Mark Vancuren, a life-long resident of Owasso, today announced his candidacy for the District 74 seat in the state House of Representatives. Vancuren is making his first run for public office in hopes of helping tackle state budget issues and bring higher-paying jobs to the Owasso area.
“Sheila and I have prayed about this, and we feel it is the right time for me to give back to the wonderful people I’ve grown up with, to the students I’ve taught, and to the next generation,” he said. “I humbly seek to represent my family, friends and neighbors as their next state representative.”
Vancuren is a longtime local coach and teacher. He and his wife of 23 years, Sheila, are licensed Realtors with Keller-Williams Realty in Owasso. His parents, Ted and Ada Vancuren, also are longtime Owasso educators.
Mark Vancuren is a fiscal conservative who believes in the wisdom contained in the U.S. Constitution. He strongly believes in the right to keep and bear arms, the sanctity of life, and less interference from the federal government.
“I also believe the wonderful teachers in our state should be paid a wage similar to those of our neighboring states. I believe we can find a balance and I’m willing to work with representatives of both parties to find solutions to what ails this great state,” Vancuren said.
“Just like coaching, you have to create opportunities for your team to be successful. The House of Representatives needs a good lesson in teamwork.”
The Vancurens are members of First Baptist Church of Owasso. They are the parents of three children, Riley, 20, Jaxon, 18, and Avery, 15. Mark Vancuren earned his teaching degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and his Masters degree from Northeastern State University.
When Vancuren is not teaching, coaching or spending time with family and friends, he loves to hunt with his dog, Duke. A second short-haired pointer, Boomer, is just as beloved but isn’t so great at the bird-hunting job.
House District 74 is currently held by Republican Rep. Dale Derby.
