Capitol corner 06/16/14 By State Rep Gus Blackwell Next Tuesday voting for the Primary takes place. There are important elections for those registered as either Republican or Democrat. I encourage all registered voters to participate and take advantage of their right to vote. This ability to vote is what makes America great and should not be taken for granted or wasted. Every vote DOES count and it something all citizens should participate in to insure our freedoms. The race that has garnered the most statewide attention has been the race for State Superintendent. The incumbent has been besieged with problems with testing debacles, grading system for schools problems, and overall inefficiencies with the State Department of Education. The latest setback has been the removal of Common Core standards from Oklahoma education. This is a “reform” that she defended passionately and slowed considerably the progress of its erasure from Oklahoma standards. On the Republican side I would encourage voters to consider the challenger from Tulsa, Joy Hoffmeister. She has been to the panhandle area and listened to parents, teachers, and administrators from this area. Joy Hoffmeister has a background in teaching and as an education consultant. She was a former member of the State School Board, but resigned when her views continually conflicted with the current State Superintendent, Ms. Barressi. On the Democrat side there are two or three good choices for this position. John Cox is a rural school superintendent and can empathize with many of the problems faced by schools in this area. Jack Herron worked for the previous administration in the state department and has extensive educational experience. Ivan Holmes doesn’t have the common education background, but does have experience at the collegiate level. For the House seat I will be vacating because of term limits, there are five candidates. All are on the Republican ticket with no Democrat or Independent running. The winner of this primary will be the next State Representative. I would encourage people to watch the debate on PTCI to get more information on each candidate. The one variable that amazed me during my 12 years in the House was the vast number of issues that were covered by the bills that were considered. I would encourage voters to realize that the person filling this role must understand many different aspects of state government or have the aptitude to learn. Education and experience are a must. The other consideration is that this district is the largest in the state and covers about 8,000 square miles. Constituent service and working with towns across the district is part of the job description. A good question to ask is if the candidate will be able to cover this district and make appearances at functions throughout the district. Whatever your choice, choose to vote!
Posted on: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 08:59:36 +0000
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