Tomorrow is the day. And you are invited. #1OKC pic.twitter.com/QgERvFADuS

— Mayor-elect David Holt (@davidfholt) April 10, 2018

David Holt coasted past two opponents in Tuesday’s primary election to become Oklahoma City’s 36th mayor and initiate a generational shift in city leadership.

Holt, 38, ran a campaign centered on the theme of OneOKC, promising to give meaningful voice to communities too long muted in the civic conversation.

“I’m honored at the chance to be the mayor of my hometown,” he said.

With 234 of 234 precincts reporting, Holt had 20,409 votes, or 78.5 percent. Randall Smith had 2,138 votes, or 8.2 percent, and Taylor Neighbors had 3,443 votes, or 13.3 percent.

Holt built a network anchored by 1,300 endorsements and a deep resume in city politics.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

A Super PAC supporting GOP gubernatorial candidate and OKC mayor Mick Cornett recently purchased $100k in television and digital ads in the Tulsa market, and a primary funder of the group was a bundler for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Sue Ann Arnall, ex-wife of oil tycoon Harold Hamm, gave $200k to the ‘Oklahoma Values’ Super PAC that is supporting Cornett’s campaign; only one other donor was listed on the last ethics report, and he gave $25k. She hosted a fundraiser at her home in September 2016 with Clinton’s running-mate, Tim Kaine.

Arnall donated at least $169,500 to the Clinton campaign in 2015-2016, as well as $2,700 to Democrat Al McAffrey’s 5th Congressional District bid.

The ad buy includes a commercial during the OU-Georgia Rose Bowl football game on January 1st. The commercial can be viewed below:

Gary Banz Seeks Oklahoma County Assessor Job

Community leader Gary Banz announced today that he will be a Republican candidate for Oklahoma County Assessor in 2018. Incumbent Assessor Leonard Sullivan is not seeking reelection.

“I’ve been blessed to wear many hats through the years. I’ve enjoyed being a soldier, an educator, a citizen legislator, and a community and civic leader,” Banz said. “I am grateful for the leadership opportunities I have been given and the accomplishments realized through dedicated teamwork. It would be my honor to serve the citizens of Oklahoma County as their next Assessor,” Banz added.

Banz served 12 years as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. During his legislative service, Banz held several leadership positions, including majority whip, chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, chair of the Conference Committee on Government Modernization and Rules Committee, chair of the House Rules Committee, and chair of the House Ethics Committee.

During his service in the House, Banz was given the 2016 National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) – Oklahoma Guardian of Small Business Award, the 2014 National Guard Association of Oklahoma’s Legislator of the Year, the 2013 American Legislative Exchange Council Legislator of the Year, and the 2009 Oklahoma Veteran’s Council Legislator of the Year, among many other honors.

From 2009 through earlier this year, Banz served as executive director of Oklahoma Honor Flights, a non-profit organization that made it possible for Oklahoma’s World War II veterans to visit the memorials honoring their service in Washington, D.C.

Banz has long been active in local and civic affairs. He is currently serving as chairman of the year-long 75th anniversary celebration of the founding of Midwest City. From 2001 to 2004, Banz served on the Rose State College Board of Regents and from 1999 to 2001 on the Oklahoma County Election Board. He is a member of both the Midwest City Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.

Before serving in the Legislature, Banz was a public school educator in Putnam City, Ada, and Midwest City High Schools for 28 years. He coached high school basketball 21 of those 28 years and was a 2014 inductee into the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Banz served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in 1970. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1982 to 1990, and was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in 1985. Banz was a member of the Planning Committee for funding of the USS Oklahoma Memorial in 2007. He was awarded the Oklahoma Medal of Freedom from the National Guard Association of Oklahoma in 2014. Banz was presented the Douglas O. Dollar Distinguished Community Service Award for the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame in 2016. He was honored by the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society with its Pathmaker Award in 2016.

“Every job is different, but I’ve found that the secret to success is to focus on those you serve and to get the small things right,” Banz said. “My promise to the voters of Oklahoma County is that I will ensure the assessor’s office is competent, thorough, and professional.”

