Tulsa Area State House Candidates

State House of Representatives

Every candidate in Tulsa County was sent an invitation to participate and those who responded received a link to Vote411.org in order to input their answers to questions and to provide biographical information. The League neither edits material nor changes spelling, punctuation, or grammar of candidate submissions

Scott Fetgatter (R) - District 16

Ronnie Kell (D) - District 16

James Delso (I) - District 16

Terry O’Donnell (R) - District 23

Keith Welch Sr (D) - District 23

Craig John Hoxie (D) - District 23

Macy Gleason (D) - District 29

Occupation

Pre-service science teacher

Education

I am pursuing a degree at Oklahoma state in Secondary Education with my option in biology.

Professional Experience

I have participated in research at Oklahoma State University, winning the 2013-2014 Freshman Research Scholars Colloquium. I have also participated in education advocacy, including speaking at the Oklahoma State University Tedx Conference. Furthermore, I served as an academic mentor at Oklahoma State University where I mentored college students in academic skills. I was responsible for programming within residential halls in order to teach students skills that help them succeed in their academic pursuits.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

It is clear that the budget must be a top priority for Oklahoma policy makers. Irresponsible budget cuts have hurt some of Oklahoma’s most important services. Because of this, it is imperative that we find responsible revenue sources to fund these services. Oklahoma gives approximately two billion dollars to tax credits and incentives to corporations every year. One of the first things we must do is look at each incentive that we give and see if it is bringing in jobs and revenue for our state. For those credits that are not returning the investment, we must reroute the money to the areas of our state that desperately need it. Beyond looking at tax credits given to corporations, there are many options that we can piece together to ensure we create a responsible budget. When looking at each revenue option, it is vital that we put together a revenue plan that does not burden any one group of people and that we don’t balance the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

As the daughter of two educators and a future educator myself, ensuring students have a bright future is a top priority of mine. As schools face budget cuts, they are unable to provide our students the resources they need to succeed such as textbooks. Much like the budget, we must find revenue sources to fully fund our public schools. In addition to raising revenue sources, we must not support ESAs or vouchers to reroute funds from public schools to private schools. While fully supporting a parent’s right to send their child to private school, we must also ensure that our funds stay within the public school system so that every Oklahoma student has the opportunity for a quality education.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has the second highest incarceration rate in the country, indicating a huge need to find solutions to lowering the number of prisoners. One way to reduce the incarceration rate is to adequately fund our core services, including education. Responsibly funding the services of our state is an investment in the future of our criminal justice system. Beyond this, we must provide services to those in prison so that they will have the resources they need when they finish their sentences.

Kyle Hilbert (R) - District 29

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Jesse Goodwin (D) - District 29

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Sean Roberts (R) - District 36

Cathy Ross (D) - District 36

Jadine Nollan (R) - District 66

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Dianna Phillips (D) - District 66

Occupation

Adjunct Professor Tulsa Community College

Education

BA - History (Metropolitan State University - Denver)
BS - Law Enforcement (Metropolitan State University - Denver)
Masters in Public Administration (OU)
Masters in Divinity (Phillips Theological Seminary)

Professional Experience

Researcher - Ok House of Representatives and Oklahoma Municipal League and the City of Tulsa

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

Consistent funding is the obvious answer. If the state question 779 is approved, the money generated will not make education whole. What has been provided is a piece meal effort without knowledge of ramifications. Discussions with teachers not just the state superintendent should be held to understand what is happening on the ground floor. Some of the changes may require constitutional amendments.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Angela Graham (D) - District 66

Occupation

Education

Bachelors of Science (Human Services) - University of Phoenix Charles Page High School - '99

Professional Experience

Seventeen years in early childhood education

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Zac Davis (L) District 67

Scott McEachin (R) District 67

Lori Decter Wright (D) District 67

Jeff Boatman (R) District 67

Carly Hotvedt (D) - District 67

Occupation

Attorney & Tribal Director of Ag and Natural Resources

Education

BS Agribusiness, Oklahoma State University May 2006
BS Political Science, Oklahoma State University, May 211
Juris Doctorate, University of Oklahoma College of Law, May 2011
Masters of Public Administration, OU-Tulsa, May 2018

