care about education in or- Candidate Background: Community ser- these worth- nance. der to progress. We need to keep jobs, vice, education employment and other rel- while goals. I am the former chair of Consumer Cred- businesses, teachers and workers here in evant experience. Nothing is more it Counseling Services of Central Okla- Oklahoma. A firm believer that long-term I have been a school teacher, a coach, and important to homa and an advisory board member for financial success begins with funding edu- an administrator in Oklahoma Schools. I Oklahoma than the Community Literacy Centers. I have cation and core services, I believe we must was employed for over 30 years with the the capabilities had the opportunity to co-chair the United also identify targeted, capped incentives to Oklahoma State Department of Education of our children. Way’s Community Investment subcom- attract new business and industry. A focus as a Special Education Administrator, Direc- It will not just mittee and am a member of Leadership on integrity and transparency, bringing ac- tor of Gifted and Talented Education, Direc- happen. It must Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City and countability back to the capitol. tor of Instructional Television, Accreditation be planned and executed by those who care. Community Leadership Development. Officer, and Oklahoma State Director of the I care! Explain your positions on eco- North Central Regional Accrediting Associa- What are the top three messages tion. I taught education courses at Oklaho- nomic development as it pertains ma City University, East Central Oklahoma What are the top three most press- of your campaign? State University, and Southwestern Oklaho- ing issues facing rural Oklahoma Reclaiming our credit rating and credibil- to rural Oklahoma in general and ma State University. I have personally super- ity. Investing in Education and Core Servic- Okmulgee County in particular. vised scores of student teachers and entry and/or Okmulgee County? How es, serving ALL Oklahomans - not special year teachers in the public schools of Okla- would you address these issues if interests as well as bringing jobs back to Currently, I serve on the Oklahoma Water homa. I have successfully guided hundreds Oklahoma and planning for the long term. Resources Board as a Lending Manager. My of Oklahoma schools, schools in the North elected? The people of Oklahoma deserve an inde- group holds the responsibility of provid- Central Region of the United States and the 1. Education. pendent voice to manage and safeguard ing below-market rate loans to cities and Department of Defense Schools overseas 2. Education. their money. I am not a politician, but a fi- communities in Oklahoma to assist with through school improvement activities. 3. Education. nance professional who believes that, with construction of water infrastructure. I will a focus on integrity and transparency, we work hard to bring the state’s General Ob- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes can bring accountability back to the capi- ligation Bonds to a level that will reduce or court ordered judgements? No Explain your positions on economic tol. As your State Treasurer, I will be in a Oklahoma’s borrowing costs. Visit: Charle- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a development as it pertains to rural great position to continue my two passions s4OK.com for more information about the felony? No of finance and community service. As a campaign. Oklahoma in general and Okmulgee political independent, my loyalty is to you What are the top three messages of County in particular. your campaign? If we are to ensure economic develop- ment in Oklahoma, including rural areas, we The Oklahoma State Department of Edu- must ensure that all children are afforded Attorney General cation must be more proactive in planning the opportunity to reach their maximum for public schools. Public education in Okla- potential and are prepared to compete in a homa is in a vacuum. With proper leader- twenty-first century world. (1) The challeng- ship, Oklahoma can do better. As leader of es of urban and rural education are differ- the Oklahoma State Department, I will en- ent in some aspects, but they are the same sure in many aspects. Certainly basic education Mike Hunter (1) the evaluation and projection of finan- must be provided, but because of the di- cial and efficacy needs, versity of needs in Rural education, schools (2) the development and articulation of re- must provide a variety of programs that Political Party: Republican Secretary alistic yearly and mid-term budget propos- meet the unique, diverse interests and abili- Hometown: Garfield Co. of Oklahoma’s als, ties of rural students. To accomplish this Education: Oklahoma State University, Commission- (3) the establishment and implementation task, we must select, project and develop a University of Oklahoma School of Law ers of the Land of school improvement efforts, variety of delivery systems. Distant learning, Age: 61 Office where (4) the creation and maintenance an effec- concurrent enrollment, cooperation with he was instru- tive working relationship among adminis- other schools, and career center courses Candidate Background: Community mental in put- trators, teachers, patrons and stakeholders, and programs must be utilized. service, education employment and oth- ting new secu- (5) that every child is given the opportunity er relevant experience. rity measures Raised with conservative values on a in place and Garfield County farm, Mike Hunter holds professionaliz- degrees from both Oklahoma State Univer- ing the agency sity and the University of Oklahoma Col- after decades lege of Law. of controversy State Treasurer Mike has always been committed to pub- and investi- lic service. In the 1980s, as a young private gations. Mike also put new guidelines in practice attorney focusing on energy and place to allow more funding for both com- real estate law, he ably served six years as mon and higher education protecting this a Republican member of the Oklahoma entity’s mission of using public lands to Randy McDaniel House of Representatives where his efforts benefit Oklahoma’s public education sys- led The Daily Oklahoman to name Mike one tem. Political Party: Republican Club member. of “Oklahoma’s Best Legislators” – an honor Mike also brings national experience in Hometown: Oklahoma City Kiwanis Club bestowed upon only eight legislators. He running large organizations. For eight Current Town: Oklahoma City member. For- also received the Oklahoma District Attor- years, he served as COO of the American Education: Institute on Business and mer participant neys’ Legislative Appreciation Award for his Council of Life Insurers and oversaw its Government Affairs, Georgetown Univer- in Leadership work on criminal justice issues. 135 member staff. He later held the same sity Certificate, Public Treasury Manage- Oklahoma City. After leaving the legislature, Mike contin- position with the American Bankers Asso- ment, National Institute of Public Finance Rotary Club 29 ued in public service as the general counsel ciation for four years. Masters, Land Economy, Cambridge Uni- member. St. An- at the Oklahoma Corporation Commission In 2015, Mike became then Attorney versity, 1992; BA, Economics, University of thony’s Hospi- and thereafter was tapped by Congress- General Scott Pruitt’s first assistant attor- Oklahoma, 1990 tal Foundation man J.C. Watts to be his Chief of Staff. Dur- ney general, where he oversaw the staff of Age: 51 Board member. ing this time, Mike also served as Watts’ le- more than 180 lawyers, investigators and Young Men’s gal counsel for both the National Security support staff. Mike briefly served again as Candidate Background: Community Christian As- and the Transportation and Infrastructure Oklahoma’s Secretary of State. Upon Scott service, education, employment and oth- sociation mem- Committees. Pruitt’s confirmation as EPA Administra- er relevant experience. ber. In 1999, Governor Frank Keating per- tor, Mike’s experience and conservative Oklahoma State House of Representa- suaded Mike to become Oklahoma’s Secre- credentials made him both the obvious tives, 2006-Present; Former Assistant Ma- 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- tary of State and the governor’s chief liai- and best choice to fill the remainder of jority Whip, Oklahoma State House of es or court ordered judgements? No son to the legislature, the judiciary, and the Pruitt’s term, a role he began on February Representatives. Current legislative com- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a state’s federal delegation. He later became 20, 2017. mittees: Banking and Business, Chair; Busi- felony? No ness, Commerce & Tourism, Member; Elec- tions & Ethics, Member; Transportation Subcommittee, Member. First Vice Presi- What are the top three messages dent, Investments. Engineer Officer/Field of your campaign? Artillery Officer, Oklahoma Army National Attorney General Guard, 1988-1999. Trust Officer/Invest- It is critical that our tax dollars are man- ment Officer, City Bank and Trust, 1992- aged effectively. My education and invest- 1995. American Red Cross Board Member. ment experience are well-suited for the re- City Arts Board Member. Crossings Com- sponsibilities of this important job. munity Church Member. Downtown Rotary Mark Myles