Banz holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Nazarene University (SNU) and a Master of Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. He and his wife, Linda, are members of the Choctaw Church of the Nazarene. Banz is the 2017 recipient of the In Kingdom Service Award presented by SNU at the denomination’s International General Assembly. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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Oklahoma County Sheriff – OKLAHOMA
County Sheriff (Unexpired Term)
P. D. Taylor                   21,963   49.8%
Michael H. Hanson     13,432   30.5%
Ed Grimes                     8,714      19.8%

Acting Oklahoma County Sheriff P.D. Taylor won easily Tuesday, beating two opponents in a special general election for sheriff.

Taylor, 71, of Oklahoma City, is the first Republican elected to the county’s top law enforcement position in almost a century. He had almost 50 percent of the more than 46,000 votes cast.

Taylor has served as acting sheriff since his longtime boss, John Whetsel, retired March 1. He beat three GOP candidates in a special primary election in April.

Taylor overcame public frustration with problems at the overcrowded jail to win again Tuesday. He also overcame harsh criticism from his opponents.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

Holt OKC Mayor Campaign Tops Quarter-Million Dollar Mark

The campaign to elect David Holt the next Mayor of Oklahoma City announced that as of July 31st it has raised over a quarter-million dollars ($261,961).   The campaign has only spent less than eight percent of that sum.   The donations have come from 308 donors and 50 zip codes in the Oklahoma City metro.

The $261,961 amount includes all donations received as of today.   The quarterly fundraising report filed by Holt’s campaign today with the Oklahoma City Clerk’s office only includes donations through June 30th.   The report filed today includes donations from dozens of longtime Oklahoma City champions, but most notably Ron Norick, legendary Oklahoma City Mayor and “father of MAPS”.

Continuing the momentum of Holt’s campaign, today’s fundraising announcement almost doubles the amount previously revealed in April, at which time Holt had a 4-to-1 fundraising advantage over the only other candidate.   Holt’s campaign has yet to hold an official fundraising event, but announcement of a kickoff event is expected soon.

The election to decide Oklahoma City’s next Mayor will be held February 13, 2018.   For more information about the campaign to elect David Holt the next Mayor of Oklahoma City, visit HoltForMayor.com.

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AFP-Oklahoma Hires Deputy State Director Joey Magana
Former Congress Staffer Joins Grassroots Advocacy Group

Oklahoma City – Americans for Prosperity – Oklahoma (AFP-OK) today announced Joey Magana as the deputy director for the grassroots organization’s state chapter. Magana has worked with conservative legislators at both the state and federal level in Oklahoma prior to joining AFP. Most recently, he served as Constituent Services Director and Field Representative for Rep. Steve Russell (OK-05).

“I’m excited to step into this new opportunity to help shape policy and grow the grassroots network in our state. Americans for Prosperity epitomizes the free-market conservative values I support,” said Magana.

###

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.AmericansForProsperity.org

]]> https://www.theokie.com/magana-joins-afp-oklahoma-focus-to-include-building-grassroots-army/feed/ 0 https://www.theokie.com/okc-attorney-evan-vincent-announce-state-senate-bid/ https://www.theokie.com/okc-attorney-evan-vincent-announce-state-senate-bid/#respond Wed, 12 Jul 2017 17:00:32 +0000 http://www.theokie.com/?p=27922 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July10, 2017

Republican Attorney Evan Vincent Announces for State Senate 30 Seat

Evan Vincent announced today that he will be a Republican candidate for the Oklahoma City-based Senate District 30 in the 2018 election cycle. David Holt who currently holds the Senate seat has announced he is running for mayor.

“I love Oklahoma and chose to work and raise my family here,” Vincent said. “I want to serve in the State Senate to make the changes that ensure my two sons will want to follow the same path 20 years from now.”

If elected, Vincent said he will focus on improving Oklahoma’s education system and diversifying and strengthening the state’s economy.