Professional Experience

2016-Current, Director of Ag and Natural Resources at Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Aug 2017-Jan 2018 Acting Secretary of Interior Affairs at Muscogee (Creek) Nation
April 2015-June 2016 Assistant Attorney General at Muscogee (Creek) Nation
2013-2015 Private Practice Associate Attorney
2012-2013 Appointed Citizen Advisor, City of Moses Lake, WA Planning Commission

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

Restore stable revenue sources. Consider restoring income tax to 5.25% with a reinstatement of the Earned Income Credit. Consider adding two more tax brackets for earners $200,000+ and $500,000+ at a higher tax rate. Require Industry to pay their fair share. Repeal ineffective and inefficient tax credits and exemptions that do not return value to the state. Tax breaks for horizontal drilling should be ended, restoring GPT to 7% at the outset of well production. Additionally, opportunities for expanding GPT to reach parity with regional Oil and Gas rich states should be pursued. Fully fund the Oklahoma Ethics Commission and State Auditor’s offices. I support the State Auditor’s Office in implementing a comprehensive, regularly scheduled audit program, allowing complete oversight of all state funded programs at least once every five (5) yearsThe Oklahoma Ethics Commission should also be fully funded to encourage fair dealing by elected officials, lobbyists, and interest groups.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

I support creating and funding diversionary court programs like drug, mental health, and veterans courts. By creating opportunities for people to be accountable but also be provided rehabilitation services e and encourage productive citizenry, the issue is better solved than with heavy jail time which is too expensive for OK. I also support a change in criteria consideration for parole to be more readily granted for people with non-violent convictions. Parole reviews should be automatic, rather than applied for by the inmate, to allow for expediency of review by the parole board to create increased possibilities for release of non-violent offenders. Additionally, many people find themselves unable to get out of the court system due to continuing financial issues in meeting costs and probationary fee requirements. I support discretionary programs that would allow fee waivers, prohibit compounding interest, and discourage outsourcing collections to private companies.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

The ODOT 8 year plan needs to be funded and fully administered. OK needs to prioritize a comprehensive and fully funded maintenance program. Failure to maintain has been a systemic symptom of the shortcomings of state governance and revenue allocations. To encourage efficiencies at the county level where many transportation projects are performed, alternative county government structures should be considered. Allowing county citizens to choose the structure of government could encourage professionalism of county management resulting in increased efficiencies and work product. By structuring county government to a commission-manager system, citizens still select commissioners to represent their interests in policy development but allow implementation of the policies to be administered by a professional manager, similar to a city manager. This better prevent mishandling public funds and failure to follow appropriate procurement protocols resulting in investigations and prosecutions of county commissioners that continue even after the County Commissioner scandal. Better use of public money means more completed road projects at better quality through compliance with bid processes and materials acquisition.

J. Lee Miller JR (L) - District 68

Lonnie Sims (R) - District 68

Heather Chenoweth (I) - District 68

Michael Ross (D) - District 68

Occupation

Teacher

Education

University of Central Oklahoma - BA, ‘03

Professional Experience

14 years as a secondary educator in Oklahoma public schools.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

In order to shore up the state’s coffers, I would support modest increases in the tax rate, moving the personal rate from 5% to 5.25%, in order to begin bringing rates to a pre-2008 level. The next measure I would support would be continuing to raise the gross production tax to a level of at least 7%, maintaining Oklahoma’s rates near the regional average. Finally, I would support ending the capital gains deduction

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

One of the policies that has shown to effectively reduce the incarceration of nonviolent offenders is the implementation of drug courts. I would support the expansion of drug courts, especially in light of the need to deal with the legal ramifications of the national opioid crisis. Additionally, I would support the repeal of SB 1221, which stands to cause the number of juvenile offenders facing life sentences to balloon beyond the state’s already-shameful numbers.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

The key to providing the necessary support to implementing ODOT’s proposed improvements to the state’s transportation system is to ensure proper funds are available. Traditionally, ODOT has relied on fuel taxes and a share of the gross production tax; Oklahoma has yet to adjust its gas tax to fully reflect inflation over the past three decades. While fuel taxes have had a slight increase in order to fund other services, In order to repair our now-dangerous roads and bridges, we’re going to have to begin a plan to incrimentally raise the fuel tax over a period of time, with additional revenue from this raise earmarked for transportation.

