2010 Candidates for Statewide Offices

League of Women Voters^®
of Norman

2010 Candidates for Statewide Offices

LWV of Oklahoma Voter's Guide to 2010 Candidates for Statewide Offices.

State Auditor. Attorney General. State Treasurer. Supt. of Public Instruction. Commissioner of Labor. Insurance Commissioner. Corporation Commissioner.

Questions were submitted to all candidates for state offices by the League of Women Voters of Oklahoma.
At the polls on Tuesday, July 27 (Primary Election) voters registered as Democrats will receive a ballot with the names of candidates running as Democrats. Voters registered as Republicans will receive a ballot with the names of candidates running as Republicans. Voters registered as Independents do not receive ballots for candidates in primary elections.
When one candidate for an office fails to receive a majority of the party's votes, a winner will be decided at a Primary Runoff on August 24. The winner of the Democratic Primary, the winner of the Republican Primary, and candidates running as independents will face off in the General Election on November 2, 2010.

STATE AUDITOR AND INSPECTOR

Democratic Candidates for State Auditor and Inspector

Steve Burrage (D) is running unopposed and will be the Democratic Party's nominee for State Auditor and inspector. His name will not appear on the Democratic Primary ballot on July 27. His name will appear on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010.

Republican Candidates for State Auditor and Inspector

David Hanigar (R): http://www.hanigarforauditor.com
Gary Jones (R): http://www.jonesauditor.com
List your academic and professional credentials, specific accomplishments and volunteer activities. State why you are running and what qualifies you for this office. (100 words total)
David Hanigar: Bachelors degree in Accounting and Masters in Business Administration. I have 25 years experience in governmental accounting and auditing including the discovery, documentation, and assistance to prosecutors with numerous fraud audits and investigations. Some of the most notable include; former Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher, former Governor David Walters, and former SEOSU President, Leon Hibbs. My qualifications and experience are superior the other candidates. I would like to continue a career of auditing and reestablish an effective and efficient relationship with county, state, and federal prosecutors.
Gary Jones: B.S. Business Administration/Accounting; Certified Public Accountant, certified fraud examiner, farmer, rancher, uncovered more corruption than last 3 auditors combined.
What do you see as the most important issues facing your office and staff (200 words or less)
David Hanigar: The most important issue facing the State Auditor is fraud in state and local government. The temptation facing county and state officials entrusted with public funds has never been greater than during these dismal economic conditions. In order to preserve and protect those funds, the State Auditor's Office must be organized and operated at such an extremely high level of efficiency that anyone considering misappropriation would be deterred for fear of being discovered. The Office must also be ready, willing, and able to discover, document, and assist prosecutors when public funds are illegally diverted from their intended purpose. To accomplish this task, the Auditor's staff must receive training and support in discovery and documentation of instances of fraud that will allow prosecutors to hold criminals accountable for their actions. In addition to the pursuit of fraud, the State Auditor and staff must insure government is operated to maximize the benefit of moneys collected from Oklahoma taxpayers to provide services for the public. Waste and abuse of public monies must be identified and corrected.
Gary Jones: Public corruption, wasteful government spending, insufficient use of tax dollars, misuse of public funds.

OKLAHOMA ATTORNEY GENERAL

Democratic Candidates for Attorney General

Jim Priest (D) is running unopposed and will be the Democratic Party's nominee for Attorney General. His name will not appear on the Democratic Primary ballot on July 27. His name will appear on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010.

Republican Candidates for Attorney General

Ryan Leonard (R) http://www.ryanleonard2010.com
Scott Pruitt (R) http://www.pruitt2010.com no response
List the educational, professional, or community experiences that prepare you to be a good attorney general. (100-word limit)
Ryan Leonard: My name is Ryan Leonard and I am running for Attorney General to fight to protect our families and defend our freedoms. I am an attorney, former state prosecutor and spent four years working for former U.S. Senator Don Nickles. I am an Eagle Scout, a member of Leadership Oklahoma, and served on the boards of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Oklahoma Academy of State Goals, Central Oklahoma Red Cross and Legal Ethics Committee of the Oklahoma Bar Association. I also serve as a volunteer for Lawyers for Children.
What will be your priorities if elected Attorney General? (100-word limit)
Ryan Leonard: My priorities as Attorney General will be protecting our families and children from dangerous drugs, keeping our seniors safe from those who seek to take advantage, fighting public corruption, working to create a positive legal environment where we can create opportunities for our kids and grandkids and defending our freedoms when Washington, D.C. passes unconstitutional federal legislation such as the recently passed health care law. Most importantly, the job of the Attorney General is to fight to protect the people of the state, and enforce the law fairly, honestly and justly. That's what I will do as Attorney General.