“I know the problems facing the Legislature aren’t easy, but I will do the hard work necessary to generate meaningful solutions and improve state management,” Vincent said.  “I want to work toward improving Oklahoma’s education system and a diverse economy that fosters growth and opportunity, with the goal that in 20 years these are things we brag about instead of complain about,” he added.

Vincent is an attorney and partner at Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C. He is involved in complex civil litigation in a wide range of legal areas at both the trial and appellate levels in state and federal courts. His expertise includes product liability, construction, energy and natural resources, antitrust and intellectual property. Vincent has also worked as an adjunct professor at the OU College of Law teaching civil pretrial litigation.

Vincent obtained his juris doctorate and a bachelor of science in aerospace engineering from the University of Oklahoma. During the college career, Evan earned many prestigious honors and awards. He received his J.D. with Highest Honors and was a member of the Order of the Coif, Oklahoma Law Review, and was recipient of the Gene & Jo Anne Sharp Outstanding Appointed Editor Award. As an undergraduate, Evan was named Outstanding Senior in Aerospace Engineering and named to the Men’s Letzeiser Honor List.

He has been honored as an Oklahoma SuperLawyers Rising Star and placed on the Benchmark Litigation Under 40 Hot List, iON Oklahoma Next Gen 30 Under 30, Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40, and Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40. He is a member of Leadership Oklahoma City, Class VI.

Vincent has served on the Oklahoma Blood Institute Board of Directors since 2009. His grandfather, Dr. Don F. Rhinehart, was a founder of the Oklahoma Blood Institute and one of Vincent’s role models growing up. Vincent’s grandmother, Melba Rhinehart, is chairing Vincent’s campaign committee.

Vincent and his wife, Beth, also an attorney, have two sons: Grant, 4 ½ and Clark, 17 months. They are members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, where he has previously served as a member of the Vestry.

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Oklahoma Turnpike Authority Children’s Car Seat Safety Check Event

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 15, 2017) – The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is partnering with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Safe Kids Oklahoma to provide families with free inspections for their child’s car seat and an opportunity to meet Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers and see the different vehicles they use, including their helicopter, Bearcat tactical vehicle and cruisers. The event will also feature Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and children’s games.

WHO: OTA, OHP and Safe Kids Oklahoma.

Media is welcome and encouraged to attend. OTA Director of Communications Jack Damrill and OHP troopers will be in attendance and available for interview.

WHAT: The event is free to the public, with certified technicians on-site to show parents how to properly install car seats and check those already installed and an opportunity for children and their parents alike to learn about the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the vehicles they use.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 17, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Tourism Information Center, 12229 N I-35 Service Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73121

###

EDMOND (April 26, 2017) –Melanie Phillips, a renowned British journalist, broadcaster and author, will visit Oklahoma City on Sunday, May 7. She will deliver a lecture, free and open to the public, at 6 p.m. at Armstrong Auditorium, on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong in northern Edmond.

Phillips is speaking in cities throughout America, giving her incisive perspective on turbulent global conditions. During her lecture at Armstrong, she will focus on the Arab-Israel impasse, which is under additional pressure because of recent developments in Palestinian politics and United Nations actions. She is widely regarded for her insights on social, political and geopolitical affairs.

Phillips’ weekly column, which currently appears in the Times of London, has been published over the years in the Guardian, Observer, Sunday Times and Daily Mail. She also writes for the Jerusalem Post and Jewish Chronicle, is a regular panelist on BBC Radio’s The Moral Maze, and speaks on public platforms throughout the English-speaking world.

Her best-selling book Londonistan, about the British establishment’s capitulation to Islamist aggression, was published in 2006. She followed this in 2010 with The World Turned Upside Down: the Global Battle Over God, Truth and Power. Her latest book is a personal and political memoir titled Guardian Angel.

The public lecture will be sponsored by the Philadelphia Trumpet newsmagazine, which is published from offices on the Armstrong College campus and has bureaus in Britain, Israel, Canada and Australia. The Trumpet staff has admired Phillips’ work for many years and is pleased to be able to present a forum for the local public to hear her speak.

