DUNCAN — Why are you the most qualified candidate for the position you seek?

Biggs — My experience growing up and living on a farm today, working as a small business loan officer and as a prosecutor makes me the most qualified. I know and live the core values that I learned on the farm, and have taken those values and hard work ethic with me to my professional life, which is evident by the recognition and respect I have received from colleagues and stakeholders.



Byte — I’m a fourth generation Oklahoman. My roots are deep here. I attended college in Oklahoma, and built a business from the ground up right here in our great state. I feel my lifelong connection to the state coupled with my experience and education will make me a great asset to HD 51 at the Capitol.



McKinney — Three reasons: First I am the only candidate in the race to have successfully grown a failing small business into a recognized leader in a Fortune 500 industry.

It demonstrates an understanding of the pressures that small businesses have in Oklahoma, the importance of meeting payroll, and the requirement of strong customer service. My constituents are my customers. Second, I am the only candidate in the race with elective experience.

I serve as mayor of Central High, and as a small rural community, I have dealt with issues my opponents have not. Third, I am the only candidate in the race to have been active in civic efforts. I serve on the board of the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Steak and Burgers Youth Charities and chair several local events. This demonstrates an ability to lead, to organize and to implement successfully.



What – if any – liabilities must you overcome to best represent Duncan and Stephens County?

Byte —  Too many people want to maintain the status quo. As a Representative, pushing against that and facilitating real and lasting change will be challenging.



McKinney — I am unaware of any liabilities that I must overcome to represent the district.



Biggs — I stand firm in my beliefs and values, which is sometimes unpopular with some people.



How will you maintain contact, understand local issues and best represent the views of residents in Duncan and Stephens County?

McKinney — First, I will be accessible. My door will always be open to the constituents of District 51. I want to know what people think about issues and how I can help them. Second, when elected I will hold periodic town hall meetings throughout the entire district that will give the people of District 51 the opportunity to hear updates on what is happening at the Capitol, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions. It is important for a State Representative to be visible in the community. I will maintain a high profile in my entire district when elected.



Biggs — I have been and will continue to be open to any and all questions, calls, and emails from all of the individuals living in the counties I represent.



Byte — I will maintain my business in Chickasha, which serves the people of HD 51. I’ll attend meetings and events throughout the District. I’ll read, research and make informed decisions on every bill and also remain in contact with the constituents by answering phone calls and emails.



Will you maintain an office in Stephens County? Will you provide direct telephone or electronic access?

Biggs — If budget allows I will plan to have an office in Stephens County.



Byte — I will have direct email and phone access with all constituents.



McKinney — I will have an office in my home. I will provide a direct telephone number and email for all my constituents to reach me.



If elected, is there a core group or inner circle of advisors, individuals, counselors, groups or organizations on whom you will rely for information and support? If yes, please list.

Byte — I will answer to the people of House District 51.



McKinney — First and foremost, I will listen to the people in the district. Other than that, I plan to seek advice from people like Ed Apple, who has vast knowledge of not only the inner workings at the Capital as a former State Representative and Corporation Commissioner, but who also has great insight into how to move Oklahoma forward.  

Secondly, I would form a formal advisory group after election from citizens throughout the district who represent a varied mix of demographics and interests. They could be invaluable to have as a sounding board on issues and challenges within the district.



Biggs — My family and constituents have and will continue to be the core group that I turn to for help and support.



What does Duncan and Stephens County need to become an even better place to live and to work? How can you help make that possible?

McKinney — Stephens County is a great place to live and work, but we can always improve and the number one priority must be jobs. I will work with the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) to help existing businesses expand and recruit new businesses to Stephens County. We are exporting our most precious resource — our kids and grandkids in Oklahoma — to other states for jobs. We need to make sure that jobs are here for them when they complete school.



Biggs — In my opinion, two things: First, continue to support the cornerstones of the Oklahoma economy that helped us through this difficult economic time, energy and agriculture. The second priority should be growth. Growth of not only small businesses and employment opportunities in this area, but also growth of our communities and the state, which is essential if we are to continue to prosper.



Byte — In my experience as a small business person, I understand first-hand the restrictions and burdensome regulations placed on us by big government. I can help cut through this ‘red tape.’  



What is your most important focal point related to the future of the district you seek to represent?

Biggs — In my opinion the most pressing issue is education, and that issue is tied directly to budget decisions. Budget issues must be based on the essential services government should provide, education, public safety, and transportation infrastructure. At the same time these decisions must be evaluated and structured with economic prosperity in mind. Oklahoma has a relatively small budget with many important needs, including education. The current budget devotes a significant portion of that budget to the education system, which I believe is broken. The answer to fix education is not to put more and more money into it, several steps must be taken to make the education system one that helps attract business and families to Oklahoma.



Byte — My top priority is improving efficiencies in our education system, and making sure our tax dollars are being effectively spent.