STATE TREASURER

Democratic Candidates for State Treasurer

Stephen E. Covert (D) is running unopposed and will be the Democratic Party's nominee for State Treasurer. His name will not appear on the Democratic Primary ballot on July 27. His name will appear on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010.

Republican Candidates for State Treasurer

Owen Laughlin (R) http://voteowenlaughlin.com
Ken Miller (R) http://kenmillerfortreasurer.com no response
List the education, professional, or community experiences that make you capable to bank, invest and manage the state's cash safely and efficiently? (100-word limit)
Owen Laughlin: I earned a BA from Southern Nazarene University and a JD from Oklahoma City University in Law. I spent 20+ years in an ownership and management role in Banking and other businesses and twelve years in the State Senate. I made payroll and have had to cut when times were difficult. These weren't theoretical exercises; our livelihood and assets were in jeopardy. We survived those times and prospered. Spending money is easy, but I have made money in the real banking world. The State Treasurer is the State's Banker and needs to have experience successfully investing money.
What changes if any would you make in the State Treasurer's office? (100-word limit)
Owen Laughlin: All transactions, both expenditures and investments, should be made accessible to the public on line. Of the approximate $3.5 Billion invested by our current Treasurer, I am concerned about the almost $1 Billion invested in Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Mortgage backed securities. These were purchased before the market crash and may have never been marked to market as required by law. A full external independent audit should be performed before taking office. Because of the Fed's policy, inflation and interest rate increases are inevitable and investments must be kept short term to take advantage of rate increases.

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

Democratic Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Jerry Combrink (D) http://www.jcombrink.us
Susan Paddack (D) http://www.votepaddack.com
List the educational, professional, or community experiences that prepare you to be a good superintendent of Public Instruction. Please include your campaign website to give voters access to additional information. (100-word limit)
Jerry Combrink: I have a Bachelor's and Master's degree, plus a standard school superintendent certificate. I taught math and science for ten years, five as a teaching principal, and was school superintendent for thirty years. I was always active in the community, and had strong parental support. The teachers trusted me to be there for them. We had a strong academic school. I know how to have an effective school, and I know that all schools, large or small, rural or urban, can succeed. I want to help the schools to be better, and I know how. Web: www.jcombrink.us
Susan Paddack: Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Colorado and a Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from East Central University. Currently, State Senator, District 13. Prior to election as State Senator, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence employed Susan for nine years as their Director of Local Education Foundation Outreach. Before joining the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence, Susan was employed as a secondary science teacher in middle and junior high schools in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. She also served as an adjunct faculty member for East Central University's Education Department. Please visit website for more information: http://www.votepaddack.com.
What policies will you promote to help better prepare high school students for college or for entering the workforce? (100-word limit)
Jerry Combrink: I would change the stated goal of the State Department of Education from "prepare all students for college" to "prepare all students for career or college". The non-college bound would have the choice of various career training options in high school, in addition to Career Tech, by employing trained, licensed electricians, plumbers, heat and air personnel, etc., to teach them what they needed to know to pass the entry tests in their profession upon graduation, and the college bound would not have their classwork diluted by having students in the college prep classes that have no intention of attending college.
Susan Paddack: I have supported (and served as senate author) for legislation that ensures a more rigorous curriculum designed to help students be prepared for college or work. This curriculum is designed so that students will master the subject content they need to be successful in whatever path they choose--be it work, technical training, or college. Also, we need to better utilize the tools available to us. Currently, students take Explore and Plan tests which serve as indicators for college readiness. With professional development for teachers and parental education, students can be guided to use these tests to determine their strengths and areas that need improvement.
What changes would you like to see in Oklahoma's public education system? (100-word limit)
Jerry Combrink: I want to quit forcing students to take advanced level math and science classes if they are not college bound. The above mentioned career classes should substitute for these classes. This alone would reduce the drop out rate, since students whose needs are not being met will not stay in school. I would like to reduce the number of state tests being given. This is a common complaint of teachers. I want to see all schools succeed. It can be done, with the proper changes, in the low performing schools. All students, in all schools deserve a quality education.
Susan Paddack: We will need to make many changes in the coming years to meet the needs of students. First, we need a vision for education in our state. We must design a strategic plan that will accomplish that vision by bringing all the stakeholders into the discussion. Educators, business and community members, career tech, higher education, and parents must all work together to define what we want for our children and how each of us has a role in making that happen. The additional step would be advocating for good public policy that ensures that the plan can be accomplished.