For directions to Armstrong Auditorium, visit armstrongauditorium.org. Follow Phillips’ work at melaniephillips.com, on Twitter at @MelanieLatest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MelanieLatest . #melanieLatest

Ambassador Groser is regarded as one of the world’s leading experts on international trade and has served New Zealand with distinction in a number of capacities, including his work as New Zealand’s Chief Negotiator in the GATT Uruguay Round, NZ’s Ambassador to the WTO & Indonesia, NZ’s Special Envoy to the Pacific Alliance, NZ’s Trade Minister, and author of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

“We are extremely lucky to have such a experienced diplomat in the our state and speaking to our club,” said Stuart Jolly, Programs Chair for the Oklahoma City Men’s Dinner Club.

A reception is scheduled from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m & dinner/speaker begins at 6:30.

With only a few days remaining until Tuesday’s runoff election for Oklahoma City Public Schools board chairperson, candidate Stanley Hupfeld’s campaign has unleashed an epic mail fail to district residents.

On a mailer sent to a number of households, former chairperson candidate Bianca Rose is seen endorsing Hupfeld … at least in theory.

In reality, the quote next to her name does not mention Hupfeld at all. Instead, it underscores an old adage known in newsrooms far and wide: If you fart around with placeholder text, you run a great risk of making yourself look stupid.

Read the complete story on nondoc.com

With Mayor Mick Cornett’s decision to step aside next year, hopefuls have begun lining up for the race to succeed the longest-serving mayor in Oklahoma City history.

Along with the other eight city council members, Oklahoma City’s next mayor will oversee the completion of MAPS 3 and, perhaps, implementation of MAPS 4.

Sidewalks, streets and bridges, and public safety, will be top priorities the next four years.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

The newest candidate in the race for Oklahoma County sheriff has a name that will be familiar to many longtime voters.

Brett Macy, 53, of Newalla, is the son of the late Bob Macy, the longtime Oklahoma County district attorney who was popular with voters both for his tough stance on crime and his western attire.

“My dad’s legacy, as far as his service to the citizens of Oklahoma County, was very strong and very positive. I think, if there’s name recognition that goes along with that, it can’t do anything but help me,” Macy said.

Macy, a Republican, is making his first run for political office. He announced his candidacy Monday. He was one of six candidates who filed Monday for the office.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com

Today, the campaign to elect David Holt the next Mayor of Oklahoma City unveiled a diverse and bipartisan list of 450 endorsements.    They are former governors, current and former councilmembers and legislators, business leaders, educators and teachers, community activists, and citizens from all walks of life.   Together, the supporters represent the initial members of David’s “ONE OKC” Team.

“The support we are receiving is incredibly diverse,” said David Holt.   “It comes from every part of Oklahoma City.   This group represents my vision for a city that sets aside its differences and works together for the greater good.  This team we already have is truly reflective of ‘One OKC.’”

The endorsements include:

• Former Governor Brad Henry and former Governor Frank Keating
• City Councilmembers Meg Salyer, John Pettis, and Mark Stonecipher
  County Commissioner and former Councilmember Willa Johnson
• Business leaders Larry Nichols, Harold Hamm, Gene Rainbolt, David Rainbolt, Greg Love, George Records, Brad Naifeh
• Civic leaders Rhonda Hooper, Percy Kirk, Steve Hahn, Dave Lopez, Carl Edwards, Bob Ross, Brad Krieger, Lou Kerr, Dick Tanenbaum, Judy Hatfield, David Jackson, Bob Funk, Jr., Tim McLaughlin, Bob Spinks, John Kennedy, Rick Moore, Patrick Rooney
• State Treasurer Ken Miller and Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston
• State legislators Stephanie Bice, Cyndi Munson, Elise Hall, Chris Kannady, Greg Treat, Ervin Yen, Adam Pugh, Anthony Sykes, Anastasia Pittman, Tammy West, A.J. Griffin, Rob Standridge, Tess Teague, Mike Osburn
• Former U.S. Congressman Dan Boren and former Corporation Commissioner and County Commissioner Jim Roth
• Former Councilmembers Pat Ryan, Gary Marrs, Guy Liebmann and Walt Morris
  Local legends Bart Conner, Jane Jayroe, Greg Burns, Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Kyle Dillingham, Rand & Jeanette Elliott, Dr. Carlan Yates, Nancy Miller
• Newspaper publishers Russell Perry and Vicki Gourley
• Arts advocates Jim Tolbert, Dick Sias, James Pickel, Scott Booker, Deborah Senner, Peter Dolese, Terri Cooper, John Seward, Jim Loftis, Stephen Kovash, Renzi Stone, Julia Kirt, Susan McCalmont, Eddie Walker
• Education leaders Robert Henry, Tracy McDaniel, Fred Rhodes, Renee Porter, Valerie Couch, Becky Haliburton, Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs, Dr. Reggies Wenyika
• Community volunteers, activists and leaders Mary Pointer, Tricia Everest, Polly Nichols, Sally Starling, Michael Laird, Steve Mason, Harry Wilson, Vinh Nguyen, John Yoeckel, Nathaniel Harding, Leslie Batchelor, Jeff Bezdek, Pam Henry, Kris Steele, Jan Peery, Andy Moore, Brenda & Jorge Hernandez, Laura Massenat, Edie Roodman, Xavier Neira, Kadir Akkus, Cher Golding, Kim Funk, Rabbi Ovadia Goldman, Mary Melon
• Dozens of small business owners like Kevin Perry, Bruce Rinehart, Tracey Zeeck, Teresa Moisant, Brett Brewer, Brent Brewer, Beverly Morgan, Ba Luong
• And hundreds more…

For more information about David Holt’s grassroots campaign to continue the Oklahoma City renaissance, visit holtformayor.com, where you can also join the team.   You can follow David Holt on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The full list of 450 endorsements, in alphabetical order:

Jill Adler
Kadir Akkus
Joseph Alsay
Dave Amis
Rusty Appleton
Stefanie Appleton
Jon Armstrong
Randy Baker
Rose Mary Baker
Jon Bargas
Dr. Royce Bargas
Kelley Barnes
Emmalee Barresi
Ben Barresi
Dan Batchelor
Leslie Batchelor
Mark Beffort
John Benefiel
Jim Benson
Debi Bentley
Tim Berney
Shannon Bert
Jeff Bezdek
Sen. Stephanie Bice
Bev Binkowski
Micah Blackwood
Ed Blau
Missy Blevins
Scott Booker
Former Cong, Dan Boren
Bill Bradford
Sherri Bradford
Sarah Brawley
Todd Brawley
Brett Brewer
Brent Brewer
Kathryn Brewer
Jerry Broughton
Allen Brown
Billie Brown
Brian Brown
Carla Brown
Betsy Brunsteter
Bob Burke
Andy Burnett
Greg Burns
Barry Burris
Gwendolyn Caldwell
Tony Caldwell
Nathan Cao
Debbi Carmack
Chip Carter
Wade Carter
Christy Carson Hanshew
Jon Chasteen
Rocky Chavez
Rob Cherry
Darla Cheek
Cathy Christensen
Mickey Clagg
Lester Claravall
Jeff Click
Ann-Clore Duncan
Mona Cohlmia Spivey
Donna Cohn
Jayna Conklin
Janet Connel
Mark Connel
Bart Conner
James Cooper
Terri Cooper
Carrie Coppernoll Jacobs
Casey Cornett
Marek Cornett
Valerie Couch
Jim Cowan
Wayne Coyne
Terrance Craft
Beth Cupp
Ronn Cupp
Roger Dahlgren
Karen Dahlgren
Missy Dean
Barbara Anne DeBolt
Alberto de Armendi
David Dickerson
John Dill
Ricky Dill
Kyle Dillingham
Ali Dodd
Dena Doolin
Peter Dolese
Bebe Dotter
Don Douglas
Michael Downes
Alisia Drennan
Steven Drozd
Greg Duffy
Jerrie Duffy
Marc Dunham
Kelli Dupuy
Stacy Dykstra
Laura Eckel
Tyler Eckel
Todd Edmonds
Carl Edwards
Randi Ellefson
Jeanette Elliott
Rand Elliott
Kate England
Denise Engle
Doug Estep
Jennifer Eve Fish
Tricia Everest
Danielle Ezelle
Josh Fahrenbruck
Clay Farha
GiGi Faulker
Brian Ferguson
Fran Ferrari
Mike Fina
Kelsey Fink
Adam Fink
Chaya Fletcher
Scott Forester
Daniel Frankenstein
Marna Franklin
Chip Fudge
Angela Fuller
Sam Fulkerson
Bob  Funk, Jr.
Kim Funk
Scott Georgi
Charlie Givens, II
Kay Goebel
Jonathan Gold
Alan Goldfarb
Sue Goldfarb
Cher Golding
Ovadia Goldman
Nechama Goldman
Ernie Gomez
Brent Gooden
Chris Gordon
Vicki Gourley
Randy Grau
Nick Gray
Derek Green
Dustin Green
Paige Gregory
Sen. A.J. Griffin
Eddie Griffin
Pat Grisham
Spencer Guinn
Steve Hahn
Becky Haliburton
Rep. Elise Hall
Lorne Hall
Pat Hall
Harold Hamm
Jon Haque
Nathaniel Harding
Amanda Harding
Jenna Harlow
Nick Harroz
Judy Hatfield
Robert Hefner, V
Gov. Brad Henry
Pam Henry
Robert Henry
Brenda Hernandez
Jorge Hernandez
Estela Hernandez
Zeke Hernandez
Jake Hickman
Gayle Higgs
Gary Higgs
Kevin Higgs
Jennifer Higgs
Brian Hill
Melissa Hill
Jason Hines
Randy Hogan
Kay Holt
Elaine Hood
Aubrey Hooper
Jamie Hooper
Ron Hooper
Rhonda Hooper
Labor Commissioner Melissa Houston
Buck Irwin
David Jackson
Marcy Jackson
Matt Jackson
Mike Jackson
Michelle Jameson
Jane Jayroe
Mary Jenkins
George Johnson, Jr.
Rick Johnson
County Commissioner Willa Johnson
Joe Johnston
Clark Jolley
Brenda Jones
Mautra Jones
Donald Jordan
Rep. Chris Kannady
Gov. Frank Keating
Cathy Keller
Thomas Keller
John Kennedy
Lou Kerr
Ryan Kilpatrick
Tammie Kilpatrick
Justin King
Percy Kirk
Julia Kirt
Jonna Kirschner
Jeff Kline
Kym Koch Thompson
Stephen Kovash
Brad Krieger
Mike Krywucki
Sue Kuntze
Rusty LaForge
Michael Laird
Mickie Lara