Chuck Strohm (R) - District 69

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Paul Sullivan (D) - District 69

Occupation

Horse show judge and announcer

Education

Two Associates degrees. Marketing/Music

Professional Experience

Self Employeed Horse Show Professional

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

We should have rolled back the ill advised tax cut that went into effect on Jan 2016 and should definitely stop the triggered cut for 2018. Less tax breaks and incentives for the Oil and gas industry and look into raising the production tax on the oil and gas industry back to more realistic levels. Say 7% instead of 2% and 1% on low production wells. We should possibly take a look at continued tax breaks for the wind industry as well. Stopping the double deduction on state taxes and federal taxes and look into taxing internet sales better. We cannot continue to reduce taxes and pay for the core services of our state.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

We absolutely have to properly fund our PUBLIC education system. Again, cutting taxes on higher incomes does not produce enough revenue to get the job done. We seem to have plenty of money to hand to oil and gas but can’t educate our kids? Perhaps that is because our kids don’t contribute to the campaigns of our elected officials. We hand large corporations $450 Million in tax breaks and have a budget shortfall. Shameful. While I am not a fan of State Question 779 it could be our only hope of producing enough revenue to properly fund the schools if our leaders in the state legislature continue to try to destroy public ed. I am NOT a fan of privatizing our schools with ESA or vouchers. In my opinion we weren’t having any trouble funding public ed until ALEC and the KOCH brothers and Walmart decided they wanted to turn the education of our kids into an entrepreneurial opportunity. I will work with anyone who is willing to fund Public education. I will listen any ideas that are aimed at funding PUBLIC education.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Criminal justice reform has to be a priority. We are locking people up in this state at an alarming rate. Incarcerating individuals for victimless crimes just to keep the private prisons in business is not only damaging families, it’s immoral. I’m a fan of education instead of incarceration. The more people we educate the fewer we will see in jail. I would support lighter sentences or just fines for marijuana possession as I fail to see where the victim is in possessing or smoking marijuana. Perhaps legalization is another option. The private prison industry lobbies congress for stiffer sentences and penalties to insure profits and I find this to be appalling.

Sheila Dills (R) - District 69

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Andy Richardson (D) - District 69

Occupation

Attorney

Education

Booker T. Washington H.S. Oklahoma State University
B.A. 1991 University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 1994

Professional Experience

Practicing attorney in Tulsa since 1994

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

We must return to governing Oklahoma. Our State Legislature has ignored the needs of its citizens, essential core services the State must provide, and mandates imposed by the Oklahoma Constitution. Instead of addressing these issues, our Legislature has slashed funding for education (25 percent since 2008) and other core services. As a first step, the Legislature must cease promoting and passing legislation that is plainly unconstitutional, discriminatory or otherwise unnecessary. This stymies business and deters economic development in our state. As a result, the our state economy and tax revenues fail to meet full potential. Second, we must work to reduce waste, duplication and overlapping initiatives in state services. Third, as we work to diversity our state's economy, we must evaluate the appropriateness and economic effectiveness of tax credits and exemptions.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

Oklahoma now leads the world in incarceration of its citizens. Not just the United States, but the world. Existing prisons are well over capacity. Additionally, Oklahoma is contemplating on building additional prisons, which I believe is not the answer. A paradigm shift must occur that prioritizes educational programs and subordinates counterproductive sentencing standards. We must look at the success of sentencing programs and alternative court programs in neighboring states. In contrast to Oklahoma, Texas has closed eight prisons in six years through alternative courts and sentencing programs.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

Oklahoma should plan for the future, and our children's future. Highway, road and bridge work should be better coordinated at state, county and municipal levels to alleviate inconvenience to motorists and promote road safety. We certainly need to look to federal roadway, bridge, and infrastructure grants to repair our crumbling transportation system. We also should look to promote ride-sharing and existing municipal mass transit programs.

Carol Bush (R) - District 70

Occupation

Retired

Education

1979 graduate from Holland Hall 1983 graduate from ORU

Professional Experience

10 years as Executive Director of the Crime Prevention Network
10 years at the State Health Department

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

As a small business owner I know the importance of making common sense budget decisions that address both immediate needs and provide for business success in the future. With the state facing a $1.3 billion budget deficit we need to take a hard look and thoughtful approach to long-term financial planning that insures sustainable economic growth for Oklahoma. I will work diligently to champion responsible spending and investment of taxpayer dollars by creating a system of transparency and accountability. I will focus on spending priorities and eliminating duplication of services. We need to create a long-term strategic financial plan that includes income and expenses not just one year out but 5 year and 10 years out. This is done in the private sector and I feel needs to be done in government. We are beyond party lines in Oklahoma and need common sense legislation to grow our economy.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