State Treasurer Political Party: Democrat also taught the Hometown: Lawton principles of Current Town: Oklahoma City free enterprise Education: B.A. ECONOMICS, OKLAHO- and econom- MA STATE UNIVERSITY, Stillwater; J.D., ics to middle Charles de Coune UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA, Norman; Cer- school and tification in English Legal Systems by the high school stu- Political Party: Independent tern with Mer- Oxford Centre for International Law and dents as a vol- Hometown: Bastogne, Belgium rill Lynch and Justice, Oxford, England. unteer consul- Current Town: Oklahoma City with North- Candidate Background: Community ser- tant for Junior I vice, education employment and other Achievement Education: Northwestern State Universi- western Mutual ty, University of Central Oklahoma (study- Life. I gradu- relevant experience. for a number of ing Finance), Internship with Merrill Lynch ated Summa Myles is the proud son of Major Maurice years. and Northwestern Mutual Life while at- Cum Laude, Myles (Ret.) USA, and Delores Myles (de- After the tending UCO and went on ceased) who was a career classroom teach- Oklahoma City to become a er. The family settled in Lawton where Mark bombing, Mark volunteered for the Red Age: 46 Financial Ana- attended high school, was President of Na- Cross for two solid months which rekin- lyst at MidFirst tional Honor Society, in FCA, and he was the dled his desire to attend law school. He left Candidate Background: Community Bank. Outstanding Athlete of the Year and the re- IBM to attend law school at the University service, education employment and oth- After my cipient of the Glen Dosser award. of Oklahoma where he received his J.D. in er relevant experience. career at Mid- He attended Oklahoma State University 2008. He also attended Oxford University I was educated in Belgium before decid- First, I became and graduated with a B.A. in Economics. for a summer where he received a certifica- ing to move to the U.S. as an exchange stu- the Chief Oper- He started his career working for Interna- tion in English Legal Systems. dent in Kansas. During that year, I fell in ating Officer for an Oklahoma City charter tional Business Machines in Oklahoma City As an attorney Mark started his career as love with this great nation and its people. school. Two years later, I found a way to where he sold information technology to an associate of Al Hoch, Jr. & Associates and I moved to Alva in 1994 to go to North- combine my two passions of finance and solutions to large and small companies worked as an Oklahoma Indigent Defense western Oklahoma State University. After community service: I joined the Oklahoma around the state. He also officiated basket- System subcontractor providing public de- two years I transferred to the University of Water Resources Board as its Lending Man- ball for 31 years including 12 state cham- fender to people who could not afford an Central Oklahoma to study Finance. As a ager. We provide low interest loans to cit- pionship finals and also called every level attorney. Mark successfully tried a number UCO student, I had the opportunity to in- of college basketball before he retired. Mark of jury trials as a defense attorney before FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C9 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com he became a prosecutor Assistant District mans posed by drugs including not just her husband, Steve. She provides train- levels. Attorney in Logan County in 2013. He also opioids but meth, cocaine, and heroin, and ing across the state for county officials, “My team and I are dedicated to person- successfully tried jury trials as a prosecu- the lack of availability of good healthcare school-district personnel, and auditors nel-training for counties, district attor- tor before he returned to private practice in in much of Oklahoma with the continued on a host of issues to help ensure public neys, emergency-medical services, school 2015. closings of rural hospitals. I will continue funds are safeguarded. districts, etc., so that those government Mark is licensed to practice in the Oklaho- the pressure on illicit drugs which is where ​Cindy has more than 20 years of experi- officials and employees are prepared and ma Supreme Court, the Northern, Eastern, people turn when they cannot get legal pre- ence in auditing and has planned, conduct- ready for their audits and annual financial and Western Districts of the United States scriptions. I will advocate for treating drug ed, and trained in various types of audits. statements and so that, most importantly, District Courts of Oklahoma, the United addiction as a public health problem instead “I have first-hand experience, across taxpayer funds are safeguarded.” States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Cir- of a public safety problem which means the state, effectively administering audits ​Cindy knows that good auditing requires cuit, and the United States Court of Interna- treating people as if they have an illness to identify wasteful spending and create not only thorough examinations of our tional Trade. instead of treating everyone as a criminal. more responsive government at every level. government officials' work but also proac- I will advocate for more prevention, treat- I have also traveled from county to county, tive measures to help them improve their 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes ment, and recovery programs so we can performing audits and helping county of- future work. or court ordered judgements? No stop wasting taxpayer money on sending ficials have the tools they need to do their “I've trained county officials and employ- 2. Have you ever been convicted of a people to prison who do not belong there. jobs more effectively and efficiently.” ees across our state on financial report- felony? No 2. Threats to the livelihoods of rural Okla- ​Cindy eliminated the five-year backlog of ing to help them get in compliance with homans from the lack of good jobs cou- county audits and oversaw 304 of the 411 federal and state standards. I have become pled with the increased pressures from big audits published in Fiscal Year 2017. a resource on which they rely when serving What are the top three messages of corporate and transnational businesses. I “Without the money to make additional us, the taxpayers, after we entrust them your campaign? have been endorsed by Family Farm Action hires, I stretched limited resources and with our tax dollars.” which is a group dedicated to supporting designed an alternative audit program so ​Cindy will reintroduce our elected offi- 1. Protect Oklahomans from the crimi- family farmers from the economic threats that, at the end of two years, not only were cials to the State Auditor’s Office to help nals, internet predators, consumer scam- to their livelihood posed by big corporate we caught up with county audits, but we financially turn around our State. mers, threats to our air, land, water, and and transnational interests who wield tre- also trained, encouraged, and built trust “Taxpayers are tired of the never-ending soil, while addressing the opioid crisis and mendous pricing power over individuals in with county officials so that we have great state-budget problems. We will continue performing the watchdog function as the rural Oklahoma. I will step up the antitrust working relationships moving forward.” to be a resource for improving where state people’s attorney. division in the Attorney General’s office to Cindy has led local-government audits funds are allocated and how our tax dol- 2. Advocate for transparency and open protect rural Oklahomans from the monop- that have uncovered millions of dollars in lars are being utilized. County officials see government, and elevate the public interest oly power of economic bad actors. fraud and waste. the value in the solutions the State Audi- over special interests while ensuring that 3. Threats to the health and environment “My teams have performed audits that tor’s Office can bring to them, and we can special interests are held accountable. of rural Oklahomans from people who have uncovered $5 million in misuse of do the same for our state legislators.” 3. Enforce the rule of law, upholding the threaten the safety of our land, air, water, FEMA funds and led to criminal charges Cindy's dedication and solution-oriented constitutions of Oklahoma and the federal and soil. I will reemphasize the environment against county commissioners and sher- mind-set will bridge relationships, balance government while working to ensure that protection unit of the Attorney General’s of- iffs as well as county employees. There books, and bring efficiency to state gov- everyone is treated fairly and equally under fice to defend our land, air, water, and soil, are bad people in every line of work, and, ernment. the law. working hard to ensure that environmental when it comes to our elected officials, we “The Auditor’s Office is best qualified to bad actors do not shift the burden of clean- strive to root out the few who give the rest analyze and offer solutions concerning our What are the top three most press- ing up their pollution to taxpayers while a bad name.” state government’s economy, efficiencies, ing issues facing rural Oklahoma working to make them stop. Residents of and effectiveness. We can assist our legis- Stilwell have the lowest life expectancy in lators in being effective decision-makers in and/or Okmulgee County? How the nation in large part due to the conflu- What are the top three messages order to preserve the public trust and im- would you address these issues if ence of pollution from multiple sources and of your campaign? prove the efficient delivery of government issues like that must be addressed to help services. We know cost savings, improve- elected? people in rural Oklahoma. Cindy Byrd is at the forefront of ensuring ments, and implementation. I intend for 1. Threats to the health of rural Oklaho- that audits produce real results at the lo- the State Auditor’s Office to be utilized to cal, county, district, and state government its full capacity.”