Whitney Lawson Hollar
Ryan Leonard
Carrie Leonard
Art LeFrancois
Shelley Leveridge
Harrison Levy
David Lewis
Guy Liebmann
Judy Liebmann
John Limber
Sally Limber
Becky Lindsay Karpe
Willard Linzy
Stephanie Lippert
Jan Loftis
Jim Loftis
Dave Lopez
Greg Love
Matthew Love
Sen. Kyle Loveless
Kim Lowe
Ba Luong
Ed Lynn
Andy Mahbubani
Cary Sue Majors Vega
Daniel Maloney
Denise Mankin
Jamie Manoles
Matt Manoles
Gary Marrs
Dan Martel
John Martin
Steve Mason
Travis Mason
Laura Massenat
Susan McCalmont
Robert McCampbell
Josh McClintock
Evelyn McCoy
Tracy McDaniel
Anthony McDermid
Kathryn McGill
Todd McGinley
Matt McGuire
Kelley McGuire
Tim McLaughlin
Shannon Medley
Dana Meister
Harry Meister
Mary Melon
Chris Merideth
State Treasurer Ken Miller
Nancy Miller
Teresa Moisant
Jennifer Monies
Tony Moon
Andy Moore
Rick Moore
Beverly Morgan
D.J. Morgan
Chris Moroz
Chantal Morris
Walt Morris
Rep. Cyndi Munson
Blair Naifeh
Brad Naifeh
Pam Nance
Jack Nance
Xavier Neira
Vinh Nguyen
Larry Nichols
Polly Nichols
Ben Nockels
Eric Oesch
Danny Ojeda
Dave Ortloff
Rep. Mike Osburn
Shane O’Toole
Rachel Pappy
Jim Parrack
Michael Payne Conat
Kristin Peck
Jan Peery
Lee Peoples
Bailey Perkins
Kevin Perry
Russell Perry
Councilman John Pettis
Lindsey Pever
Dr. Joe Phillips
James Pickel
Trent Pitt
Sen. Anastasia Pittman
Cacky Poarch
Mary Pointer
Myron Pope
Renee Porter
Donna Powell
Sen. Adam Pugh
David Rainbolt
Gene Rainbolt
Katie Rathkey
Zabayr Rahman
Emily Ratcliff
George Records
Jason Reese
Kathlyn Reynolds
Fred Rhodes
Jerry Rickerts
John Riesenberg
Susan Riley
Bruce Rinehart
John Robberson
Lynn Robberson
Anne Roberts
Hayden Roberts
Sarah Roberts
LaNeale Robertson
Mike Robins
Emily Robins
Tom Robins
Emma Rolls
Edie Roodman
Patrick Rooney
Sean Rose
Bob Ross
Dan Ross
Jim Roth
Seth Rott
John Roy
Leah Rubio
Claudio Rubio
Pat Ryan
Councilwoman Meg Salyer
Dan Schiedel
Kim Searls
Sally Selvidge
George Selvidge
Deborah Senner
John Seward
Tamar Shawareb
Kirk Shelley
Don Sherry
Simon Shingleton
Kimber Shoop
Jennifer Shoop
Dick Sias
Eric Smith
Leslie Spears
Bob Spinks
Sarah Spinks
Robbie Squires
Dee Dee Stafford
Carolyn Stager
Sen. Rob Standridge
Jeff Starling
Sally Starling
Ainslie Stanford
Kris Steele
Geren Steiner
Bobby Stem
Clint Stone
Renzi Stone
Councilman Mark Stonecipher
Ken Stoner
Tim Strange
Julie Strebel Hager
Anika Stucky
Jason Sutton
Charlie Swinton
Sen. Anthony Sykes
David Syler
Marcy Taber
Russ Tallchief
Glenna Tanenbaum
Dick Tanenbaum
Leah Taylor
Jason Taylor
Sarah Taylor
Rep. Tess Teague
Danny Thomason
Jan Thompson
Matt Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hayley Thompson
Edith Thurmond
Matt Tilly
Jim Tolbert
Lonny Towell
Victoria Tran
Sen. Greg Treat
Joe Trzcinski
Patrick Turpen
Chris Tytanic
Saundra Vallejo-Delgado
Kristy Ventimiglia
Evan Vincent
Eddie Walker
Diana Wall
Harper Ward
Chad Warmington
Courtney Warmington
Stacey Weddington
Trey Welker
Dr. Reggies Wenyika
Rep. Tammy West
Nate Wiewel
Chuck Wiggin
Natalee Willard
Phyllis Worley
Deborah Williams
Mark Williams
Mark Willingham
Harry Wilson
Susan Winchester
Jacque Wright
Allen Wright
Nick Wu
Dr. Carlan Yates
Sen. Ervin Yen
John Yoeckel
Tracey Zeeck