Republican Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Janet Barresi (R) http://www.janetbarresi.com
Brian S. Kelly (R) No response
List the educational, professional, or community experiences that prepare you to be a good superintendent of Public Instruction. Please include your campaign website to give voters access to additional information. (100-word limit)
Janet Barresi: I have a BA in Education from OU, a MS in Speech & Language Disorders from OUHSC, and a DDS from OU College of Dentistry. As a business woman, educator and education reformer of 15 years, I will bring a unique perspective to the Superintendent's office. I will apply to the state the lessons learned from my two public charter schools, one of which is ranked 68th on Newsweek's list of the nation's top high schools. Those lessons are local control of schools, accountability and transparency of finances and performance, increased teacher effectiveness, and a focus on teaching and learning. Campaign web address is http://www.janetbarresi.com
What policies will you promote to help better prepare high school students for college or for entering the workforce? (100-word limit)
Janet Barresi: To prepare students for college or the workforce, we need to teach critical thinking skills and accurately measure student performance. Among other things, that means we must reform testing. Our current tests are often simple memory tests instead of a measurement of critical thinking skills. In addition, reporting of current state testing results is designed to obscure actual student performance. Just a few years ago, students could miss over half the questions on one state math test and still be rated "proficient." That "proficient" label will not help a student get a job if they have not mastered content.
What changes would you like to see in Oklahoma's public education system? (100-word limit)
Janet Barresi: My vision for reforming Oklahoma's education system is one that abandons failed big government policies and replaces them with proven strategies that are targeted, research based and most importantly, student centered. As state superintendent, I will work to improve academic standards to prepare all children for good jobs, whether they go to college or straight into the workforce. I will work to reduce red tape and heavy handed mandates, improve testing, empower teachers, and increase transparency and accountability within our school system. My work at Harding Charter Preparatory School proves all Oklahoma children can thrive academically, regardless of socio-economic challenges.

Independent Candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction

Richard Cooper (i) http://web.me.com/recooper59
List the educational, professional, or community experiences that prepare you to be a good superintendent of Public Instruction. Please include your campaign website to give voters access to additional information. (100-word limit)
Richard Cooper: Being a product of public schools (Oklahoma and Georgia), being trained in public institutions of higher learning (Cameron University and Oklahoma State University), and being a part of a teaching and learning community of educators, not just in Oklahoma but nationally, I feel uniquely qualified to take on the most important task facing our next State Superintendent--make learning and teaching the focus of Oklahoma public education. Website- http://web.me.com/recooper59
What policies will you promote to help better prepare high school students for college or for entering the workforce? (100-word limit)
Richard Cooper: I will promote two essential tasks. First, teaching Oklahoma students to learn how to learn. Second, teaching Oklahoma students to learn how to live. Public schools must equip students to do both of these for life.
What changes would you like to see in Oklahoma's public education system? (100-word limit)
Richard Cooper: I would like to see a commitment to the real purpose of public education.

COMMISSIONER OF LABOR

Democratic Candidates for Commissioner of Labor

Lloyd L. Fields (D) is running unopposed and will be the Democratic Party's nominee for Commissioner of Labor. His name will not appear on the Democratic Primary ballot on July 27. His name will appear on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010.

Republican Candidates for Commissioner of Labor

Jason Reese (R) http://www.reeseforlabor.com
Mark Costello (R) http://www.markcostelloforlabor.com
List the educational, professional, or community experiences that prepare you to be a good labor commissioner. Please include your campaign website to give voters access to additional information. (100-word limit)
Jason Reese: I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. and a law degree. I have served as Administrative Rules Counsel at the Oklahoma House of Representatives and as a labor and employment attorney in private practice. I now have my own firm where I advise businesses across Oklahoma on compliance with regulations and represent them in Workers' Comp Court. For more information about my background and vision, please visit http://www.reeseforlabor.com
Mark Costello: I graduated with a BA from the University of Kansas. In 1991 AMCAT (American Computer &Telephone) was founded. I served as Chairman of USA Digital, a telecommunications company licensed in 40 states that was founded in 1997. Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity has been a long time favorite where I have spent numerous hours. Currently, I am running for Labor Commissioner because I believe in Oklahoma. I want to create a job friendly business environment for all our children as well as support workers' compensation reform. I have over twenty-five years of business experience in forming businesses and creating jobs.
If elected, what would you do to improve working conditions and the quality of life for the average worker in Oklahoma? (100-word limit)
Jason Reese: First and foremost, I will end employment discrimination against Reserve/Guard members in Oklahoma. When we go to war, we go as one people and must welcome our returning fighting men and women back to the workforce upon their return. Further, I will use my experience in Workers' Comp law to help fix our broken system to save money for businesses while getting needed benefits to employees. Finally, I will insist upon impartiality in decisions of the Labor Department concerning wage, hour and other disputes between management and workers. Fundamentally a court, the Labor Department must be fair.
Mark Costello: If elected I will promote the well being of wage earners by advancing the need for more and better paying jobs. On my web site, http://www.markcostelloforlabor.com, I have listed my twelve point plan to promote job creation in Oklahoma. Believing that bureaucratic overhead is a major problem due to waste and duplication, I will propose to merge the Department of Labor, Department of Mines, Construction Industries Board and Oklahoma Eployment Securities Commission into one agency. I propose to call it the Oklahoma Department of Employment and Safety which can provide greater service to citizens of Oklahoma.

