2018 OK Governor's race: on Budget & Economy
Kevin Stitt:
Cut waste, rather than new taxes, for growth
Democrat Drew Edmondson promoted his plan to increase the state's gross production tax to 7%, do away with the capital gains tax deduction and increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents, raising an additional $300 million."His solution is always more
taxes on hardworking Oklahomans," Stitt responded. Stitt said finding more money for state agencies will require cutting waste, stronger leadership and wisely spending
$1 billion in new revenue coming to the state this year. "Our economy is starting to boom but our state has not captured that growth like it should," Stitt said.
"Mr. Stitt is doing what any good salesman would do, he is trying to tell you what
you want to hear," said Edmondson, who added increasing taxes was the only way to truly invest in the state.
"There he goes again," Stitt responded. "It's always about new revenue, new taxes."
Source: The Oklahoman on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial debate
Oct 25, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Create a level playing field for competition
Cornett discussed the importance of moving away from the oil and gas industry to provide revenue for the state. Stitt noted he would strive to create a level playing field for competition.
Cornett is expected to gain support from the independent oil industry, while Stitt would be backed by Chamber of Commerce members and the largest oil producers.
Source: Ballotpedia.org on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
Aug 28, 2018
Mick Cornett:
History of developing budget based on needs of the community
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.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign website Mick2018.com
Jul 4, 2018
Chris Powell:
Market-led recovery better than stimulus
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stimulus better than market-led recovery"?
A: Strongly oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Joe Maldonado:
Market-led recovery better than stimulus
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Stimulus better than market-led recovery"?
A: No.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Gary Jones:
Cut budget without losing core services
"We have to be fiscally responsible and cut out all unnecessary expenses, but we also have to have enough revenue to fund core services," Jones said. "If you turn me loose today, I could show you some areas where we could make cuts
and not lose core services." Jones said he thinks many state agencies are top heavy with excessive administration, His own agency's budget has been slashed from $5.9 million in 2010 to $2.9 million this year.
Source: US News and World Report on 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
May 8, 2017
Gary Richardson:
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
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021
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