Economic development cannot happen if we have an uneducated, unhealthy workforce. As a legislator I will push for long-range strategic budgeting that allows for sustainable funding for education and workforce development. Oklahomans are hardworking people and we need focus on our most important asset. We need to pay our teachers a competitive wage so that we can attract and retain good, quality teachers. It has got to be the first thing we do. Secondly, no two children learn the same way. I believe that we need to allow teachers the freedom to create learning environments that best suit the child. This may require more than one teacher in the classroom. By doing this I believe that children will want to learn, want to come to class and will experience better success thus increasing those who want higher education and becoming productive members of our communities.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

I am in favor of smart on crime reform! I have spent the last 10 years of my career as the Executive Director of the Crime Commission/Crime Prevention Network. Other states have reduced their incarceration rates and recidivism rates by providing alternative reforms for lesser criminal offenses. These are more cost effective and put less of a burden on our over populated prisons. This is especially true with females as we incarcerate more than any other state. This needs to be a priority and it is something that I will work hard on as a legislator.

Joe Jennings (D) - District 70

Occupation

Dir. Kristen’s Cause

Education

High school with some college

Professional Experience

US Navy, electrician, machinist, cnc programmer and welder. Activist for women's rights concerning cancer screenings. Passage of my bill HB2601.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Tamara Morton (L) - District 70

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

JJ Burnam (D) - District 70

Occupation

Data Architect at Cimarex Energy

Education

Bachelors in Management Information Systems (MIS) from OSU (Summa Cum Laude)

Professional Experience

10 years at Cimarex Energy as Business Analyst, Programmer, Data Architect. Professional audio producer. Musician.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

1. Repeal the capital gains tax loophole: This harmful tax loophole is a proven loss for Oklahomans. Last session, the leadership bowed down to special interests and left the capital gains tax exemption intact. I will stand firm for its repeal. 2. Restore income tax rates for wealthy earners: Our wealthiest earners were given tax breaks while our schools were starving for funds. I will support restoring pre-recession tax rates for wealthy earners. 3. Accept the federal Medicaid expansion: Oklahoma dollars are being collected by the federal government and sent to other states. We must bring those dollars back to Oklahoma by accepting the federal Medicaid expansion. This will save us millions of dollars, help suffering families, and relieve our rural hospitals that are under great financial strain from treating uncovered Oklahomans

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

We need Oklahomans to be productive community contributors, not occupants in prison beds. Funding education and mental health services are essential to long-term reduction in incarceration. Additionally, I will advocate for appropriate sentencing for mentally ill and non-violent offenders, as well as fully funding drug courts and rehabilitation programs. Justice can be served while giving willing people a chance to turn their lives around through treatment and rehabilitation.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

I support re-investing in our transportation system after $600 million in transportation budget cuts over the last eight years. According to the national non-profit transportation research group TRIP, “82 percent of major locally and state-maintained roads in the Tulsa urban area are in poor or mediocre condition,” costing each Tulsan $859 per year in repairs and accelerated vehicle depreciation. A functioning and well-maintained transportation system enhances our quality of life, ensures our safety, and is critical for economic development.

Katie Henke (R) - District 71

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Cheryl Baber (R) - District 71

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Denise Brewer (D) - District 71

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Millie Hardesty York (D) - District 71

Occupation

Small Business Owner

Education

I am a graduate of Tulsa Public Schools with a degree in Natural Science from the University of Tulsa.

Professional Experience

Owner of union printing company who has worked with political campaigns since 2000.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

We do not need any more tax cuts. We need to raise income tax on those that make over $100,000/ year / single or over $200,000/ household. Some of the tax credits need to be removed or fazed out sooner. We should consider things like a floating gas tax, that goes up when gas prices are down, and goes away when gas prices are high. Or we could consider a soda tax, that would encourage a healthier life style. Oklahoma needs to take the federal medicaid dollars that have been refused by our current representatives.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

I will support investing in our teachers and schools. We need to keep class room size down, pay our teachers a living wage, and make sure that testing is not over done. Teaching and learning should be enjoyable! We need to strive to make sure our low income communities have the tools needed to make school a place where children and their families want them to be; provide meals for those in need, as well as books and supplies.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Leland Cole (R) - District 73

