The McCarville Report presents the 2018 Primary Primer series. These features will take a look at the nomination races for the statewide elected seats. We are taking an excerpt from each candidate’s website (or social media account/public statements if they don’t have a website) and adding a link back to the candidate’s page. The candidates appear in the order they are listed on the Oklahoma State Election Board’s List of Elections.
Remember to vote in the June 26, 2018 Oklahoma primary elections.
Republican Nomination Race for Governor
Christopher Barnett
Christopher Barnett has what he calls A Simple Plan to Save Oklahoma. It has twelve facets. We have published three below and added a link to read the rest.
1. Salary Caps
We have Government employees who make too much money. By making a salary cap on all Government employees that make over $100,000, we will free up funds for a lot of programs immediately. This will also be an important measure to save money as audits start taking place to find various money savings.
I believe in leading by example. My first day in office, I am going to reduce my pay down to $50,000 a year. That is almost cutting my salary by two/thirds. I’m then going to put the money from my salary cut into the education budget.
2. Overtime Freeze/Cap
According to Oklahomawatchdata.org, the Government spent $30 million in overtime alone (this is only based off of State Worker’s pay). We need to cap how much money is spent towards overtime. To start this, I will put first put an overtime freeze in place so that we can judge how much money should be allocated to overtime pay based off of the audits. If the government is spending millions of dollars in overtime, Why isn’t that money going to hiring people and working towards eliminating unemployment all together? This would also free up funds that could be going to fund different programs through out the many state departments.
3. Financial Audits & Proficiency Audits
We need to audit all state agencies to see where we can save money. We need to make Government more productive and accessible for the public to use and have access to. These audits will show how we can save money and make the Government work in favor of the public. Although we can audit State agencies, they do not have to make any changes. This will change under my administration. We will work towards putting in plans so the necessary changes can be made swiftly.
(The rest of Barnett’s plan can be found on his website here.)
Dan Fisher
https://fisherforgovernor.com/
Dan Fisher has made abortion abolishment a centerpiece for his campaign. His stance is illustrated below.
Abortion is Murder. Yet pro-life politicians continue to regulate abortion as healthcare. Consequently, over 5,000 babies are murdered by abortion every year in the pro-life state of Oklahoma.
I am not a pro-life politician.
I am an abolitionist.
If states like Colorado can defy Washington D.C. by legalizing marijuana, then Oklahoma can defy the federal government in order to secure the right to life. It is time to move beyond pro-life politics and make Oklahoma the first abortion-free state.
Eric Foutch
http://ericfoutchgovernor2018.com/
Eric Foutch wrote a recent post on his website called, Elect Me for Governor and Here’s What I’ll Do First. You can read the post below.
Initiate an outside agency audit. Oklahoma rated an ‘F’ in a recent national study of governmental transparency. The debacle with the Oklahoma Dept of Public Health losing then finding $30 million dollars says it all. 200 Oklahomans lost their jobs because of the massive incompetence going on. There is certainly money, probably on the order of tens of millions that are being misspent through fraud, waste and abuse at our state’s highest levels.
Audit then raise GPT to 7%-While the audits are being conducted, we simply cannot wait 2 years for the results. Oklahomans need help now! We simply cannot cut any more…there’s nothing left to cut. Since 2008 general state funds for K-12 education in Oklahoma have been slashed by 28.2%–the biggest cut in the country. The oil and gas industry have had a sweetheart deal paying 3.2% for years now. As far as energy producing states, we are one of the lowest taxed, even with the bump up to 5% from HB 1010xx. Texas is 8.3% and some states are as high as 13.3%. I’m pro fossil fuels and do not look at big oil as a piñata we can hit anytime we need money, however our core services have been slashed across the board, we’re prematurely putting our people in the ground while they pull up massive wealth from our ground and pay peanuts for it. I put this on our ‘leadership’ rather than Big Energy, as they are just doing what our leaders allow. We can raise the GPT to 7% and Big Energy might scream a little but trust me, they’d be fine and we’d be a step closer to having a functional government.
