County Commissioner Dist. 2
Political Party: Republican Hometown: Eufaula Current Town: Eufaula Education: A Bachelors and 2 Masters
Age: 67 Candidate Background: I am the current District 2 Commissioner and I have been in office for approximately 3 ½ years. I have developed relationships with the current County Officials, the two Native American Nations that make up McIntosh County, (Cherokee and Muscogee) ODOT, contractors, citizens and many others. County Government is unique and very different from the types of Government as we are held to higher standards in our purchasing procedures, the Commissioners are the Executive and Legislative branches of the county. The Commissioner’s are responsible for almost everything within a county, therefore my point is it takes time to become proficient in day-to-day county affairs and with 3 ½ years in office, I am the senior Commissioner in McIntosh County.
I perform community service as much as possible, each year, including this ½ year I have applied for solid waste grants and have received one each year where District 2 has been able to fund roll offs for collection. We also from time to time worked with residents that are ordered to perform community service through the courts are able to pick up trash from the roadways.
As I mentioned above, I have a Bachelors in Industrial Safety and Masters in Technology from the University of Central Oklahoma. I also have studied at Oklahoma City University where I received a Master of Business Administration. These degrees, although took a lot of time and effort, do not prove anything other than when I start something I finish.
I am retired from the Oklahoma State Department of Correction. The two other State Agencies I have spent time in their employment is the Oklahoma Department of Labor, where I became interested in County Government and the Oklahoma Department of Health and Substance Abuse. I was also employed with Lucent Technologies/ AT&T/SWBT for 23 years where I was part of downsizing and too young to receive a pension.
I am a United States Marine Corps (active duty), and US Army Reserve veteran.
Due to my employment background and experience with County Government I am the best choice for re-election and represent District 2 for four more years.
1. Have you ever failed to pay any taxes or court ordered judgements?
No
2. Have you ever been convicted of a felony? No
What are the top three messages of your campaign?
1. I have the experience within County Government to keep moving forward.
2. I would not need a learning period I would just step back in and keep going, I am the senior Commissioner currently in office.
3. Outside of the Board of County Commissioners I am currently a board member on six boards outside of the county including a National Board for Veterans and Military Service.
What are the top three most pressing issues facing rural Oklahoma? How would you address these issues if elected?
Lack of funding, our census numbers were not accurately counted in 2020, this affects our money because the census count is used in formulas to determine our funding and lack of resources to pull our workforce from such as Jailers, Deputies and Dispatchers, these folks are continually being plucked from McIntosh County with offers of more pay.
To help with funding I will continue to apply for grants, attempt to decrease spending, in 2030 assist in getting the census count right, whether in office or as a citizen, and do everything possible to get pay increases for county employees.
Explain your positions on economic development as it pertains to rural Oklahoma in general and Eastern Oklahoma in particular.
Everything mentioned in the previous question effects economic development and economic growth.
If funding, census number and pay get increase I believe we will be headed in the right direction.