Regina Goodwin (D) - District 73

Dale Derby (R) - District 74

Jeri Moberly (D) - District 74

Karen Gaddis (D) - District 75

Occupation

Retired educator

Education

BA-Math, University of Oklahoma
MS-Math, University of Oklahoma
Teaching Certification, Univ. of OK
Counseling Certification, Univ. of Tulsa

Professional Experience

2 yrs. Teaching Assistant, Univ. of OK
25 yrs. Math teacher, Tulsa Public Schools
13 yrs. Senior Counselor, Memorial High School

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

I believe that it is essential that we recognize the need for taxes that are sufficient to meet the service needs of our state. We need to reestablish our tax base to what it was before the drastic tax reductions that were made on the upper income and corporate tax rates. We need to recognize the need to tax our petroleum industry at rates that help, not harm, our economy. Oklahoma accepts federal dollars to provide help to our citizens in times of natural disaster. We must likewise accept federal healthcare dollars to help our working poor maintain their healthcare, keep our rural hospitals open, and provide for the nursing care needs of our citizens. We cannot continue to shortchange our public schools and our public school teachers. We cannot continue to rob the retirement systems of our public servants to help prop up necessary state services. We cannot continue to rip hope out of the grip of our working poor to deny them a living wage and from our mentally ill and foster children

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

I will encourage the setting of priorities. The number one priority of our state should be the education of our children. Without good and successful public schools and without a trained and educated work force, the state will not be able to attract and maintain businesses. Setting the state budget early in the session should also be a priority. It is imperative that all superintendents, from the state level down to the smallest district, be able to establish their own priorities for the next year before the end of the current year. The lives and careers of their teachers depend upon it. Also directly connected to the setting of priorities is the idea of considering and funding only the most pressing legislative items. I will encourage the cancellation of items we do not need or cannot fund. I will support a moratorium on any extension of charter schools in the state. Since charter schools do not serve all Oklahoma students, they do not serve any legitimate public purpose.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

We need to take a hard look and re-evaluate the non-violent crimes that currently draw prison sentences in our state. We need to modify our justice system from one that seems totally focused on vengeance to one focused on rehabilitation. Oklahoma leads the nation in the rate of incarceration of women. Families are ripped apart. Children are often forced into a foster care system which suffers under its own set of legislative funding problems. This is not something to be proud of. When we are spending far more per person to imprison their mothers than we are spending to educate their children, there is something fundamentally wrong. Oklahoma utilizes its poor to provide taxes to our state, and likewise to provide a form of corporate welfare. The very idea of corporate prisons should be revolting! If we don’t have enough prisons to house our inmates, then the solution is not to allow corporations to profit from the problem; the solution is to reevaluate and change our justice system.

Dan Kirby (R) - District 75

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Kelli Krebs (L) - District 75

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

T. J. Marti (R) - District 75

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

David Brumbaugh (R) - District 76

Glenda K Puett (D) - District 76

Ross Ford (R) - District 76

Forrest Mayer (D) - District 76

John Waldron (D) - District 77

Occupation

Teacher

Education

Bachelor's in American History, the University of Virginia, 1990
Master's in International Affairs, The George Washington University, 1995

Professional Experience

Teacher, Tulsa Public Schools, 1999-present; Teacher, Tulsa Community College, 2002-2015

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

I support reducing penalties for nonviolent offenses, such as possession of marijuana. I support expansion of diversion programs such as Women in Recovery to move people into treatment programs rather than prison. I support investing in our courts and parole systems to make it easier for people to re-enter society after parole. And finally, I would invest more in our public education system, identifying risk factors among students to break the "school to prison pipeline."

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

I believe we should pay for our roads with taxes on its use - gasoline, tolls, and federal grants. Funds should not be diverted away from roads to pay for short-term emergencies. With so many crumbling bridges and roads, we need to set priorities and follow through over the long term. Our strategy for road maintenance depends on funding stability, which means it is connected to our other problems of underfunded schools and hospitals.

