Accessible, Accountable, and Always Fighting for the People

One of the strangest rumors being circulated during this campaign is the claim that I am somehow unavailable to the people I represent. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Since the day I was elected to the Oklahoma Senate, I have made it a priority to be accessible to the citizens of Senate District 34 and to any Oklahoman who reaches out seeking help. When constituents email me, I almost always respond personally. Over the last 4 years, I have called and spoken directly with countless citizens who had concerns, questions, or problems they needed help solving.

In fact, it is not uncommon for a constituent to send an email to all 48 Oklahoma Senators. More than once, I have taken the time to answer their questions only to receive a response back saying, “Thank you. You are the only Senator who replied.”

One example that stands out involved a business owner whose company operates in Senate District 34, even though he lives in another Senate district. He had contacted his own Senator regarding an issue affecting his business but was unable to get the help he needed. When he reached out to me, I listened to his concerns and worked to help him navigate the problem. His response was simple and direct: “Wow, what a difference. You are a Senator willing to fight for the people.”

That is exactly what I was elected to do.

Being available to constituents means far more than simply attending a few public events. Throughout my time in office, I have attended numerous Chamber of Commerce meetings, met with grassroots organizations, participated in local FFA events, attended school meetings in both Tulsa and Owasso, and met with city officials from communities across the district. I have also spoken with many businesses, who have had concerns or wanted me to tour their facility. Over the last year I have been to several meetings for a small group of constituents who are fighting stone quarries, as well as meeting with a few constiuents privately about this issue. The truth is there have been so many meetings, conversations, and community events that it would be impossible to list them all on one page.

I have helped constituents resolve issues involving state agencies, government regulations, education concerns, business challenges, and countless other matters. Some of these issues make headlines or make it to a Facebook post. The majority do not. What matters is that people know they have a Senator who will listen and work to find solutions.

Many people throughout the district know me as a Senator who genuinely cares about the people he serves. That reputation was not created through campaign advertisements or political consultants. It was earned one conversation, one phone call, and one constituent at a time.

It is also worth noting that one of the individuals helping spread the rumor that I am unavailable has personally contacted me several times in the past when he needed assistance with an issue. While we did not always agree on the best solution, I was there to answer questions, discuss options, and help where I could. Even those who disagree with me politically know that I am willing to engage, listen, and work through problems.

Public service is not about hiding behind an office door. It is about being present, being accessible, and being willing to fight for the people you represent. The people perpetuating this false rumor have an alterior motive.

That has been my approach from day one, and it will continue to be my approach as long as I have the privilege of serving the citizens of Senate District 34.

My door is open. My phone is on. My email works. And if you need help, I will do everything I can to assist you.

That’s not a campaign slogan. It’s how I’ve served from the very beginning.