Gary Richardson in Gubernatorial campaign websites
On Abortion:
Life is a beautiful gift from our Father who created us
Life is a beautiful gift from our Father who created us.
As such I am staunchly pro-life and will work to pass legislation that ensures the protection of innocent life.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Budget & Economy:
Curb wasteful spending in our state government
I hate to see waste. I have been that way my entire life and typically, if not always, see no good reason for waste. I see and hear "Let's be less wasteful as a state." Yet my own past experiences and observations cause me to believe that the attitude
of Oklahoma taxpayers has little effect on curbing wasteful spending in our state government. As an Assistant Insurance Commissioner, I observed an immense amount of wasteful spending both in the hiring of unneeded staff as well as in expenditures.
For example, at the end of the year, we would be encouraged to make requests for new furniture to make sure we spent all of our budget. This is not the way to spend our tax dollars!
We must investigate the entire state government and address any
misuse or wasteful spending our tax dollars. The only way to deal with this systematic corruption and waste is to demand a forensic audit of these agencies, trusts, and authorities. Only then can we truly know if every dollar is spent wisely.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Corporations:
End special tax breaks encouraged by lobbyists
We must create an environment that encourages all businesses to thrive in our state, not just those that can afford six-figure lobbyists to give them "special tax breaks."
We need to look at restructuring the tax system that is more business friendly while ensuring everyone pays their fair share. Only then can our entire state see long-term economic growth.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Education:
A child's zip code shouldn't determine quality of education
You don't have to ask around far to learn that our schools are in crisis mode. Oklahoma needs leadership that will not only make education a priority, but improve funding to our classrooms so that teachers and ultimately, our children and grandchildren
benefit from a quality education.- First, we must find a way to consolidate the over 500 school administrations across the state while ensuring every school, both rural and urban, stays open.
- Second, we need to call for an audit of both the
public and higher education institutions to ensure that money that could be going toward teacher salaries and classroom education isn't being wasted through bloated administrative costs.
- Finally, we must find a way to increase the education options
for Oklahoma parents. A child's zip code shouldn't be the determination of the quality of education they will receive. Only then will we truly improve our education system in Oklahoma and make Oklahoma a better place to live!
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Gun Control:
Completely supportive of the Second Amendment
I am completely supportive of the Second Amendment and what it has to offer to the citizens of Oklahoma, that being the security of knowing they have the right, with appropriate guidelines,
to keep and bear arms without being infringed upon. I personally have a concealed carry licenses and I am a member of the NRA.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Principles & Values:
Freedom to work & worship free of government interference
To me, the word "Liberty" speaks of a state of being free from oppressive restrictions, regardless of who is behind the oppressive conduct. This leaves one with the ability to enjoy that which life has to offer, be it social, political, economical
rights, privileges and/or spiritual. As for government, I will always stand on the side of liberty and work to ensure that Oklahomans have the freedom to work, speak, and worship free of government interference.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Tax Reform:
Smaller government, less taxes, and eliminate waste
We find ourselves in an historic budget crisis where our Republican leaders are proposing close to $1 billion in new taxes, mostly on the backs of lower-income Oklahomans. When our Republican leaders fail to follow Republican principles, it's time to
find new Republican leaders. I believe that our Republican values can lead Oklahoma into prosperity. That's why I am a Republican! As Governor, I will always stand for smaller government, less taxes, and the elimination of government waste!
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
On Technology:
Dismantle the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
For over 60 years, Oklahomans have been sold many lies about our turnpikes. One of the biggest lies was that "once the roads were paid for they would become free roads." Here we are in 2017 and not one turnpike has been turned back over to the state.
We don't know who owns the bonds. We don't know how much money the turnpike authority truly spends! However, we do know that not one dime of the toll gate money comes back to the state treasury. Not to mention that the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
doesn't pay any property taxes.
It's time to take back the turnpikes by first demanding a truly independent-ordered forensic audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. I won't be surprised if that audit uncovers millions of dollars in waste and
outright fraud. From there, as Governor, I will work with the legislature to begin the process to dismantle the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and bring these roads back into the control of the people of Oklahoma.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma governor campaign website GaryRichardson.org
May 2, 2017
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021