Todd Blackburn (R) - District 77

Information

Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Eugene Bell (L) - District 78

Occupation

Computer Programmer / Beekeeper

Education

Albemarle High School, Charlottesville Virginia
Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken New Jersey,
Electrical Engineering
City College of New York, Computer Science

Professional Experience

Industrial Control System Programmer / Analyst Industries
Steel, Water, Paper, Nuclear, Food, Manufacturing, Automobile, etc.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

Create a real education voucher system. Phase out bloated inefficient public schools. The state can provide funding, at the current per student level, directly to the parents through Vouchers and the parents can chose the schools their children will attend. In this way the parents are in control, bad schools will dry up, good schools will flourish and minimum resources are wasted on the bureaucratic overhead.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Lowering the rate of incarceration should not even be a goal. We should strive to incarcerate all criminals in an effort to reduce crime and rehabilitate criminals. That being said, there are laws on the books today that make normal actions of a free people criminal offenses that should not be crimes and must be removed. Specifically, if an adult would like to spend his wages smoking a Marijuana cigarette, Saturday night, in his home, in the attempt to seek his happiness, the State of Oklahoma has not business spending the Taxpayers’ money trying to prevent it. So, I support legislation to decriminalize any adult use of Marijuana.

Meloyde Blancett (D) - District 78

Occupation

Marketing & Communications Consultant

Education

B.A. Journalism, Professional Writing

Professional Experience

Principal, The Blancett Group, Inc.
Account Director, Winnercomm, Inc.
Deputy Director, Marketing & Communications,
Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Director of Strategic Marketing, Williams Communications
Vice President, Reputation Management, Thrifty Car Rental, World HQ
Daily Newspaper Reporter, Tulsa Tribune

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

Our budget problems are not a spending issue and simply cutting core services like public education to the bone is not an acceptable solution. In order to address our budget failure on a long-term basis, Oklahoma simply must have more recurring revenue and stop shoring up the budget with one-time revenue sources that seem politically easy. I would advocate for increasing the cigarette tax, reining in sales tax exemptions and modernizing the tax code to include some services, in addition to closing some tax loopholes and eliminating some overly generous or unnecessary tax incentives. We also need to focus more on diversifying our economy through solid economic development work so that it isn’t so dependent on the oil and gas industry. Once we get past the budget crisis we are facing today, I would definitely advocate for putting back more of our revenue when our economy is stronger so that we have a better cushion when our core industry is going through a downturn.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

a. Increase teacher pay to better compete with surround states that are recruiting our teachers in dramatic numbers. Revamp compensation policies to retain our best teachers. b. Workplace conditions - better fund public education so that class sizes are manageable and better structured for student success and so that teachers do not have to fund supplies with their own personal resources. Enact policies that address the challenges that come with a high % of student poverty in our public schools. c. Reform student testing policies; replace the EOI exams with the ACT or SAT. d. Work on programs and policies that enhance our state’s appreciation of the profession to address a source of low morale, which contributes to teachers either moving to another state or leaving the profession entirely. e. Engage the education community more meaningfully in major education policy decisions. Allow them to be part of the solution with a greater stake in the process. I would not support vouchers.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

I absolutely support Criminal Justice Reform. There is so much to be improved in our criminal justice system that it should receive a significant state focus. We are currently at 160 to 170% of our rated facility design capacity, yet we are staffing at 60% of our needed capacity. Our inmate-to-staffing ratio is the highest in the country - crisis proportions. Our recidivism rate is unacceptable because we are not addressing what is behind the core issue - mental health and drug abuse. We need to better deal with the front-end problems that lead to incarceration. The Pew Charitable Trusts has worked with many states and conducted credible research on this issue. They advised Oklahoma about their recommendations and offered monetary resources to fund the changes. However, Oklahoma refused the money. We must better deal with the root cause of criminal behavior and be realistic in better establishing legal thresholds for the incarceration of non-violent offenders.

Molly McKay (R) - District 78

Occupation

Patent Attorney

Education

B.S. Majoring in Chemistry and Biology @ Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO.
J.D. from the University of Tulsa College of Law, Tulsa, OK.