 ###

Mike Christian Files for Oklahoma County Sheriff

Citing a desperate need for new leadership and critical reforms, Mike Christian filed this morning as a Republican candidate for Sheriff of Oklahoma County.

“It’s time for some new leadership in the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office,” said Christian. “Our jail has structural problems, but just as concerning are the administrative problems. Our tax dollars are wasted on items that have no business in a county sheriff’s office. We need to fix our jail without raising taxes, and we need to reform the way our sheriff’s office does business.”

Christian’s filing comes on the heels of raising over $75,000 in the week since a special election was called to replace the outgoing sheriff. Christian also announced the support of several respected Oklahoma leaders, including law enforcement legend Bob Ricks, who is serving as chairman of Christian’s campaign.

“I have been overwhelmed with support, from big donors to grassroots activists, and from many law enforcement leaders,” said Christian. “One of my proudest moments of this campaign was when Chief Bob Ricks agreed to serve as my honorary chairman. Anyone who knows anything about Chief Ricks knows he stands for honor and integrity, and won’t settle for anything less.”

Chief Ricks said he was drawn to Christian’s law enforcement experience and leadership qualities.

“I’ve been blessed with a long and rewarding career in law enforcement,” said Ricks. “Over many decades, I learned how important it is for law enforcement agencies to have strong and competent leadership. Mike Christian is a solid leader with decades of law enforcement experience who will bring needed reforms to the Sheriff’s office. Mike has worked for me as a State Trooper, where I saw his character, his work ethic, and his commitment to public service. I am thrilled to be supporting his efforts to earn the trust of voters as the next Sheriff of Oklahoma County.”

Christian said he looks forward to discussing important issues facing the sheriff’s office with voters throughout the county.

“The jail is of course the number one thing on people’s mind when it comes to the sheriff’s office,” said Christian. “I look forward to telling voters more about my plan to fix the jail without raising their taxes. And I look forward to outlining the key reforms I will pursue if elected.”

The special primary election is set for April 4.

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Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett says he will not seek re-election next year. #OKC

— WILLIAM CRUM (@WILLIAMCRUM) February 22, 2017

Oklahoma City Mayor @MickCornett announces he will not seek re-election in 2018. https://t.co/q3Bmo3CcLU pic.twitter.com/H95EmoJyYu

— City of OKC (@cityofokc) February 22, 2017

Statement by Senator David Holt regarding announcement by Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett

“Today, Mayor Cornett announced he will not seek another term, putting an end date on one of the most successful mayoral tenures our city has ever seen.

Today is a day to celebrate Mayor Cornett’s phenomenal record of service to the people of Oklahoma City. I wish we could declare it ‘Mick Cornett Day’, but that is something only mayors can do, and our mayor has always deflected credit for our city’s renaissance.

But in fact, Mayor Cornett deserves much of the acclaim for our recent successes. From the NBA to MAPS 3 to the implementation of MAPS for Kids to his leadership in promoting healthier lifestyles, Mayor Cornett leaves an unparalleled record of accomplishment. In addition to being my mayor, he has always been my friend, and I sincerely hope his public service does not end when he leaves City Hall.”

(Counterpoint: “Oklahoma lawmakers should look to protect interests of all students”)

There is much conversation in Oklahoma about proposed legislation to allow Education Savings Accounts and the impact they would have on public schools in the state. As the president of a private school, specifically for homeless children, I am much more concerned about how ESAs would impact individual children — primarily the ones living in deep poverty.

Positive Tomorrows charges no tuition, and we are grateful for the generous people of Oklahoma who contribute to provide individualized education, out-of-school enrichment activities, and wraparound services to the families of the children we serve. However, we take only 58 children at a time due to resource limitations, and we are forced to turn away children constantly. If our parents had ESA funding available to them, we could take more.

Contrary to popular belief, the homeless parents we work with want to be involved in their child’s education. They just don’t know how. We have found parents in poverty must be taught how to advocate for their children.

Our parents are exhausted with the daily search for food and shelter. Those lucky enough to find room in a local homeless shelter know that after-school parent-teacher conferences mean their family will miss dinner. Transportation, child care and shift work are other barriers. But when we help families deal with these issues, we see strong participation by parents. In conferences held earlier this month, 96 percent of our students’ parents participated. Not many schools can beat that example.

Read the complete story on NewsOK.com