Repeal SQ 640- SQ 640 will be revisited and either repealed or threshold lowered. That has been a major reason we’ve got ourselves into this mess. No other state has a 75% requirement for a bill/measure, and for good reason as it’s almost impossible to convince 75% of any group of people to vote one way, unless they are voting for a pay raise for themselves. Proof of its impossibility? Passed in 1992, this threshold had never been achieved until this year…and that’s only because of pressure applied by the people.
Repeal the Capital Gains Tax exemption- This benefits about 18,000 Oklahoma families while it costs the other 98% of us, over $100 million per year, an estimated $474 million in forgone tax revenues from 2010 to 2014. I don’t know of any more imbalanced measure that exists. It needs to go.
Kevin Stitt
https://www.stittforgovernor.com/
The top issue on Kevin Stitt’s campaign website is called Prioritizing Government Efficiency. You can read it below.
The success of state agencies shouldn’t be just about bigger budgets. Success is when the state consistently delivers core service to Oklahomans in a cost-effective, efficient manner. Without line-item budgeting, it’s impossible to know which agencies steward their resources well, which is why I will fight for accountability and transparency. I will implement and standardize audits and hold each agency accountable for how our tax dollars are spent, just like I have done in the private sector the last 19 years.
- Reduce and streamline the 400 agencies, boards, and commissions.
- Give the governor more accountability to fire underperforming agency leaders that are in appointed positions.
- Audit all agencies, establish performance metrics for each agency and hold the agency heads and board members accountable for meeting goals that move us toward being a Top Ten state.
- Budget all state funds. Currently, much of the budget is untouchable by the Legislature. It is time every state agency is held accountable and transparency is enforced.
- Require a line item budget. Currently, the General Appropriations bill gives more than 80 state agencies a big chunk of money. It is hard for the Legislature or the public to see how the money will be used. A line item budget will allow the public to see the spending and for elected officials to more effectively eliminate wasteful spending.
Todd Lamb
Todd Lamb has created an action plan he calls RENEW Oklahoma. The acronym stands for Reform government, Education, Neighborhoods, Economic growth, and Work. You can read a brief summary of each below.
REFORM GOVERNMENT
We have to fundamentally change how the legislative session operates so we can better focus on the budgeting process and hold unelected bureaucrats more responsible for how our tax dollars are spent. Regaining control of budgeting will help further reform state government and make it more efficient with taxpayer dollars.
EDUCATION
The status quo is unacceptable. Increasing money spent in the classroom is key to giving our teachers the pay increase they deserve. Oklahoma must improve its education system. We have to put parents back in control, maintain a focus on improving academic achievement, and reduce administrative costs so we get a minimum of 65% of every education dollar spent directly with teachers in the classroom.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Where we raise our families is what really matters, and all Oklahomans deserve to feel secure in their homes and their neighborhoods. Whether it’s a sprawling rural area, a small town, or one of our metro areas, we must improve our communities.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Oklahoma must diversify its economy so we are no longer at the mercy of fluctuations in the world’s commodity markets. Energy and agriculture remain the backbone of our economy. Todd Lamb is uniquely qualified to focus on economic development and recruitment of new types of businesses and jobs to our state.
WORK
Work is what it will take to make Oklahoma better. Our citizens deserve a government that works, an education system that works, and our students must be prepared to work. Todd Lamb will work with Oklahomans from every corner of the state to be a part of tapping into our unique pioneering spirit to renew Oklahoma for the next generation.
Barry Gowdy
Barry Gowdy’s plan for governor is below.
Your candidate knows the value of being connected. That’s why they’re running for this position. Help them help you. They will be your voice. Vote for Oklahoma future! Vote Gowdy for Governor!
Hi, I’m your Republican candidate. We as a people all have the same goals in life. Some inspire more on issues then others but all have the same end result. To succeed! I will be there when the storm hits. When a helping hand is needed. We Oklahomans will stand together and help each other until the end. We are a proud state. A state that will never give up. We have a future and will succeed. As the Governor I will pledge that I will do everything I can to help this state heal and move forward.
Yes there will be investigation, audits and restructure of government agencies under my administration for better allotment of taxpayers funds. At the end of the day as Governor of Oklahoma political party is left behind and voice of the people and development of our state is what is important.
Yes I do support medical use of marijuana. It has a place in medicine and a cash crop for commercial use.
A word to the teachers of Oklahoma. I’m so proud of you. You have shown this state what an Oklahoman is and how we can move forward. You Go, You Rock!