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

Democratic Candidates for Insurance Commissioner

Kim Holland (D) is running unopposed and will be the Democratic Party's nominee for Insurance Commissioner. Her name will not appear on the Democratic Primary ballot on July 27. Her name will appear on the General Election ballot on November 2, 2010.

Republican Candidates for Insurance Commissioner

John P. Crawford (R) http://www.johncrawford.us
Mark Croucher (R) no response
John Doak (R) no response
List your academic and professional credentials, specific accomplishments and volunteer activities. State why you are running and what qualifies you for this office. (100 words total)
John Crawford: University of Oklahoma, BBA. Member, American Academy of Actuaries Fellow, Conference of Actuaries. National Association of Insurance Commissioners Insurance Commissioner, State of Oklahoma 1995-1999. A very proud accomplishment was to enter into a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor for oversight of previously exempt self insured plans (ERISA) for insurance claim complaints. This contract permitted me to service and protect all Oklahomans. I am the most qualified candidate with 14 years experience at the Oklahoma Insurance Department. As an actuary, I have technicannsurance financial knowledge. It was my privilege to serve as algebra and geometry tutor at the...
What do you see as the most important issues facing your office and staff? (200 words or less)
John Crawford: Assurance that the staff have the knowledge and experience for each position they occupy. The office will be run like a business and serve as a model agency for all state government. The Obama National Health Care Plan probably violates the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Insurance Code. I have the ability as an actuary to bring forward a plan for health care that will give Oklahomans affordable health care costs without the interference of the Federal Government. Work is currently in progress! Oklahoma has the highest Property and Casualty rates in the country. We must make this a high priority item. My previous administration would never permit double digit rate increases. Workers compensation rates and needed reform remain an important issue. Solvency of insurance companies is of utmost importance. They must have the money in reserve to pay your claims. I will not permit another "AIG" tragedy. I have the unique experience and understanding of all elements of insurance financial reporting.

CORPORATION COMMISSIONER

Democratic Candidates for Corporation Commissioner

No candidates filed as Democrats for Corporation Conmissioner.

Republican Candidates for Corporation Commissioner

Dana Murphy (R) http://www.danamurphy.com
Tod Yeager (R) no response
List your academic and professional credentials, specific accomplishments and volunteer activities. State why you are running and what qualifies you for this office. (100 words total)
Dana Murphy: Education: Central State University: Best All-Around Freshman Athlete; Oklahoma State University: B.S. in geology, top ten percent of class; Oklahoma City University: J.D. cum laude. Professional Experience: 10 years - petroleum geologist; 12 years - oil and gas law practice; Six years - Corporation Commission administrative law judge; Farmers Royalty Company, first woman director (resigned when elected to Commission); Corporation Commissioner since 2009. Memberships/Volunteer Activities: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, serving on Energy Resources and Environment Committee; OSU Water Research Advisory Board; Oklahoma Bar Association; American Association of Petroleum Geologists; Oklahoma City Geological Society; Energy Advocates, 2007 outstanding woman
What do you see as the most important issues facing your office and staff? (200 words or less)
Dana Murphy: Significant issues are now in front of the Corporation Commission and the agency will continue to face even more in the future. Funding challenges for the agency continue in the backdrop of the current economy and state budget situation. Energy issues will continue to remain at the forefront of the issues facing the Commission. Such issues include providing affordable, reliable electric and natural gas service by utilities regulated by the Commission while such utilities deal with proposed federal environmental regulation and upgrading and maintaining electricity infrastructure and transmission, including the expansion of wind power and smart meters. Other energy issues involve regulation in oil and gas development across Oklahoma as technology continues to evolve and horizontal wells become the primary method of drilling instead of vertical drilling. Keeping regulation of oil and gas development on a state level in lieu of one size fits all federal regulation will continue to be a challenge. Telecom issues include the current exhaust of the 918 area code telephone numbers where an overlay will be implemented and the future exhaust of telephone numbers in the 580 and 405 area codes also lie on the horizon.

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