Professional Experience

Tulsa business owner for 22 years.
Chemist, Environmental Specialist and Corporate Planning Specialist with PSO in Tulsa, OK.
Chemist and Laboratory Supervisor with OKC Petroleum Refinery in Okmulgee, OK.
Graduate Teaching Assistant at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

Due to the way that our state government is funded, which includes a significant portion of its funds being derived from the oil and gas industry, we periodically experience lean years and then years of plenty. Those lean and plentiful years coincide and directly correlate with the current price of crude oil and natural gas. Having this source of income for the state allows the citizens of this state to have lower taxes since part of the state’s income is obtained from oil companies that derive their income from out-of-state purchasers of their products. Thus we do not want to eliminate this funding source, but must put into place mechanisms by which we can effectively “smooth out” our state’s income so that we reserve money in the fat years to carry us through the lean years. This is not a new concept - it was successfully used in Egypt thousands of years ago. The secret to making it work is discipline; we must impose strict limits on when and how those “excess funds” can be utilized. We must also finalize a budget earlier in the legislative session so that schools and other government funded agencies have a better idea about funding for the next year.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

Article XII, Section XII-1 of the Oklahoma Constitution provides that “The Legislature shall establish and maintain a system of free public schools wherein all the children of the State MAY be educated”. (Emphasis added) Usage of the term “may” indicates that children are not required to be educated in a public school, but merely that they will have that as an option. Also, Section XII-4 of that same Article states that “The Legislature shall provide for the compulsory attendance at some public OR OTHER SCHOOL, UNLESS OTHER MEANS OF EDUCATION ARE PROVIDED, of all children in the State…” (Emphasis added) From these provisions of the Oklahoma Constitution, it is clear that education of the State’s children is not limited to public schools, but may be provided by charter schools, private schools, technical schools, virtual schools or home schools. Each child is unique and has unique educational requirements. Parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children, and parents have the right to choose the education and educational institution that they feel is in the best interest of their child. When elected, I will work to provide all parents with the resources and freedom to help their children be successful.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

The high incarceration rate is a symptom of a much larger problem, and you cannot fix a problem by addressing the symptoms. The bigger problem behind the high incarceration rate is drug addiction. The push to change the law to lower possession of drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor would lower incarceration rates, but it is treating the symptoms and not treating the problem. Tulsa’s district attorney says that such a change in the law would be disastrous for law enforcement. The state’s district attorneys agree, but they do support putting a cap on the term of incarceration for those convicted of drug possession. As the real underlying cause of Oklahoma’s high incarceration rate is drug addiction, we need to address this problem before addiction leads to crimes being committed. That includes early education for our children about drugs as most drug addicts start using drugs when they are in elementary or high school. It also includes tougher laws on pushers and stricter laws relating to the introductory or “beginner” drugs that currently are not well regulated.

Paul Royse (R) - District 78

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Teresa Marler (Ind) - District 79

Occupation

Staff Accountant

Education

Bachelor Degree Business Administration

Professional Experience

15 years of accounting, 10 years of service oriented customer service

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Melissa Provenzano (D) - District 79

Occupation

High School Administrator

Education

Bachelors of Science-Biology M.Ed. Educational Leadership

Professional Experience

High School Administrator: Booker T Washington, Tulsa Bixby High School, Bixby Middle School Administrator Hale Junior High, Tulsa Teacher- Biology, Zoology, Anatomy and Physiology Will Rogers High School, Tulsa

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

1. I would support the review of the legislative supermajority requirement in order for tax increases to be approved. This bill has crippled our state since passed in 1992. We can and will be fiscally responsible with our tax dollars and take a balanced approach to spending without this requirement in place. 2. Education funding- The bills passed for increased spending in common education in year 1 are significant, but the projected revenue now falls short to the tune of $13 million dollars. In year 2, the shortfall increases to $115 million. Upon election, I would work to close the funding gap without pulling resources from other budgets. 3. Health Care- I support the expansion of Medicaid benefits in Oklahoma via the Affordable Care Act. Right now we have over 150,000 citizens who do not have healthcare coverage but would be covered under this plan. This expansion creates jobs and attracts private business to our state, bringing much-needed tax revenue.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

Oklahoma has the highest incarceration rate in the country. For nonviolent offenders, providing support in the form of mental health and social services rather than incarceration can be life changing, as well a money-saver for our state. Those unable to afford adequate mental health treatment and care often end up in Oklahoma jails and prisons, at an annual cost of $23,000 per person versus community-based treatment and outpatient care facilities at $2,000. Let's invest those dollars spent on putting non-violent offenders in prison in a smarter way that will reduce our overall crime rate and save the state critical dollars that could be spent elsewhere.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

Weldon Watson (R) - District 79

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Dan Hicks (R) - District 79

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Tom Bates (D) - District 80

Information

Retired Pharmaceutical Rep

Education

BA Education/History University of Central Oklahoma 1974

Professional Experience

Pharmaceutical Sales, Teaching

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what changes do you advocate for Oklahoma fiscal policy?

