Campaign Issues

There are many issues facing the residents of District 4.  I pledge to always be a voice for the people of this district, regardless of party affiliation.  I think it is important we work together and put the needs of the people first. 

Education

I am both the husband of and a grandson of a teacher.  I have seen members of my family willingly and passionately sacrifice their time and personal finances to equip their classrooms with supplies and materials needed to further the education of the children in their communities. 

I wholeheartedly support teachers and para-professionals, and believe they, along with all State employees, deserve a pay increase.  However, with that said, I do not believe raising taxes is the answer to the problem.  What I see is a mismanagement and misappropriation of already existing educational funds.  I believe we need to tighten the reigns on those responsible for allocating already existing funds and force them to re-direct that money back toward their original purpose, that is to purchase educational supplies for our classrooms. 

"I wholeheartedly support teachers and
para-professionals,and believe they
deserve a pay increase."

Health Care

We all have been personally affected by current health care laws and it is vital that we enact reforms to our current health care system. 

It is of utmost importance that we update our nursing home health care.  I have little doubt that many of you will understand when I say that the health care of our elderly parents or grandparents should be the decision of the elder or their family, not a physician whose only contact with our family member is via telephone calls from the charge nurse on duty.  Current laws put our elders and mentally ill patients as risk by altering and/or changing medications without having to first consult with a family member.  This is overstepping personal freedom and trampling the rights of the family to assist in making important decisions for their elderly family member. 

Government was not created to make personal health care decisions for individual family members.  I believe individuals and families should have the freedom to make personal health care choices.  Health care should be patient centered, not insurance regulated. 

Second Amendment and Gun Rights

I am very proud to be the candidate officially endorsed by the NRA.

As a law-abiding citizen, I am a strong supporter of our Second Amendment rights to own and bear arms.  Elected officials, military personel, and police officers, all have sworn an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.  Unlike many elected officials who have ignored that oath and push for restrictive laws that only protect a privieged few, I will forever honor that oath. 

Despite what many want you to believe, taking away the guns of law-abiding citizens will not stop gun violence, nor prevent criminals from obtaining firearms. I will always protect our federal right to keep and bear arms. 

Tribal Sovereignty and Compacts

Tribal sovereignty is vital to the proper functioning of our tribal nations.  Oklahoma greatly depends on our tribal nations, and a good working and respectable partnership between the states and our tribal nations are of great value to the state.

I recognize and support the rights of our tribal nations.  Compacts between the state and the tribes are a function of the executive branch of our state government.  However, as a representative of District 4, home to the largest of the tribal nations not just here at home but in the entire U.S., I will work with our tribes and promote partnerships and good will with other elected officials, including members of the executive branch.  

Oklahoma greatly depends on our tribal nations, and a good working and respectable partnership between the states and our tribal nations is of great value to the state.