Blake Cowboy Stephens
Blake “Cowboy” Stephens has added a plain speaking flare to his gubernatorial campaign. You can read his stance on taxes from his website below.
TAXES:
— Would you ever consider raising taxes to fund state government? Yes
— If so, under what specific circumstances would you raise taxes? The last thing I want to do is raise taxes. Oklahoma has not raised taxes in the last 26 years, we have actually cut taxes. We have to do extensive audits in every agency. We have to follow the money and plug the holes. I represent truth, integrity, and transparency. I will not know where we are financially until I have the ability to get involved with the audits. Until every individual, corporation, and energy group are paying their fair share, I would not raise taxes. Corporate welfare has got to stop. I may be more inclined to propose a one-cent sales tax instead of increasing income taxes.
— If not, what specific tax credits or deductions would you cut as revenue-raising measures? Capital Gains exemption must be removed, which would be a revenue stream of approximately 60 to 100 million dollars. However, agriculture exemptions would remain intact.
— What are your thoughts on the current state income tax rate? Is it too high, too low or just right? Why and how should it change? Or should it stay the same? I believe if we raised our income tax from 5% to 5.25% it would fill a huge hole. It would generate 60-100 million dollars per year. It would only cost the average family less than $40 per year. This merits looking at if we are truly broke.
— What are your thoughts on State Question 640? Does this make it too difficult to raise taxes, and why? If it needs to be repealed, what would a better solution be? If not, why is it a useful law? I believe State Question 640 has been used as a scapegoat. It allows legislators to use the excuse they cannot fund agencies with even minor revenue increases. Therefore, they cut spending rather than meet their obligations to serve our citizens. It essentially ties the hands of legislators. We have seen the repercussions for the last 26 years. In 1992 when State Question 640 passed 56% to 44% opposed. It was a very low turnout of 32% of Oklahoma voters, not even a simple majority voted. Oklahoma is the only state in the United States to require a supermajority for all tax increases.
— Have you ever signed a pledge that you will oppose any tax increases (i.e. Grover Norquist’s Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Oklahoma Taxpayers Unite!, etc.)? Why? No, I have not.
— Are you in favor of increasing sales taxes and why? Only if necessary. Everyone would be subjected to a “sales tax” opposed to a “property tax,” which would include people visiting from out-of-state. I don’t like to always put the tax burden on people that are trying to better their lives, the more they have the more they have to pay in taxes. We should encourage our citizens to own their own home, this is an investment for the citizen individually and to the state of Oklahoma. Along those same lines we need to encourage our unemployed to seek employment. Each person working and paying their own way; builds a healthier-minded, productive citizen with self-worth.
— Are you in favor of eliminating the capital gains tax deduction? Why or why not? Capital Gains exemptions should be repealed. I would leave the agriculture exemption alone for our farmers and ranchers. The capital gains would only affect approximately 800 Oklahomans that are millionaires. An individual has to pay 15% in capital gains to the federal government, yet in Oklahoma they pay zero. The maximum state tax is 5%. If we imposed a 5% state tax on capital gains that would generate a revenue stream in excess of 60-100 million in state revenue. Here is a simple example: if there was a capital gains increase of $100,000 the individual would pay $15,000 in federal capital gains and $5,000 in state capital gains. They would still profit $80,000. I believe this is fair and equitable.
Gary Jones
Gary Jones as State Auditor and Inspector is at the center of many recent agency audits. His experience has led to the formation of Gary Jones’ Plan for Oklahoma. It has eight elements, we’ve published the first four with a link to Jones’ website for the rest of his plan.
The people of Oklahoma are desperately searching for a new, proven leader to stabilize Oklahoma’s budgetary issues. It’s not enough to call for costly special sessions where little to no action is taken. Oklahomans need to know that help is on the way and that our next Governor will invest in economic growth and stability.
My Plan for Oklahoma builds on exactly what I’ve done as state auditor – uncovered budget efficiencies, reduced unnecessary manpower, and created a more efficient department. I want the same for our state.
Budget Stabilization Fund
Raiding revolving funds and using accounting tricks to appear to balance the budget has caused problems for our state, including the lowering of our credit rating and agencies postponing projects projects that have been planned for years. A stabilization fund would provide resources in downturns without raiding dedicated funds.
