2018 OK Governor's race: on Education
Drew Edmondson:
$300M more for education and healthcare systems
Both Democrat Drew Edmondson and Republican Kevin Stitt agreed the state's education and healthcare systems need more money but disagreed over where the funding should come from.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.
Edmondson called the $1 billion "a bogus number" that includes money already dedicated for services.
The two candidates agreed that school consolidation should be left up to local districts, recreational marijuana isn't right for Oklahoma and that teacher pay should be increased.
Source: The Oklahoman on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial debate
Oct 25, 2018
Kevin Stitt:
Schools are bloated with administration & too many districts
Stitt signed the Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform which includes a plank on "Structural Reform": We want structural reform to transform and eliminate governmental dysfunction, duplication and corruption. 500+ school districts are too many.
Schools are bloated with administration. 500+ Agencies, Authorities, Boards, Trusts and Commissions are too much. Too many unelected officials are making decisions that affect taxpayers.
Education and health would be better served by a dramatic downsizing of state bureaucracies, with more decisions made locally.
We want fair legislative operating rules that do not abridge the right and responsibility of legislators to represent their constituents. Needed government services should be efficient and user-friendly.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
Jul 4, 2018
Mick Cornett:
Says teachers deserve raises that equal the regional average
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.
Source: 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial campaign website Mick2018.com
Jul 4, 2018
Tom Coburn:
Schools are bloated with administration & too many districts
Coburn authored the Oklahoma Taxpayer Platform which includes a plank on "Structural Reform": We want structural reform to transform and eliminate governmental dysfunction, duplication and corruption. 500+ school districts are too many.
Schools are bloated with administration. 500+ Agencies, Authorities, Boards, Trusts and Commissions are too much. Too many unelected officials are making decisions that affect taxpayers.
Education and health would be better served by a dramatic downsizing of state bureaucracies, with more decisions made locally.
We want fair legislative operating rules that do not abridge the right and responsibility of legislators to represent their constituents. Needed government services should be efficient and user-friendly.
Source: OKTaxpayersUnite press release: 2018 Oklahoma Governor race
Jul 4, 2018
Chris Powell:
Strongly oppose vouchers for school choice
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Strongly oppose.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Joe Maldonado:
No vouchers for school choice
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: NO.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Oklahoma Governor candidate
May 15, 2018
Gary Richardson:
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
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021
Beshear(D)
vs.