State Auditor and Inspector Lieutenant Governor John Yeutter Matt Pinnell Political Party: Republican promote small Political Party: Libertarian and Finance at Hometown: Tulsa town tourism, Hometown: Born in Michigan; Oklahoma NSU. There I Current Town: Tulsa which is vital resident since 1978. had responsi- Education: Bachelors in Public Relations/ for towns like Current Town: Tahlequah, Oklahoma bility of hiring Advertising from Oral Roberts University Okmulgee. Education: PhD in Accounting from Uni- new faculty, Age: 38 3. Addressing versity of Oklahoma and supervis- the skills gap Age: 64 ing their per- Candidate Background: Community ser- in this state is formance. vice, education employment and other rel- incredibly im- Candidate Background: Community evant experience. portant. There service, education employment and oth- Matt Pinnell is a proud Oklahoman who are jobs open er relevant experience. What are has devoted his professional career to ad- across the state, I am a CPA licensed to practice in Oklaho- the top vancing conservative causes and principles. but employers ma. I also hold a Certified Financial Planner In addition to his work advancing conser- either can’t find (CFP®) Certificate. I have taught accounting three most vative causes, Matt and his wife, Lisa, own anyone to pass and auditing at Northeastern State Univer- pressing a small baby product manufacturing busi- a drug test or sity for the last 23 years. While at NSU I ness in South Tulsa, growing from an idea in anyone actually trained to do the job. OSUIT was selected to leadership positions as issues facing rural Oklahoma their kitchen to shipping product across the there in Okmulgee is doing a great job help- President of the Faculty Council and Chair country and around the world. ing address workforce development and I of the Department of Finance and Account- and/or Okmulgee County? How In 2013, Matt was appointed by the Re- will continue to champion those efforts. ing. As a professional, I have served my would you address these issues if publican National Committee Chairman community by coordinating a Volunteer Reince Priebus to be the new RNC National Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, elected? State Party Director. In that capacity, Matt What are the top three most press- preparing free income tax returns for the 1. From a financial perspective, residents served as the chief liaison between the RNC ing issues facing rural Oklahoma public. A native of Michigan, I moved to need transparency from their county gov- and state parties. Since that time, the Re- Oklahoma in the 1970s and worked in the ernment. As an auditor, I will provide an publican National Committee has produced and/or Okmulgee County? How building trades before returning to school independent check on county government two of its most successful election cycles, would you address these issues if and completing a PhD in Accounting at the spending. 2014 and 2016, in history. The culmina- University of Oklahoma. During that time, tion of which was the election of Donald J. elected? I worked as a staff accountant at The Wil- 2. The State of Oklahoma has a compli- Trump in November 2016. 1. Access to quality health care services liams Group, CPAs in Norman. cated income stream. Counties and schools Prior to joining the RNC, Matt served as (Doing a better job incentivizing physicians have many different sources of income. Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican to open their practices in rural Oklahoma). 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- As someone who has taught accounting Party during the 2010 and 2012 election This will take working with the governor es or court ordered judgements? No for over 20 years, I can communicate to cycles. At the time of his election, Matt was and the legislature on incentives and other 2. Have you ever been convicted of a the public clearly about state income and the youngest State Chairman in the coun- solutions. felony? No spending. try. When he left that post for the RNC, the 2. Making sure we have a stable educa- Oklahoma GOP held all five Congressional tion budget is critical to rural Oklahoma. 3. Citizens are concerned that funds seats and every statewide elected office si- From addressing four day school weeks, to What are the top three messages meant for roads and bridges are not spent multaneously; the first time that had hap- crumbling infrastructure, and continuing to of your campaign? where they should. I can independently pened in Oklahoma history. invest in teachers, I will work with the next determine and communicate where these The Pinnell family has served as foster governor and legislature to turn around our 1. I am independent of the political pro- have been spent. parents and will continue to help promote education system in all 77 counties. cess. Whether the County Treasurer is a foster programs in the future. Matt addi- 3. I hope to continue to serve as the small Democrat or a Republican, and whether tionally serves on the board of a supportive business advocate on the next governor’s the Governor is a Democrat or a Republi- Explain your positions on eco- foster foundation. cabinet, working to make sure there is a lev- can, citizens can be assured that I will be nomic development as it pertains Matt is a graduate of Oral Roberts Univer- el playing field for “Main Street” brick and able to audit their records free of any po- sity and lives in Tulsa with his wife Lisa and mortar stores who are competing now in a litical bias. to rural Oklahoma in general and their four children. digital and global market. 2. I am qualified. I teach auditing and Okmulgee County in particular. government accounting, and I have the 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes knowledge and experience to perform and or court ordered judgements? No Explain your positions on economic audit of the State of Oklahoma and of each An auditor does not develop policy. I 2. Have you ever been convicted of a development as it pertains to rural Oklahoma County. As a faculty member at would have no direct influence on econom- felony? No NSU, I frequently consult to assist former ic development. My sole focus would be to Oklahoma in general and counties students working as CPAs. Thus I am con- provide an assurance about where funds in particular. nected with both the theory and the prac- meant for economic development are actu- What are the top three messages of tice of accounting and auditing. ally spent. Providing transparency is key to your campaign? Currently, Oklahoma has been jumping 3. I have supervisory experience. I acted understanding whether economic develop- from crisis to crisis with no plan on how to as chair of the department of Accounting ment initiatives are working. 1. Helping diversify our economy with address our economic development issues private sector job growth in all 77 counties, across the state, especially in rural commu- not just two. Without more private sector nities. I will be a champion for great institu- jobs, Oklahoma’s volatile revenue issues tions like OSU-IT right there in Okmulgee as will continue to harm the core services we they contribute to solving our workforce de- State Auditor and Inspector desperately need such as education, roads velopment issues, work with the governor and bridges, and health care. and legislature to fix our issues with deliver- 2. Developing a brand and promoting the ing quality core services such as education, great tourism assets our great state has. 200 and advocate for brick and mortar busi- lakes, 38 tribes, more miles of Route 66 than nesses across rural Oklahoma as the next anywhere in the country, and the potential small business advocate on the governor’s Cindy Byrd to far surpass the $650 million in recurring cabinet. I look forward to working with the Political Party: Republican versity in 1997 state and local tax revenue we currently citizens and leaders of Okmulgee County as Education: East Central University in with a Bachelor bring in. Additionally, we need to boost and your next Lieutenant Governor. 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Ac- of Science in counting A c c o u n t i n g , and she be- Candidate Background: Community came a certi- service, education employment and oth- fied public er relevant experience. accountant in Cindy Byrd, CPA, is the Deputy State Au- 2003. She lives ditor for Local Government Services. in rural Okla- Cindy graduated from East Central Uni- homa with I C10 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com Lieutenant Governor system unnecessarily. Explain your positions on economic Recurring shortfalls in our state budget are clear evidence of a failure to prioritize development as it pertains to rural spending. We need to eliminate the waste, Oklahoma in general and Okmul- cut hundreds of millions of dollars in cor- Anastasia A. Pittman porate welfare handouts, and adequately gee County in particular. Political Party: Democrat 2. Promise to fund core services. Economic development is usually short- Hometown: Spencer fight for afford- hand for politicians using taxpayer dollars Current Town: Oklahoma City able and acces- to buy jobs for their constituents, a pro- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journal- sible healthcare What are the top three most press- cess that fails to account for the opportu- ism and Public relations from the University 3. Promise ing issues facing rural Oklahoma nity costs of taking those taxpayer dollars of Oklahoma, Master’s degree in Urban Edu- to fight for the from the people while the politicians get cation and Behavioral Science from Langs- elderly and vul- and/or Okmulgee County? How their picture in the paper with claims that ton University nerable adults would you address these issues if they accomplished something. The fact is Age: 48 that real economic growth occurs from the elected? ground up. Thus, we need to remove barri- Candidate Background: Community ser- What are Economy - we need to reduce barriers to ers to entry into the labor market by reduc- vice, education employment and other rel- the top three entry and growth for individuals and small ing or eliminating occupational licensing evant experience. businesses and refocus education on the lo- requirements and getting rid of mandates She is a member of Northeast Church of most press- cal level to better prepare young people to that make it difficult for small businesses to Christ, Leadership Oklahoma – Class XXII, ing issues be ready to enter the labor market. get started, expand, or hire new employees. Downtown Rotary Club, Alpha Kappa Alpha Health care - protecting and expanding We need to empower individuals to offer Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., facing rural Oklahoma and/or the ability to access healthcare outside of goods and services to their community, not American Council of Young Political Lead- an unworkable insurance system as well use public money to subsidize large out-of- ers Alumni, Rose State College Foundation Sequoyah County? How would you as expanding providers through granting state corporations to come take whatever Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, address these issues if elected? nurse practitioners full practice authority they can use and then move on to the next Advisory Board Member of the Oklahoma 1. Economic development will begin to help address the massive fail- place to do it again. This approach, focused City University Meinders School of Busi- 2. Education ure of federal healthcare policy. on allowing individuals the freedom to suc- ness, Close Up, Red Earth, Junior League of 3. Health care Education - my proposals will not only af- ceed through perseverance, energy, and in- Oklahoma, the Commission on the Status fect preparing young people for adulthood novation, will over the long term create a of Women, NOBEL Women, Women in Leg- but by increasing local control we will also stronger and more stable economy and do islators’ Lobby, Urban League Young Profes- Explain your positions on economic work to keep rural Oklahomans engaged in the same for our local communities. sionals, and is a life member of the NAACP. development as it pertains to rural their communities. 1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes Oklahoma in general and Okmul- or court ordered judgements? No gee County in particular: 2. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No Support jobs, low property taxes, and Governor quality housing for working class citizens. I fought for the boathouse district in Brick- What are the top three messages of town, the completion of the new American your campaign? Indian Cultural Center and Museum, and Kevin Stitt praised the completion of the #6 Fire Sta- 1. Promise to fight to quality education in tion. Political Party: Republican sure those on Oklahoma Hometown: Norman the front lines Current Town: Tulsa of teaching Education: Norman High School and Okla- our children homa State University graduate. receive the Lieutenant Governor Age: 45 support they need to suc- Candidate Background: Community ser- ceed. Require vice, education employment and other rel- line item bud- evant experience. geting for the An Oklahoman entrepreneur and busi- Education De- Dr. Ivan Holmes nessman who founded Gateway Mortgage in partment. With Political Party: Independent 2000 with $1,000 and a computer. By deliv- added transparency and accountability, we Current Town: Oklahoma City What are ering strong leadership and vision, Stitt has will be able to better force more education Education: Ed.D in education and public three things grown Gateway into a nationwide mortgage dollars into the classroom room from the you plan to I company that today employs 1,200 people, $2.5 billion that goes to the Department of relations change while in has 164 field offices in 41 states, and holds Education. Age: 46 office? a loan servicing portfolio of more than $16 Review ways to empower local commu- S t o p p i n g billion. Stitt is promising to bring his proven nities to best fund the needs of their local Candidate Background: Community ser- nursing home business experience to state government schools. I love what we are seeing in West- vice, education employment and other abuse, stop- where he will put Oklahoma’s checkbook ern Oklahoma where energy development is relevant experience. ping our earth- online, apply performance metrics, and au- taking schools off the state funding formula Married for 25 years with one son; Greg- quakes and wa- dit every state agency. and allowing for higher teacher pay. But we ory Holmes, who was murdered on the Il- ter pollution, Stitt is a fourth-generation Oklahoman, still have many counties without these com- linois river. and having raised in Norman where his dad was a pas- modities. I like the policy proposed by a con- master teach- tor and spent many summers as a youth servative group of House legislators to give ers who are in Skiatook where his grandfather owned schools the flexibility to use part of their What do you think are the three big- properly paid a dairy farm. Stitt graduated from Norman current property tax revenue on teacher gest challenges facing our state? and allowed to do their jobs. High School and worked his way through pay instead of being restricted to buildings Oklahoma State University by selling books and infrastructure. Expand the use of video 1- Open records, meetings and open au- What is your stance on partner- with the Southwestern Company. Stitt is technology to deliver AP classes across our dits in all state-wide offices. ships across party lines to address a man driven by faith and family. He has state, especially in rural areas where we have 2- Solving our education issues. been married to his wife, Sarah, for nearly bright, hardworking youth but not enough 3- Environmental/ Health of Oklahoman's. hot-button issues that affect the 20 years and together they have six children certified teachers. Our farmers and ranch- state? and live in Tulsa. ers should not be faced with putting their children on a bus for more than an hour What is your priority while in of- The reason I am running on the indepen- just to access quality education opportuni- fice? dent ticket is because partisan party poli- What are the top three messages of ties. Technology must play a stronger role in tics has ruined our democratic process. As your campaign? how we look to the future of delivering our Open government, solving our nursing Oklahoma's Independent Lt. Gov. I will be state’s basic, vital public services. Recruit, home crisis and proper educational fund- accountable to those who put me in office. 1. Prioritizing Government Efficiency – train and retain great teachers. In a Stitt ing. The success of state agencies shouldn’t be administration, Kevin will call for the Leg- When faced with a specific situation that just about bigger budgets. Success is when islature to create a temporary program to puts your personal viewpoint at odds with a For Lt. Governor: What is your pro- the state consistently delivers core services provide $5,000 bonuses to certified teach- great many of your constituents, what deci- posed plan for tourism and parks to Oklahomans in a cost-efficient manner. ers who are teaching in Oklahoma for the sion do you make and why? Without line-item budgeting, it’s impos- first time. This will help to incentivize the Being an independent candidate I will service throughout the state? sible to know which agencies steward their 400 students graduating from our Oklaho- represent Independent voters not a politi- For tourism and our parks service to be resources well, which is why I will fight for ma universities with education degrees to cal party or lobbist. successful we must first have a good educa- accountability and transparency. Reduce stay and boost our state’s recruitment ef- tional system, a clean environment and tak- and streamline the 400 agencies, boards forts. A recent survey shows Oklahoma has Where do you stand on communi- ing care of our senior citizens so that com- and commissions. Give the governor more 536 vacant teaching positions for the next cation with your constituents while panies will be drawn to our state. Studies accountability. Audit all agencies. Budget all school year. We have gone from 32 emer- show that major companies want to locate state funds. Require a line item budget. gency certifications six years ago to nearly in office? in states that have an outstanding public 2. Reforming Our Education System – 2,000 today. Kevin is ready to help lead the I will be accountable only to the voters school system, a clean environment and a Oklahoma leads the nation in cuts to edu- state in reversing the trend. who put me in office; not big money. safe place for their employees to live. cation funding. Our teachers are underpaid 3. Expanding Economic Prosperity – As I and leaving the state in droves. Too much travel the country visiting my 165 field offic- money fails to reach the classrooms and es for Gateway Mortgage, I see firsthand the some school districts have resorted to four- growth and momentum many of the other Governor day school weeks. Our leaders are failing states are experiencing. In 2016, Oklahoma our students, our families, and jeopardizing had -3% GDP growth. In 2017, our state our future. Enough is enough. I will priori- faced a $900 million budget deficit. Too tize students and funding for the classroom many of our children and grandchildren are and invest in the teachers that make a dif- leaving the state for better opportunities. I ference every day. It’s time to restore re- refuse to sit back and let this continue. As Chris Powell spect to teachers!Raise teacher pay so that it governor, I will be committed to growth and Political Party: Libertarian lishment party matches the pay of teachers in our six-state prosperity for our entire state. How are we Hometown: Choctaw, OK candidates. footprint. With 95 percent of Oklahoma chil- going to do this? Current Town: Bethany, OK dren attending public schools, we must en- Education: Choctaw High School, Rose 1. Have you State College, Oklahoma City Community ever failed to College pay any taxes Age: 46 or court or- dered judge- Governor Candidate Background: Community ser- ments? No vice, education employment and other 2. Have you relevant experience. ever been con- I am a life-long Oklahoman, a combat vet- victed of a fel- eran of the Marine Corps, and a believer in ony? No individual liberty. I joined the Libertarian Drew Edmondson Party in 2000, served as the state chair, and am the party’s most successful candidate, What are the Political Party: Democrat duty in Viet- winning over 89 thousand votes for Okla- top three messages of your cam- Hometown: Muskogee nam. I worked homa County Clerk in 2016 (more than Current Town: Oklahoma City as a teacher at LP presidential candidate Gary Johnson’s paign? Education: Northeastern State Univer- Muskogee High statewide total). I served as a board mem- Authority and responsibility for educa- sity, B.A. and Tulsa University School of School, served ber of Youth Cornerstone, an organization tion needs to be refocused at the local level, Law, J.D. a term in the that worked to reduce truancy in Oklahoma within reach of parents and teachers, rather Age: 71 Oklahoma Leg- City Public Schools, and am a foster and than being concentrated in the hands of the islature and adoptive parent. My employment history is politicians at the state Capitol. Candidate Background: Community was later elect- reflective of the experiences of most regular We have the highest incarceration rate in service, education employment and oth- ed to Muskogee Oklahomans, I’ve sold safety-toe footwear the nation and must enact criminal justice er relevant experience. County Dis- in workplaces across the state, had a soda reform. It does not just cost too much in I earned a B.A. from Northeastern State trict Attor- route, and been a 911 dispatcher among terms of the state budget, but it costs in University and a J.D. from the University ney. I served other things that are outside of the scope terms of damaging and destroying the lives of Tulsa School of Law. I served three years ten years as of experience of most if not all of the estab- of every person who is put into the prison in the United States Navy with a tour of the Muskogee FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C11 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com County District Attorney and in 1994 I was would you address these issues if elected to the Oklahoma Attorney Gen- eral’s office. I served in that position for elected? 16 years and have recently been practicing 1. Expanding Medicaid will bring in hun- November 6 General law. dreds of millions of dollars into Oklahoma, I have served on executive boards for which will predominantly go to rural Okla- Oklahoma City University School of Law, homa. Hospitals in rural Oklahoma are go- the Palomar Family Justice Center, the ing bankrupt, and many of the hospitals Oklahoma Mental Health Association, Ba- that are surviving are barely hanging on. cone College and Rainbow Fleet, a private Hospitals are anchors for small towns and Election sample ballots non-profit servicing parents and childcare serve large areas. Mental health facilities facilities across the state. I am also a mem- have long waiting lists; our life expectancy S A M P L E B A L L O T ber of Rotary Club 29 and the Oklahoma has gone down; and a majority of Oklaho- Academy for State Goals and a graduate of ma’s veteran population lives in rural com- OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560010-REGNP GENERAL ELECTION Leadership Oklahoma, Class IV. munities that often lack adequate health November 06, 2018 facilities – we need to do more. A single OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 1 / 2 TO VOTE: FOR INSURANCE 1. Have you ever failed to pay any tax- doctor can bring millions of dollars of FILL IN THE BOX NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE(S) LIKE THIS: COMMISSIONER es or court ordered judgements? No revenue into a town. Expanding Medicaid (Vote for One) 2. Have you ever been convicted of a makes it easier for doctors and all health GLEN MULREADY REPUBLICAN felony? No facilities to stay in business. JUSTICES OF THE OKLAHOMA KIMBERLY FOBBS SUPREME COURT 2. Rural schools are as much an an- DEMOCRAT chor for a town as a hospital. I am not for FOR CORPORATION DISTRICT 2 What are the top three messages COMMISSIONER Shall PATRICK WYRICK of the OKLAHOMA forced school consolidation. Often times SUPREME COURT be retained in office? losing a school means losing a town. We (Vote for One) of your campaign? BOB ANTHONY YES need to pay teachers competitively so they STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING REPUBLICAN NO It is time we start investing in educa- can reinvest that money locally. We need (Vote for One) ASHLEY NICOLE McCRAY DEMOCRAT tion again. Education budgets have been educated students that can spur economic LIBERTARIAN DISTRICT 3 JACKIE SHORT cut repeatedly in the last eight years and growth by returning to rural communities INDEPENDENT Shall NOMA D. GURICH of the OKLAHOMA REPUBLICAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? our children are suffering for it. I told the to work and start businesses. teachers before the walkout that if they 3. Oklahoma’s rural communities have DEMOCRATIC YES walked out, I would walk with them. We been neglected for decades. It is time to FOR UNITED STATES NO REPRESENTATIVE were there with the teachers every day of give rural Oklahoma the attention it de- DISTRICT 02 DISTRICT 4 (Vote for One) Shall YVONNE KAUGER of the OKLAHOMA the walkout. The funding that was passed serves. Under my administration, the FOR GOVERNOR SUPREME COURT be retained in office? is a step in the right direction, but our stu- Oklahoma Department of Commerce will (Vote for One) RICHARD CASTALDO LIBERTARIAN CHRIS POWELL YES dents and teachers need more. commit its focus to rural Oklahoma. Tulsa LIBERTARIAN MARKWAYNE MULLIN NO REPUBLICAN Oklahoma needs teacher salaries that are and Oklahoma City are doing better, so the KEVIN STITT REPUBLICAN JASON NICHOLS competitive nationally, but we also need state needs to focus its attention on rural DEMOCRAT DISTRICT 7 schools holding class five days a week and economic development. Unemployment in DREW EDMONDSON Shall JAMES E. EDMONDSON of the DEMOCRAT JOHN FOREMAN OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT be retained INDEPENDENT in office? enough textbooks for every student that rural counties is high. Unemployment in FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR are in good condition. Per-pupil spend- Okmulgee County is higher than the state (Vote for One) YES MATT PINNELL ing in Oklahoma lags behind because we and national average. Oklahoma needs NO REPUBLICAN haven’t been investing in our children. We economic diversification. We need targeted Kevin Stitt ANASTASIA A. PITTMAN JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA DEMOCRAT can’t expect others to invest in Oklahoma incentives that are required to show their FOR STATE SENATOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS if we aren’t investing in ourselves. success by bringing in new business, but IVAN HOLMES DISTRICT 8 INDEPENDENT (Vote for One) DISTRICT 1 2. Rural hospitals are closing and our also helping existing businesses to expand. ROGER THOMPSON Shall DANA KUEHN of the OKLAHOMA FOR STATE AUDITOR AND COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained REPUBLICAN life expectancy has gone down. Oklahoma INSPECTOR in office? (Vote for One) needs to accept the Medicaid expansion SAMPLE SHANNAN TUCKER SAMPLE DEMOCRAT YES Explain your positions on eco- JOHN YEUTTER money and bring our federal tax dollars LIBERTARIAN MARLENA NOBLES NO INDEPENDENT back here to work for Oklahomans. The ex- nomic development as it pertains CINDY BYRD pansion will cover around 150,000 Oklaho- REPUBLICAN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 4 mans who don’t currently have healthcare to rural Oklahoma in general and FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL DISTRICT 24 Shall SCOTT ROWLAND of the OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) (Vote for One) COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained coverage. Those funds will primarily ben- in office? Okmulgee County in particular. MIKE HUNTER LOGAN J. PHILLIPS efit rural hospitals and provide an influx REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN YES STEVE KOUPLEN MARK MYLES NO of money to rural Oklahoma. These funds Economic development in rural Oklaho- DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT will provide for the needy including single ma and Okmulgee County will need to fo- FOR STATE TREASURER FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR DISTRICT 5 (Vote for One) parents and their children, veterans, and cus on diversifying our economy, increas- (Vote for One) Shall DAVID B. LEWIS of the OKLAHOMA RANDY McDANIEL ED JOHNSON COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained the under-employed. ing broadband internet access, protecting REPUBLICAN in office? 3. The people of Oklahoma deserve to family farms, improving our infrastructure REPUBLICAN CHARLES de COUNE CANDICE GAITHER YES know how their elected representatives and funding the core services that create INDEPENDENT DEMOCRAT NO run their government. Our Legislators have a safety net for Oklahoma’s residents. We FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF exempted themselves from the Open Meet- need to provide incentives that do what PUBLIC INSTRUCTION JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) ings and Open Records Acts. Our budget they promise, which is creating jobs. We FOR DISTRICT JUDGE COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS JOY HOFMEISTER DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 3 REPUBLICAN DISTRICT 4 - OFFICE 1 process happens behind closed doors and need to encourage local businesses to ex- (Vote for One) Shall BARBARA GREEN SWINTON of the JOHN COX OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be our Legislature is controlled by party cau- pand, not just national businesses to move DEMOCRAT KEN ADAIR retained in office? cuses. I have called for an office of Open in. Increasing broadband access will give LARRY HUFF ROD WIEMER Government in my administration to help entrepreneurs access to the world mar- INDEPENDENT YES citizens access public records. I have also ket. Expanding Medicaid will help hospi- FOR COMMISSIONER OF FOR DISTRICT JUDGE NO LABOR DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 4 called for an end to the Legislature’s ex- tals stay in business. Protecting family (Vote for One) (Vote for One) DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 1 emption from Open Meetings and Open farms will keep local communities strong LESLIE OSBORN JOHN M. DUNN Shall KENNETH L. BUETTNER of the REPUBLICAN OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be Records. economically. Funding infrastructure im- KELLY HAKE retained in office? FRED DORRELL provements will increase economic inte- DEMOCRAT YES gration. Funding our state health services BRANDT DISMUKES NO What are the top three most press- will better care for our veterans and keep INDEPENDENT ing issues facing rural Oklahoma our veterans’ centers open. The needs of (Front of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 10, 16, 19, 31, 32 and 38 of Okmulgee County will vote on this rural Oklahoma are clear, what is needed is ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. and/or Okmulgee County? How the attention of our state leaders. S A M P L E B A L L O T

OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560010-REGNP GENERAL ELECTION November 06, 2018 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 2 / 2 DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 2 STATE QUESTION NO. 800 Shall ROBERT BOBBY BELL of the LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be NO. 373 retained in office? STATE QUESTION NO. 793 This measure would add a provision to the INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 415 YES Oklahoma Constitution creating a new trust This measure adds a new Section 3 to Article fund. This fund would consist of (i) legislative appropriations, (ii) deposits from other NO 20 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Under the new Section, no law shall infringe on sources, and (iii) investment income. optometrists' or opticians' ability to practice Beginning July 1, 2020, 5% of revenues from DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 1 within a retail mercantile establishment, the gross production tax on oil and gas will be discriminate against optometrists or opticians deposited into the fund as well. The Shall E. BAY MITCHELL, III of the based on the location of their practice, or percentage of gross production tax revenues OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be require external entrances for optometric deposited into the fund will then increase by retained in office? offices within retail mercantile establishments. 0.2% per year. No law shall infringe on retail mercantile Monies in the fund will be invested by the State YES establishments' ability to sell prescription Treasurer. The fund is exempt from optical goods and services. The Section constitutional restrictions on the State owning stock. The State Treasurer is required to make NO allows the Legislature to restrict optometrists from performing surgeries within retail prudent investment decisions and diversify the mercantile establishments, limit number of fund's investments to minimize risk. DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 2 locations at which an optometrist may practice, After July 1, 2020, 4% of the fund's principal maintain optometric licensing requirements, will be deposited each year into the State's Shall BRIAN JACK GOREE of the require optometric offices to be in a separate General Revenue Fund. Principal will be OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be room of a retail mercantile establishment, and calculated by using an average of the fund's retained in office? impose health and safety standards. It does annual principal for the five years before the not prohibit optometrists and opticians from deposit. No more than 5% of the Fund may be YES agreeing with retail mercantile establishments used to pay interest on bonds issued by the to limit their practice. Laws conflicting with this State or local governments. The fund will be NO Section are void. The Section defines 'laws,' called the Oklahoma Vision Fund. 'optometrist,' 'optician,' 'optical goods and services,' and 'retail mercantile establishment.' FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO

AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO STATE QUESTION NO. 801 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM STATE QUESTION NO. 794 NO. 374 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM This measure would provide a means for NO. 371 voters to allow school districts to expand the This measure amends the provision of the permissible uses of ad valorem tax revenues Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees certain to include school operations. rights for crime victims. These rights would The Oklahoma Constitution limits the rate of now be protected in a manner equal to the ad valorem taxation. However, it permits defendant's rights. The measure would also voters in a school district to approve an make changes to victims' rights, including: increase of up to five mills ($5.00 per (1) expanding the court proceedings at which $1,000.00 of the assessed value of taxable a victim has the right to be heard; property) over this limit for the purpose of (2) adding a right to reasonable protection; raising money for a school district building (3) adding a right to proceedings free from fund. unreasonable delay; Currently, monies from this building fund may (4) adding a right to talk with the prosecutor; only be used to build, repair, or remodel and school buildings and purchase furniture. This (5) allowing victims to refuse interview measure would amend the Constitution to requests from the defendant's attorney without permit voters to approve such a tax to be used a subpoena. for school operations deemed necessary by The Oklahoma Constitution currently grants the school district, in addition to the purposes SAMPLE SAMPLE victims' rights to crime victims and their family listed above. members. This measure would instead grant these rights to crime victims and those directly FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES harmed by the crime. Victims would no longer have a constitutional right to know the AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO defendant's location following arrest, during prosecution, and while sentenced to confinement or probation, but would have the right to be notified of the defendant's release or escape from custody. Under this measure, victims would have these rights in both adult and juvenile proceedings. Victims would be able to assert these rights in court and the court would be required to act promptly. FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES

AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO

STATE QUESTION NO. 798 LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM NO. 372 This measure will add a provision to the Oklahoma Constitution to change the manner in which the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are elected. Currently, voters cast one vote for their preferred candidate for Governor and a separate vote for their preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor. Under this measure, if approved, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the same party will run together on a single ticket and voters will cast one vote for their preferred ticket. The measure requires the Legislature to establish procedures for the joint nomination and election of candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. If passed, this new election format will be used beginning in the 2026 general election cycle. FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES

AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO

(Back of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 10, 16, 19, 31, 32 and 38 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. C12 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com

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OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560020-REGNP OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560020-REGNP GENERAL ELECTION GENERAL ELECTION November 06, 2018 November 06, 2018 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 1 / 2 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 2 / 2 TO VOTE: FOR INSURANCE FOR DISTRICT JUDGE FILL IN THE BOX NEXT TO YOUR DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 1 STATE QUESTION NO. 800 CHOICE(S) LIKE THIS: COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 4 Shall KENNETH L. BUETTNER of the LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM (Vote for One) (Vote for One) OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be NO. 373 retained in office? STATE QUESTION NO. 793 GLEN MULREADY JOHN M. DUNN This measure would add a provision to the REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 415 YES Oklahoma Constitution creating a new trust KELLY HAKE This measure adds a new Section 3 to Article fund. This fund would consist of (i) legislative KIMBERLY FOBBS appropriations, (ii) deposits from other DEMOCRAT NO 20 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Under the new Section, no law shall infringe on sources, and (iii) investment income. Beginning July 1, 2020, 5% of revenues from FOR CORPORATION optometrists' or opticians' ability to practice DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 2 within a retail mercantile establishment, the gross production tax on oil and gas will be COMMISSIONER discriminate against optometrists or opticians deposited into the fund as well. The Shall ROBERT BOBBY BELL of the percentage of gross production tax revenues (Vote for One) based on the location of their practice, or OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be require external entrances for optometric deposited into the fund will then increase by BOB ANTHONY retained in office? offices within retail mercantile establishments. 0.2% per year. REPUBLICAN JUSTICES OF THE OKLAHOMA No law shall infringe on retail mercantile Monies in the fund will be invested by the State STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING Treasurer. The fund is exempt from SUPREME COURT YES establishments' ability to sell prescription (Vote for One) ASHLEY NICOLE McCRAY optical goods and services. The Section constitutional restrictions on the State owning stock. The State Treasurer is required to make DEMOCRAT NO allows the Legislature to restrict optometrists LIBERTARIAN DISTRICT 2 prudent investment decisions and diversify the JACKIE SHORT from performing surgeries within retail Shall PATRICK WYRICK of the OKLAHOMA mercantile establishments, limit number of fund's investments to minimize risk. INDEPENDENT After July 1, 2020, 4% of the fund's principal REPUBLICAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 1 locations at which an optometrist may practice, maintain optometric licensing requirements, will be deposited each year into the State's Shall E. BAY MITCHELL, III of the require optometric offices to be in a separate General Revenue Fund. Principal will be YES OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be room of a retail mercantile establishment, and calculated by using an average of the fund's DEMOCRATIC retained in office? impose health and safety standards. It does annual principal for the five years before the NO FOR UNITED STATES not prohibit optometrists and opticians from deposit. No more than 5% of the Fund may be YES agreeing with retail mercantile establishments used to pay interest on bonds issued by the REPRESENTATIVE State or local governments. The fund will be DISTRICT 3 to limit their practice. Laws conflicting with this DISTRICT 02 NO Section are void. The Section defines 'laws,' called the Oklahoma Vision Fund. Shall NOMA D. GURICH of the OKLAHOMA 'optometrist,' 'optician,' 'optical goods and (Vote for One) FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR GOVERNOR SUPREME COURT be retained in office? services,' and 'retail mercantile establishment.' (Vote for One) RICHARD CASTALDO DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 2 FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO LIBERTARIAN YES Shall BRIAN JACK GOREE of the CHRIS POWELL OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be LIBERTARIAN MARKWAYNE MULLIN NO retained in office? AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO REPUBLICAN STATE QUESTION NO. 801 KEVIN STITT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM REPUBLICAN JASON NICHOLS DISTRICT 4 YES STATE QUESTION NO. 794 NO. 374 DEMOCRAT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM DREW EDMONDSON Shall YVONNE KAUGER of the OKLAHOMA NO This measure would provide a means for DEMOCRAT JOHN FOREMAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? NO. 371 voters to allow school districts to expand the INDEPENDENT This measure amends the provision of the permissible uses of ad valorem tax revenues FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR YES Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees certain to include school operations. (Vote for One) rights for crime victims. These rights would The Oklahoma Constitution limits the rate of NO now be protected in a manner equal to the ad valorem taxation. However, it permits MATT PINNELL defendant's rights. The measure would also voters in a school district to approve an REPUBLICAN make changes to victims' rights, including: increase of up to five mills ($5.00 per DISTRICT 7 (1) expanding the court proceedings at which $1,000.00 of the assessed value of taxable ANASTASIA A. PITTMAN property) over this limit for the purpose of DEMOCRAT Shall JAMES E. EDMONDSON of the a victim has the right to be heard; FOR STATE SENATOR OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT be retained (2) adding a right to reasonable protection; raising money for a school district building IVAN HOLMES DISTRICT 8 in office? (3) adding a right to proceedings free from fund. Currently, monies from this building fund may INDEPENDENT unreasonable delay; (Vote for One) only be used to build, repair, or remodel YES (4) adding a right to talk with the prosecutor; and school buildings and purchase furniture. This FOR STATE AUDITOR AND ROGER THOMPSON measure would amend the Constitution to REPUBLICAN (5) allowing victims to refuse interview INSPECTOR NO requests from the defendant's attorney without permit voters to approve such a tax to be used (Vote for One) a subpoena. for school operations deemed necessary by SAMPLE SHANNAN TUCKER SAMPLE the school district, in addition to the purposes