Line-Item Budget
In 2013, I proposed Oklahoma use a needs-based budgeting model, which is a modified version of zero-based budgeting. My op-ed received national attention after an article in the Washington Times suggested leaders in Washington should follow Oklahoma’s lead. However, our state never implemented it. We need individual budgets for each major agency, voted on separately, to include individual line items.
Independent Budget Office
Currently the Oklahoma budget process involves the Oklahoma House, Senate and Governor’s office, with three different fiscal staffs gathering information and independently developing a budget, only to be reconciled behind closed doors by a handful of people in the last weeks of legislative session.
I have proposed an Office of Accounting and Budgets, which will provide detailed and accurate financial information and proposed budgets for each agency, complete with supporting documentation. This information will be prepared by professionals using widely-accepted government accounting standards. The process will be open and transparent not only to all legislators, but to the public as well. The state could save up to $1M annually.
Increased Accountability for State Agencies
Increasing accountability can be accomplished by what I have been suggesting for more than seven years – creating The Joint Committee on Accountability.
Creating this joint committee would provide greater transparency and accountability and give those elected by the people the power to provide oversite. This would be a bi-partisan committee made up of the Oklahoma Legislature and Oklahoma State Auditor’s and Inspector’s office. The legislation creating this committee, H.B 1425, was passed by the Oklahoma House overwhelmingly last session. All it needs is a vote in the Oklahoma Senate and the Governor’s signature to become law.
(The rest of Gary Jones Plan for Oklahoma can be found at this link.)
Mick Cornett
Former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett has been campaigning on his record as mayor. He has seven step plan called, Our Plan for Oklahoma. We have published the first three with a link to the rest on Cornett’s website.
Our Schools
Mick’s mother was a teacher and he understands the importance education plays in growing our economy, promoting a stronger workforce and creating better jobs that keep our kids and grandkids here. Mick believes teachers deserve a raise. He would like to see salaries increased to the regional average with competitive pay increases for STEM teachers.
With advances in technology, education is a lifelong endeavor. Mick wants to raise the expectations for education in our state and create a culture that empowers families and individuals—regardless of age or income— to seek the best educational outcomes.
Our Health
Mick believes we must prioritize health and wellness to reduce medical costs and live up to our full potential as a state. Mick led Oklahoma City through a transformational shift in its approach to obesity. Relying on individual responsibility and improving the built environment, Oklahoma City’s health statistics have improved in nearly every measurement.
Mick wants to create a state that will attract the top doctors and medical care, and he wants all Oklahomans to have access to quality emergency care and hospitals… including rural areas.
Our State Finances
While the state budget process remains a mess, Mick knows budgeting is about priorities and leadership. Mick has played a key role in developing Oklahoma City’s annual budget transparently based on the consensus needs of the community. For years Oklahoma City has received the highest possible credit rating and keeps a rainy day fund equal to 15% of the annual budget. All MAPS projects were completed debt free with complete accountability to the taxpayer.
Contrast Oklahoma City’s transparent management to the state budget process, where a handful of legislators determine the state’s priorities behind closed-doors. Mick believes the state must stop spending more than it takes in and restore accountability to you.
(The rest of the Mick Cornett plan can be found on his website by following this link.)
Gary Richardson
https://www.garyrichardson.org/
Gary Richardson has called his economic plan for Oklahoma, The Kitchen Table Plan.
When economic times are tough at your home, it’s likely that your family will gather around the kitchen table to have a hard discussion of what has to be paid for and what the family can do without for the short term.
Sometimes the choices are tough – no more eating out, canceling cable and internet, or canceling ballet classes for your child. Maybe you might have to go down to just one car.
But your family works together and figures out how to live within their means. Never once is there a discussion to go take money from your neighbor to pay the bills.
But that’s what’s happening at the State Legislature. Rather than cut spending on non-core services or deferring corporate tax credits, our leaders want to raise taxes on middle and lower-income Oklahomans.
Gary Richardson has a plan that would fill the $230 million budget gap for 2017-18, increase funding to the Department of Corrections, Public Safety, and DHS while still ensuring a $5,000 pay raise for Oklahoma teachers.