Oklahoma must increase its revenue sources. In order to this, we must look at all tax credits and incentives and determine which ones are actually productive for Oklahoma. We must look at future tax cuts and postpone them until we have a revenue stream that will meet our state’s needs in education, roads, social services, prisons and other areas vital to the people of Oklahoma. In times of high priced oil, we must put money in the rainy day fund.

What specific legislative proposals will you support to insure that the state carries out its constitutional requirement to provide public education for all Oklahoma children?

I will support teacher pay raises to meet the regional average or exceed it. I will support additional funding to insure that we hire more teachers and reduce classroom sizes especially in the Pre- K to 3rd grade classes. Additionally, I would support proposals that would make Oklahoma’s per pupil expenditures at or above the regional average. I would also like to see funding for quality pre-K programs in all Oklahoma schools which research has shown greatly enhances a student’s chance for academic success.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma must lower its incarceration rate as we have one of the highest rates in the nation. We are number 1 in the number of women we send to prison. I will support policies that focus on rehabilitation of drug and alcohol offenders. Additionally, we must look at the penal code and determine what offenders can be punished in other ways that do not involve prison time for minor offenses. We need to improve the educational efforts in prisons and include job skills that will help prevent recidivism. We need to look at community service programs instead of incarceration for some drug and alcohol offenses.

Mike Ritze (R) - District 80

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Stan May (R) - District 80

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Janice J. Graham (D) - District 80

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Dean F. Davis (R) - District 98

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey

Kilmyn Easley-graf (D) - District 98

Occupation

Teacher

Education

I earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, and a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. While attending graduate school, I also taught for three years as a graduate assistant-instructor.

Professional Experience

I am currently an educator at Tulsa Central Junior and Senior High School, where I was recently awarded Teacher of the Year. I also serve as Central’s fine and performing arts chairperson. Beginning early in life, I learned the value of public service from my father and grandmother who served the citizens of Broken Arrow in the Oklahoma House and Senate. Understanding what it means to have a true servant’s heart, I chose to serve in the classroom.

3 Questions

Given the recent problems with budget gaps and budget failure in Oklahoma, what three steps would you take to put Oklahoma on a firmer financial footing? For example, though recently passed measures would add funding to education, by 2020 education funding may again experience a gap.

If we really want to create a better Oklahoma, the most important place to start is to provide every child with a great education. I understand money alone won’t solve our schools’ problems, but at the very least, restoring the funding that’s been cut is crucial to help create a better education for Oklahoma students. In addition to fighting for additional investments in education, I will work to ensure our hard-earned tax dollars are reaching classrooms and helping students. For far too long, politicians in Oklahoma City have doled out billions of hard-earned tax dollars in special interest giveaways to giant corporations at the expense of working families. I will work to close loopholes and end unnecessary tax giveaways. I’ll also fight to make the budget process more transparent so every Oklahoma taxpayer knows exactly how their tax dollars are being spent.

What policies would you support to lower the incarceration rate in Oklahoma and to reduce the crowded conditions in Oklahoma prisons?

Every citizen in Broken Arrow deserves to feel safe and secure in the neighborhoods they call home. But Oklahoma’s criminal justice system is fundamentally broken. We have the second highest incarceration rate in the country, and we put more women in prison at a higher rate than any other state in the country. Our system is costing Oklahoma taxpayers billions, breaking up families, and isn’t making our communities safer. I am committed to working with other legislators, law enforcement, and community leaders to create a fair and fiscally responsible criminal justice system that leads to better outcomes and keeps the public safe. I will support policies that ensure our justice system is smarter, makes our communities safer, and gives Oklahomans the return on the investment of taxpayer dollars they deserve.

What proposals would you support to alleviate the state's deteriorating transportation system?

Drive down any road in house District 98, or worse, try driving from House District 98 into downtown Tulsa and you’ll surely find yourself frustrated by road construction, potholes or outdated and unsafe bridges. It’s time to create a master transportation plan by coordinating and connecting local, state and federal infrastructure needs with smart investments to improve our roads, reduce congestion, and make our roads and bridges safer and more efficient.

Sean Parrish (I) - District 98

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Candidate Did Not Provide Answers to Survey