DEMOCRAT JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA SAMPLE The Oklahoma Constitution currently grants SAMPLE JOHN YEUTTER listed above. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS victims' rights to crime victims and their family LIBERTARIAN MARLENA NOBLES members. This measure would instead grant INDEPENDENT these rights to crime victims and those directly FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES CINDY BYRD DISTRICT 1 harmed by the crime. Victims would no longer REPUBLICAN AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE Shall DANA KUEHN of the OKLAHOMA have a constitutional right to know the defendant's location following arrest, during FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL DISTRICT 24 COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained in office? prosecution, and while sentenced to (Vote for One) (Vote for One) confinement or probation, but would have the right to be notified of the defendant's release MIKE HUNTER LOGAN J. PHILLIPS YES REPUBLICAN or escape from custody. REPUBLICAN Under this measure, victims would have these STEVE KOUPLEN NO rights in both adult and juvenile proceedings. MARK MYLES Victims would be able to assert these rights in DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT DISTRICT 4 court and the court would be required to act FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR promptly. FOR STATE TREASURER Shall SCOTT ROWLAND of the OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) (Vote for One) COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES ED JOHNSON in office? RANDY McDANIEL AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN YES CANDICE GAITHER CHARLES de COUNE STATE QUESTION NO. 798 INDEPENDENT DEMOCRAT NO LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER NO. 372 DISTRICT 5 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION DISTRICT NO. 1 This measure will add a provision to the Shall DAVID B. LEWIS of the OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) (Vote for One) Oklahoma Constitution to change the manner COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained in which the Governor and Lieutenant JOY HOFMEISTER AARON MYERS in office? Governor are elected. Currently, voters cast REPUBLICAN REPUBLICAN one vote for their preferred candidate for RON BALLARD YES Governor and a separate vote for their JOHN COX preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor. DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT NO Under this measure, if approved, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the LARRY HUFF same party will run together on a single ticket INDEPENDENT JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA and voters will cast one vote for their preferred COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS ticket. FOR COMMISSIONER OF FOR DISTRICT JUDGE The measure requires the Legislature to LABOR DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 3 DISTRICT 4 - OFFICE 1 establish procedures for the joint nomination (Vote for One) and election of candidates for Governor and (Vote for One) Shall BARBARA GREEN SWINTON of the Lieutenant Governor. If passed, this new LESLIE OSBORN OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be election format will be used beginning in the REPUBLICAN KEN ADAIR retained in office? 2026 general election cycle. FRED DORRELL ROD WIEMER YES FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES DEMOCRAT AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO BRANDT DISMUKES NO INDEPENDENT (Front of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 20, 29 and 33 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot (Back of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 20, 29 and 33 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. for the General Election on Nov. 6.

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OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560026-REGNP OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560026-REGNP GENERAL ELECTION GENERAL ELECTION November 06, 2018 November 06, 2018 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 1 / 2 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 2 / 2 TO VOTE: FOR INSURANCE FILL IN THE BOX NEXT TO YOUR DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 2 STATE QUESTION NO. 800 CHOICE(S) LIKE THIS: COMMISSIONER Shall ROBERT BOBBY BELL of the LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM (Vote for One) OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be NO. 373 retained in office? STATE QUESTION NO. 793 GLEN MULREADY This measure would add a provision to the REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 415 YES Oklahoma Constitution creating a new trust JUSTICES OF THE OKLAHOMA This measure adds a new Section 3 to Article fund. This fund would consist of (i) legislative KIMBERLY FOBBS SUPREME COURT appropriations, (ii) deposits from other DEMOCRAT NO 20 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Under the new Section, no law shall infringe on sources, and (iii) investment income. Beginning July 1, 2020, 5% of revenues from FOR CORPORATION DISTRICT 2 optometrists' or opticians' ability to practice DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 1 within a retail mercantile establishment, the gross production tax on oil and gas will be COMMISSIONER Shall PATRICK WYRICK of the OKLAHOMA discriminate against optometrists or opticians deposited into the fund as well. The SUPREME COURT be retained in office? Shall E. BAY MITCHELL, III of the percentage of gross production tax revenues (Vote for One) based on the location of their practice, or OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be require external entrances for optometric deposited into the fund will then increase by BOB ANTHONY YES retained in office? offices within retail mercantile establishments. 0.2% per year. Monies in the fund will be invested by the State STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING REPUBLICAN No law shall infringe on retail mercantile NO YES establishments' ability to sell prescription Treasurer. The fund is exempt from (Vote for One) ASHLEY NICOLE McCRAY optical goods and services. The Section constitutional restrictions on the State owning stock. The State Treasurer is required to make DEMOCRAT NO allows the Legislature to restrict optometrists LIBERTARIAN DISTRICT 3 from performing surgeries within retail prudent investment decisions and diversify the JACKIE SHORT mercantile establishments, limit number of fund's investments to minimize risk. INDEPENDENT Shall NOMA D. GURICH of the OKLAHOMA After July 1, 2020, 4% of the fund's principal REPUBLICAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 2 locations at which an optometrist may practice, maintain optometric licensing requirements, will be deposited each year into the State's Shall BRIAN JACK GOREE of the require optometric offices to be in a separate General Revenue Fund. Principal will be OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be YES room of a retail mercantile establishment, and calculated by using an average of the fund's DEMOCRATIC retained in office? impose health and safety standards. It does annual principal for the five years before the deposit. No more than 5% of the Fund may be FOR UNITED STATES NO not prohibit optometrists and opticians from YES agreeing with retail mercantile establishments used to pay interest on bonds issued by the REPRESENTATIVE to limit their practice. Laws conflicting with this State or local governments. The fund will be DISTRICT 02 DISTRICT 4 NO Section are void. The Section defines 'laws,' called the Oklahoma Vision Fund. 'optometrist,' 'optician,' 'optical goods and (Vote for One) Shall YVONNE KAUGER of the OKLAHOMA FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR GOVERNOR SUPREME COURT be retained in office? services,' and 'retail mercantile establishment.' (Vote for One) RICHARD CASTALDO AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO LIBERTARIAN FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES CHRIS POWELL YES LIBERTARIAN AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO MARKWAYNE MULLIN NO REPUBLICAN STATE QUESTION NO. 801 KEVIN STITT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM REPUBLICAN JASON NICHOLS DISTRICT 7 STATE QUESTION NO. 794 NO. 374 DEMOCRAT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM DREW EDMONDSON Shall JAMES E. EDMONDSON of the This measure would provide a means for DEMOCRAT JOHN FOREMAN OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT be retained NO. 371 voters to allow school districts to expand the INDEPENDENT in office? This measure amends the provision of the permissible uses of ad valorem tax revenues FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees certain to include school operations. (Vote for One) YES rights for crime victims. These rights would The Oklahoma Constitution limits the rate of ad valorem taxation. However, it permits MATT PINNELL now be protected in a manner equal to the NO defendant's rights. The measure would also voters in a school district to approve an REPUBLICAN make changes to victims' rights, including: increase of up to five mills ($5.00 per (1) expanding the court proceedings at which $1,000.00 of the assessed value of taxable ANASTASIA A. PITTMAN JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA property) over this limit for the purpose of DEMOCRAT a victim has the right to be heard; FOR STATE SENATOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS (2) adding a right to reasonable protection; raising money for a school district building IVAN HOLMES DISTRICT 8 (3) adding a right to proceedings free from fund. Currently, monies from this building fund may INDEPENDENT (Vote for One) DISTRICT 1 unreasonable delay; (4) adding a right to talk with the prosecutor; only be used to build, repair, or remodel ROGER THOMPSON Shall DANA KUEHN of the OKLAHOMA and school buildings and purchase furniture. This FOR STATE AUDITOR AND COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained measure would amend the Constitution to REPUBLICAN (5) allowing victims to refuse interview INSPECTOR in office? requests from the defendant's attorney without permit voters to approve such a tax to be used (Vote for One) a subpoena. for school operations deemed necessary by SAMPLE SHANNAN TUCKER SAMPLE The Oklahoma Constitution currently grants the school district, in addition to the purposes DEMOCRAT YES SAMPLE SAMPLE JOHN YEUTTER victims' rights to crime victims and their family listed above. LIBERTARIAN MARLENA NOBLES NO members. This measure would instead grant INDEPENDENT these rights to crime victims and those directly FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES CINDY BYRD harmed by the crime. Victims would no longer REPUBLICAN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 4 have a constitutional right to know the AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO defendant's location following arrest, during DISTRICT 16 Shall SCOTT ROWLAND of the OKLAHOMA FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL prosecution, and while sentenced to COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained (Vote for One) (Vote for One) confinement or probation, but would have the in office? right to be notified of the defendant's release MIKE HUNTER SCOTT FETGATTER REPUBLICAN or escape from custody. REPUBLICAN YES Under this measure, victims would have these CHANDLER TORBETT rights in both adult and juvenile proceedings. MARK MYLES NO Victims would be able to assert these rights in DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT court and the court would be required to act JAMES DELSO promptly. FOR STATE TREASURER INDEPENDENT DISTRICT 5 (Vote for One) Shall DAVID B. LEWIS of the OKLAHOMA FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained RANDY McDANIEL in office? AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) ED JOHNSON CHARLES de COUNE YES STATE QUESTION NO. 798 INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM CANDICE GAITHER NO FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF DEMOCRAT NO. 372 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA This measure will add a provision to the (Vote for One) COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS Oklahoma Constitution to change the manner in which the Governor and Lieutenant JOY HOFMEISTER Governor are elected. Currently, voters cast REPUBLICAN DISTRICT 4 - OFFICE 1 one vote for their preferred candidate for FOR DISTRICT JUDGE Shall BARBARA GREEN SWINTON of the Governor and a separate vote for their JOHN COX DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 3 OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor. DEMOCRAT (Vote for One) retained in office? Under this measure, if approved, candidates LARRY HUFF for Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the KEN ADAIR same party will run together on a single ticket INDEPENDENT YES and voters will cast one vote for their preferred ticket. FOR COMMISSIONER OF ROD WIEMER NO The measure requires the Legislature to LABOR establish procedures for the joint nomination (Vote for One) FOR DISTRICT JUDGE and election of candidates for Governor and DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 1 Lieutenant Governor. If passed, this new LESLIE OSBORN DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 4 Shall KENNETH L. BUETTNER of the election format will be used beginning in the REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be 2026 general election cycle. retained in office? FRED DORRELL JOHN M. DUNN FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES DEMOCRAT YES KELLY HAKE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO BRANDT DISMUKES INDEPENDENT NO

