Gary Richardson in 2018 OK Governor's race
On Crime:
Alternatives cost less than imprisonment
During a forum last week in Oklahoma City, the candidates were asked what steps they would take as governor to reduce the number of people incarcerated in Oklahoma. That total, which has been growing for decades, stands at roughly
27,000. On a per capita basis, the state's incarceration rate ranks No. 2 nationally; we lead the country in female incarceration rate. All the candidates mentioned the need to find innovative ways to deal with nonviolent offenders, who
make up the majority of those behind bars.Tulsa attorney Gary Richardson noted it costs the state about $23,000 per year to house an inmate, while alternative programs for those suffering from poor
mental health or addiction cost about $5,000 annually. "We've got to get smart with how we deal with these problems," he said.
Source: The Oklahoman on 2018 Oklahoma gubernatorial race
May 3, 2018
On Drugs:
If people vote to legalize medical marijuana, I'll honor it
Gov. Mary Fallin announced that State Question 788 will be on the June 26 statewide ballot, which also will include primary races for governor and many other offices. Republican candidate Gary Richardson, of Tulsa, said, "I have said from the beginning
of my campaign that the people are the ultimate legislative body according to our state constitution and as Governor I will honor the will of the people when they vote on SQ788 this June."
Passage of the question would allow people with a state-issued medical license approved by a board-certified physician to possess certain amounts of marijuana.
The question would also establish a regulatory regime for growing and selling marijuana. Medical marijuana is legal in 29 states and the District of Columbia; Oklahoma has never voted on the issue.
Source: The Oklahoman on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jan 8, 2018
On Crime:
Opposed to private prisons; focus on justice, not jail
Q: How would you fix Oklahoma's prison system?Johnson: "We improve the criminal justice system by removing the situation that got us here: the war on drugs."
Johnson then went on to decry the amount of women locked up in Oklahoma, saying it
then leads to children without mothers who go to schools where counselors aren't available. It perpetuates a cycle, she said, that is in part fueled by private prisons.
Richardson: "I am opposed to private prisons.
As governor, I would institute a one-week training program for every new prosecutor based on the fact that it's about justice, not throwing people in jail."
All of the candidates agreed on a few questions, including that civil asset forfeiture is wrong without a conviction and the state government should not be involved in a person's religion or choice to have no religion.
Source: Norman Transcript on 2018 Oklahoma governor debate
Jan 7, 2018
On Health Care:
Government has a role to play in mental health care
Q: What is the proper role of government when it comes to dealing with mental health?Richardson: We truly have to understand the problems that they have and not just excuse it off as something it isn't. I do believe the government has a role to play.
And I believe as governor you have to have a heart to truly make a difference in these peoples' lives.
Johnson: We need a department that is up to speed by 2020, when mental health will outweigh physical health as the leading problem facing our society
Source: Norman Transcript on 2018 Oklahoma governor debate
Jan 7, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Got 14% of the vote as Independent in 2002 Governor's race
It will be interesting to see if Republicans have forgiven--or even remember--Richardson's role in the 2002 gubernatorial election. Many Republicans blamed Richardson's entry in that race as an independent for Democrat Brad Henry's surprise victory.
In fact, a lot of the polling at the time indicated Richardson's populist message pulled as many votes from Henry as it did from GOP nominee Steve Largent.
Richardson's campaign message is very similar to the one he employed in 2002, when he received 14 percent of the vote.
Richardson has attacked the Republican-led Legislature's attempts to increase revenue through what amount to fee and tax increases, and vowed to eliminate the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jul 30, 2017
On Technology:
Eliminate the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority
Richardson's campaign message is very similar to the one he employed in 2002, when he received 14 percent of the vote.
Richardson has attacked the Republican-led Legislature's attempts to increase revenue through what amount to fee and tax increases, and vowed to eliminate the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority.
Source: Tulsa World on 2018 Oklahoma governor race
Jul 30, 2017
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