(Front of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 21, 26, 34, 35, 36 of Okmulgee County will (Back of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 21, 26, 34, 35, 36 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. vote on this ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE C13 yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com

S A M P L E B A L L O T S A M P L E B A L L O T

OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560027-REGNP OFFICIAL BALLOT PRECINCT 560027-REGNP GENERAL ELECTION GENERAL ELECTION November 06, 2018 November 06, 2018 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 1 / 2 OKMULGEE COUNTY, OKLAHOMA Page 2 / 2 TO VOTE: FOR INSURANCE FOR DISTRICT JUDGE FILL IN THE BOX NEXT TO YOUR DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 1 STATE QUESTION NO. 800 CHOICE(S) LIKE THIS: COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 4 Shall KENNETH L. BUETTNER of the LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM (Vote for One) (Vote for One) OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be NO. 373 retained in office? STATE QUESTION NO. 793 GLEN MULREADY JOHN M. DUNN This measure would add a provision to the REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE PETITION NO. 415 YES Oklahoma Constitution creating a new trust KELLY HAKE This measure adds a new Section 3 to Article fund. This fund would consist of (i) legislative KIMBERLY FOBBS appropriations, (ii) deposits from other DEMOCRAT NO 20 of the Oklahoma Constitution. Under the new Section, no law shall infringe on sources, and (iii) investment income. Beginning July 1, 2020, 5% of revenues from FOR CORPORATION optometrists' or opticians' ability to practice DISTRICT 5 - OFFICE 2 within a retail mercantile establishment, the gross production tax on oil and gas will be COMMISSIONER discriminate against optometrists or opticians deposited into the fund as well. The Shall ROBERT BOBBY BELL of the percentage of gross production tax revenues (Vote for One) based on the location of their practice, or OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be require external entrances for optometric deposited into the fund will then increase by BOB ANTHONY retained in office? offices within retail mercantile establishments. 0.2% per year. REPUBLICAN JUSTICES OF THE OKLAHOMA No law shall infringe on retail mercantile Monies in the fund will be invested by the State STRAIGHT PARTY VOTING Treasurer. The fund is exempt from SUPREME COURT YES establishments' ability to sell prescription (Vote for One) ASHLEY NICOLE McCRAY optical goods and services. The Section constitutional restrictions on the State owning stock. The State Treasurer is required to make DEMOCRAT NO allows the Legislature to restrict optometrists LIBERTARIAN DISTRICT 2 prudent investment decisions and diversify the JACKIE SHORT from performing surgeries within retail Shall PATRICK WYRICK of the OKLAHOMA mercantile establishments, limit number of fund's investments to minimize risk. INDEPENDENT After July 1, 2020, 4% of the fund's principal REPUBLICAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 1 locations at which an optometrist may practice, maintain optometric licensing requirements, will be deposited each year into the State's Shall E. BAY MITCHELL, III of the require optometric offices to be in a separate General Revenue Fund. Principal will be YES OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be room of a retail mercantile establishment, and calculated by using an average of the fund's DEMOCRATIC retained in office? impose health and safety standards. It does annual principal for the five years before the NO FOR UNITED STATES not prohibit optometrists and opticians from deposit. No more than 5% of the Fund may be YES agreeing with retail mercantile establishments used to pay interest on bonds issued by the REPRESENTATIVE State or local governments. The fund will be DISTRICT 3 to limit their practice. Laws conflicting with this DISTRICT 02 NO Section are void. The Section defines 'laws,' called the Oklahoma Vision Fund. Shall NOMA D. GURICH of the OKLAHOMA 'optometrist,' 'optician,' 'optical goods and (Vote for One) FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR GOVERNOR SUPREME COURT be retained in office? services,' and 'retail mercantile establishment.' (Vote for One) RICHARD CASTALDO DISTRICT 6 - OFFICE 2 FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO LIBERTARIAN YES Shall BRIAN JACK GOREE of the CHRIS POWELL OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be LIBERTARIAN MARKWAYNE MULLIN NO retained in office? AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO REPUBLICAN STATE QUESTION NO. 801 KEVIN STITT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM REPUBLICAN JASON NICHOLS DISTRICT 4 YES STATE QUESTION NO. 794 NO. 374 DEMOCRAT LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM DREW EDMONDSON Shall YVONNE KAUGER of the OKLAHOMA NO This measure would provide a means for DEMOCRAT JOHN FOREMAN SUPREME COURT be retained in office? NO. 371 voters to allow school districts to expand the INDEPENDENT This measure amends the provision of the permissible uses of ad valorem tax revenues FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR YES Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees certain to include school operations. (Vote for One) rights for crime victims. These rights would The Oklahoma Constitution limits the rate of NO now be protected in a manner equal to the ad valorem taxation. However, it permits MATT PINNELL defendant's rights. The measure would also voters in a school district to approve an REPUBLICAN make changes to victims' rights, including: increase of up to five mills ($5.00 per DISTRICT 7 (1) expanding the court proceedings at which $1,000.00 of the assessed value of taxable ANASTASIA A. PITTMAN property) over this limit for the purpose of DEMOCRAT Shall JAMES E. EDMONDSON of the a victim has the right to be heard; FOR STATE SENATOR OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT be retained (2) adding a right to reasonable protection; raising money for a school district building IVAN HOLMES DISTRICT 8 in office? (3) adding a right to proceedings free from fund. Currently, monies from this building fund may INDEPENDENT unreasonable delay; (Vote for One) only be used to build, repair, or remodel YES (4) adding a right to talk with the prosecutor; and school buildings and purchase furniture. This FOR STATE AUDITOR AND ROGER THOMPSON measure would amend the Constitution to REPUBLICAN (5) allowing victims to refuse interview INSPECTOR NO requests from the defendant's attorney without permit voters to approve such a tax to be used (Vote for One) a subpoena. for school operations deemed necessary by SAMPLE SHANNAN TUCKER SAMPLE the school district, in addition to the purposes

DEMOCRAT JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA SAMPLE The Oklahoma Constitution currently grants SAMPLE JOHN YEUTTER listed above. COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS victims' rights to crime victims and their family LIBERTARIAN MARLENA NOBLES members. This measure would instead grant INDEPENDENT these rights to crime victims and those directly FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES CINDY BYRD DISTRICT 1 harmed by the crime. Victims would no longer REPUBLICAN AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE Shall DANA KUEHN of the OKLAHOMA have a constitutional right to know the defendant's location following arrest, during FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL DISTRICT 16 COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained in office? prosecution, and while sentenced to (Vote for One) (Vote for One) confinement or probation, but would have the right to be notified of the defendant's release MIKE HUNTER SCOTT FETGATTER YES REPUBLICAN or escape from custody. REPUBLICAN Under this measure, victims would have these CHANDLER TORBETT NO rights in both adult and juvenile proceedings. MARK MYLES Victims would be able to assert these rights in DEMOCRAT DEMOCRAT court and the court would be required to act JAMES DELSO DISTRICT 4 promptly. FOR STATE TREASURER INDEPENDENT Shall SCOTT ROWLAND of the OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES FOR COUNTY ASSESSOR in office? RANDY McDANIEL AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) YES ED JOHNSON CHARLES de COUNE STATE QUESTION NO. 798 INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN NO LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM CANDICE GAITHER FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF NO. 372 DEMOCRAT DISTRICT 5 PUBLIC INSTRUCTION This measure will add a provision to the Shall DAVID B. LEWIS of the OKLAHOMA (Vote for One) FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER Oklahoma Constitution to change the manner COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS be retained DISTRICT NO. 1 in which the Governor and Lieutenant JOY HOFMEISTER in office? Governor are elected. Currently, voters cast REPUBLICAN (Vote for One) one vote for their preferred candidate for AARON MYERS YES Governor and a separate vote for their JOHN COX preferred candidate for Lieutenant Governor. REPUBLICAN DEMOCRAT NO Under this measure, if approved, candidates LARRY HUFF RON BALLARD for Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the DEMOCRAT same party will run together on a single ticket INDEPENDENT JUDGES OF THE OKLAHOMA and voters will cast one vote for their preferred COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS ticket. FOR COMMISSIONER OF The measure requires the Legislature to LABOR DISTRICT 4 - OFFICE 1 establish procedures for the joint nomination (Vote for One) and election of candidates for Governor and FOR DISTRICT JUDGE Shall BARBARA GREEN SWINTON of the Lieutenant Governor. If passed, this new OKLAHOMA COURT OF CIVIL APPEALS be LESLIE OSBORN DISTRICT 24, OFFICE 3 election format will be used beginning in the REPUBLICAN retained in office? 2026 general election cycle. (Vote for One) FRED DORRELL YES FOR THE PROPOSAL - YES DEMOCRAT KEN ADAIR NO AGAINST THE PROPOSAL - NO BRANDT DISMUKES ROD WIEMER INDEPENDENT (Front of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 4, 9 and 27 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot for (Back of ballot) All registered voters in precincts 4, 9 and 27 of Okmulgee County will vote on this ballot for the General Election on Nov. 6. the General Election on Nov. 6. C14 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2018 • OKMULGEE TIMES & HENRYETTA FREE-LANCE yourokmulgee.com henryettafree-lance.com Five state questions will appear on the Nov. 6 general election STATE QUESTION ballot. Legislative Referendums are placed on the ballot by the Oklahoma Legislature. Initiative Petitions are placed on the ballot by gathering signatures from citizens. Each question is reprinted ANALYSIS here as it will appear on the ballot followed by a brief summary. Illinois, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana islature would also remain part of the fund. Four STATE QUESTION and Ohio — have similar measures although Mon- percent of the average annual amount in the fund Allow Optometrists & Opticians tana’s law was struck down by its Supreme Court. over the preceding  ve years would  ow into the to Operate in Retail Stores SUPPORTERS OF THE CHANGE SAY defendants state’s General Revenue Fund. Up to  ve percent 793 should not have more rights than crime victims. of the fund’s balance could be used to pay state INITIATIVE PETITION 415 STATE QUESTION 793 Victims and their families should be heard in mat- debt or local government debt. If approved, the This measure adds a new Section 3 to Article 20 of the Oklahoma ters such as plea bargaining and sentencing, they Oklahoma Vision Fund would be the state’s third Constitution. Under the new Section, no law shall infringe on op- argue. OPPONENTS FEAR overburdened courts budget reserve fund, behind the Constitutional Re- tometrists’ or opticians’ ability to practice within a retail mercantile and prosecutors will have to hire additional staff serve (Rainy Day) fund and the legislature-created establishment, discriminate against optometrists or opticians based to keep up with cases. In addition, allowing vic- Revenue Stabilization fund. No more than  ve on the location of their practice, or require external entrances for optometric offi ces within retail mercantile establishments. No law tims and family members to testify at every stage percent of the fund could be used to pay off state shall infringe on retail mercantile establishments’ ability to sell pre- of a court hearing could interfere with a defen- or local government debts. SUPPORTERS SAY by scription optical goods and services. The Section allows the Legis- dant’s right to a fair trial or parole hearing. The creating such a trust fund, the state is preparing lature to restrict optometrists from performing surgeries within retail legal challenge in Montana involved including too for anticipated declines in oil and gas production mercantile establishments, limit the number of locations at which many separate issues on a single ballot vote. and helping to meet future budget needs. A well- an optometrist may practice, maintain optometric licensing require- ments, require optometric offi ces to be in a separate room of a invested fund will grow over time and create a rev- retail mercantile establishment, and impose health and safety stan- enue stream that future legislators can appropriate, dards. It does not prohibit optometrists and opticians from agreeing STATE QUESTION they say. OPPONENTS SAY creating yet another with retail mercantile establishments to limit their practice. Laws Governor and Lieutenant Governor trust fund diverts too much state tax money away confl icting with this Section are void. The Section defi nes “laws,” Joint Ticket from Oklahoma’s current needs. They also argue “optometrist,” “optician,” “optical goods and services,” and “retail 798 the state should not be paying debt obligations that mercantile establishment.” LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 372 belong to local governments. SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? STATE QUESTION 798 FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES This measure will add a provision to the Oklahoma Constitution to AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO change the manner in which the Governor and Lieutenant Gover- SUMMARY: This measure, which was placed nor are elected. Currently, voters cast one vote for their preferred STATE QUESTION candidate for Governor and a separate vote for their preferred can- Allow Building Fund Revenue on the ballot after a successful initiative petition didate for Lieutenant Governor. for School Operations and Supreme Court challenge, amends the state Under this measure, if approved, candidates for Governor and 801 Constitution. It precludes the state from stopping an Lieutenant Governor for the same party will run together on a single LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 374 optometrist or optician’s ability to practice within a ticket and voters will cast one vote for their preferred ticket. STATE QUESTION 801 retail establishment or discriminate against optom- The measure requires the Legislature to establish procedures for This measure amends Section 10 of Article 10 of the Oklahoma the joint nomination and election of candidates for Governor and Constitution. It expands the uses permitted for certain ad valorem etrists or opticians based on the location of their Lieutenant Governor. If passed, this new election format will be practice. External entrances for optometric of ces taxes levied by a school district. Currently, tax revenue is placed in used beginning in the 2026 general election cycle. a building fund. The fund is changed to allow use for operations. within retail establishments would no longer be re- SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? The operations would be those deemed necessary by a school quired. The Legislature could pass laws to restrict FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES district. optometrists from performing surgeries within re- AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? tail establishments, limit the number of locations SUMMARY: Lawmakers put this issue on the FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL NO at which an optometrist may practice and maintain November ballot. Occasionally, the state’s Gov- optometric licensing requirements. It also requires ernor and Lieutenant Governor belong to differ- optometric of ces to be in a separate room of a ent political parties. That scenario could lead to SUMMARY: This question was placed on the retail establishment and imposes health and safety of cials working against each other. Oklahoma ballot by lawmakers. Public school districts in standards. Current law bans eye clinics from op- would not be alone in such an endeavor to prevent Oklahoma are allowed to use  ve mills ($5 for erating inside retail stores. SUPPORTERS OF THE this scenario. The governor and lieutenant gover- every $1,000 of assessed value) of property tax CHANGE SAY it gives Oklahoma consumers more nor run on the same ticket in 26 states. Seventeen dollars for building funds, which can include such choices in eye care and the purchase of prescribed states have separate votes similar to Oklahoma. expenses as repairs, maintenance, upkeep and con- glasses and contact lenses. If passed, Oklahoma The other states do not have a lieutenant governor struction on district property. State Question 801 would join 47 other states that allow optometrists or the position is designated as a top legislator. If removes that Constitutional restriction and gives and opticians to work inside stores like Wal-Mart voters approve, it will be up to the legislature to individual school districts the authority to use and Costco. OPPONENTS SAY it gives large re- come up with a procedure for the joint nomina- more property tax dollars for day-to-day operations tailers too much power and will eventually drive tion and election of the candidates for Governor such as teacher salaries or additional employees. It smaller, independent optometrists out of the mar- and Lieutenant Governor. Some states hold sepa- would not increase revenue for schools since all ket. That eliminates competition and could raise rate primaries and others require Governors to Oklahoma school districts tax at the maximum 44 SUPPORTERS SAY prices. Also, they say putting retail optometry in pick their running mates, much like a President total mills allowed. the change the Oklahoma Constitution limits the legislature’s picks a vice presidential running mate. SUPPORT- would create more district competition and give ability to make changes quickly if there are unin- ERS SAY it gives the state’s top leaders a uni ed them greater spending  exibility. Districts with tended consequences from the amendment. vision and better coordination. Combining the lower property values could raise teacher salaries OPPONENTS two, they argue, would draw more media attention to attract highly-quali ed teachers. SAY to the secondary of ce and better inform voters. the proposal could lead to more disparity and STATE QUESTION OPPONENTS FEAR combining the ticket gives the inequity among rich and poor districts. They say it Marsy’s Law Crime Victim Governor too much power. In addition, a governor does not create any more tax revenue and is merely Rights Amendment forced out of of ce, they say, should be replaced a way to shift more of the burden of teacher salaries 794 by a lieutenant governor more independent of the from the state Legislature to local school boards. LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 371 outgoing administration. STATE QUESTION 794 For more information about This measure amends the provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution that guarantees certain rights for crime victims. These rights would State Questions, see the now be protected in a manner equal to the defendant’s rights. The STATE QUESTION Oklahoma State Election Board website measure would also make changes to victim’s rights, including: New Reserve Fund for (1) expanding the court proceedings at which a victim has the right Oil and Gas Revenue at to be heard; 800 www.ok.gov/elections/Election_Info/ (2) adding a right to reasonable protection; (3) adding a right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay; LEGISLATIVE REFERENDUM 373 State_Question_info.html (4) adding a right to talk with the prosecutor; and STATE QUESTION NO. 800 (5) allowing victims to refuse interview requests from the defen- This measure would create a new fund called “The Oklahoma Vi- dant’s attorney without a subpoena. sion Fund” in the Oklahoma Constitution. Money could be appro- or the Oklahoma Secretary The Oklahoma Constitution currently grants victims’ rights to crime priated to the Fund. Beginning July 1, 2020, fi ve percent (5%) of of State website at victims and their family members. This measure would instead gross production taxes on both oil and gas would be deposited into grant these rights to crime victims and those directly harmed by the Fund. After that fi scal year, the percentage would increase by www.sos.ok.gov/gov/ the crime. Victims would no longer have a constitutional right to two-tenths percentage points each year. Other monies could be de- state_questions.aspx know the defendant’s location following arrest, during prosecution, posited into the Fund if provided by law. The State Treasurer would and while sentenced to confi nement or probation, but would have deposit four percent (4%) of the principal amount of the Fund into the right to be notifi ed of the defendant’s release or escape from the State General Revenue Fund each year. The Fund would be custody. subject to an investment standard known as the prudent investor Under this measure, victims would have these rights in both adult rule. The Fund could be invested in stocks and similar securities. and juvenile proceedings. Victims would be able to assert these Not more than fi ve percent (5%) of the monies in the Fund could be rights in court, and the court would be required to act promptly. used for payment of debt obligations issued by the State of Okla- SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? homa, state government entities or local government entities. FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED? AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO SUMMARY: The amendment, known as Marsy’s Law, requires state courts and prosecu- SUMMARY: The Oklahoma Vision Fund, put tors keep crime victims informed of proceedings on the ballot by lawmakers, would set aside 5 per- on their case. It is often done informally or through cent of oil and gas gross production taxes into a TUESDAY victim assistance programs. It adds to several oth- trust fund beginning July 1, 2020. That percent- NOVEMBER 6 er crime victim rights added to the Constitution in age would increase each year by two tenths of a 6 column (10p) 1996. Lawmakers voted to put the measure to a percent. Earnings from the fund’s investments 10.42” X 21” vote of the people. Six other states — California, and other appropriations directed there by the leg-