McKinney — This district is rural, and because of that it has challenges and issues that urban areas in our state don’t. I believe rural Oklahoma is a great place to raise a family. I want to preserve that, but we must have jobs in rural Oklahoma. I believe the most critical focal point in District 51 is economic development. We must create an economic environment that will foster business growth in the district.  



As Oklahoma becomes a more urban state with decisions determined by legislators and lobbyists from metropolitan areas, how will you make certain rural voices like those in Duncan and Stephens County are heard?

Byte — I will answer to the constituents of HD 51, as was intended by the creators of our Constitutional Republic. As a rural Oklahoman, I am personally familiar with these concerns.  



McKinney — First, the key is making sure we elect people from those rural areas. With redistricting, a number of formerly rural house districts now have urban population in the district. Second, I would organize a ‘rural Oklahoma caucus’ when I am elected whose membership would include those State Representatives and State Senators whose districts are not in the urban areas to discuss the issues that rural Oklahomans face.



Biggs — I live on a farm in the rural part of a county, and the rural values and way of life is something I will protect for future generations.



Education seems to be the answer to every question related to Oklahoma’s future. How will you ensure schools in Duncan and Stephens County are properly funded, teachers are properly challenged and rewarded for excellence in the classroom and students are given opportunities to achieve their potential?

McKinney — Education is very important and I have always been a supporter of our schools. I believe we need to properly fund common education in Oklahoma and reward good teachers. Education success means we will have economic success. I think we need to make sure we do hold our schools accountable for educating our kids and spending our tax dollars wisely.



Biggs — The answer to fix education is not to put more and more money into it. Several steps must be taken to make the education system one that helps attract business and families to Oklahoma.



Byte — I will work daily to make sure that our education dollars are effectively spent and that waste is limited.



The creation of new jobs, the recruitment of new industry and the support of existing industry remains a priority for Duncan and Stephens County. How can you help in each of those important areas?

Biggs — My time as both a small business owner and small business loan officer has provided me with a unique perspective of the business environment. I believe a good way to strengthen the business climate is to look to our surrounding neighbors and see what has worked or what has failed for them in the area of economic development. It is not a matter of reinventing the wheel, but of concentrating and marketing the outstanding qualities this area offers. The small town environment, close proximity to a metropolitan area, easy access to good transportation, and most importantly the strong work ethic of individuals and employees in the these towns are a great tool that should be marketed to businesses and help our community grow.



Byte — As a small businessman, I have first-hand experience with the rules, regulations and the burden of an overreaching government. Sensible regulation encourages growth, and I’ll encourage small business growth while at the Capitol.



McKinney — As I mentioned in a previous question, I will work with Lyle Roggow and the DAEDF to help our existing businesses and recruit new business to the area. As a legislator, I will work to make sure we create a competitive business environment in our state.



Do you favor a reduction in or elimination of the state income tax? Why or why not? If yes, what methods do you recommend for maintaining services that could be reduced or eliminated by the loss of revenue?

Byte — Yes, but sensible cuts must be made to match the loss of tax revenue.  



McKinney — I favor an “eventual” elimination of the state income tax, but we need to be careful on how it is done. Currently, a portion of the state income tax is earmarked for teacher’s retirement and other retirement programs. We already have issues on underfunded public employee pension plans in Oklahoma. We need to fully address how those services and programs that are currently benefiting from the income tax will be funded when the income tax is eliminated. I believe in “supply side economics.” Revenues will increase if we give the money back to the private sector, but we need to be very specific on what cuts in government we will be making as the revenues go down.



Biggs — I am in support of the progressive removal of the state income tax, as long as it is a removal of the tax and not merely a tax shift. Cutting the taxes without reductions in spending is not the answer we are looking to make. Also the proposed removal of tax credits and incentives as a way to make up for the lost revenue is not the answer. Potentially taking away the credits for volunteer firefighters, parents saving for their children’s education or basic immunizations is not the answer.



Do you support state incentives for economic development? If so, what requirements would be necessary?

McKinney — The tax credit issue has been a controversial one at the legislature. I favor tax credits/incentives if they create new jobs. If they are just a tax dodge and don’t produce jobs for Oklahomans, they should be eliminated. The communities in District 51 must compete with cities and towns across the country who have a multitude of incentives for recruiting industry. That is reality. If Oklahoma is going to be competitive, we must have incentives, but those incentives must create real jobs.



Biggs — Tax credits and incentives can play an important and vital role in the community. Some credits such as the tax credit for rural volunteer firefighters to help cover cost of training, allow us the opportunity to show support for their hard earned efforts are certainly worthwhile. Incentives that play a key role in recruiting businesses and creating jobs for area while allowing the community to grow should be maintained.

The continued support of tax credits and incentives is important to Oklahoma.



Byte — I support incentives for growth, but we must be careful those incentives aren’t abused.  



Retail development remains a challenge for Duncan and Stephens County. What ideas do you have for addressing that problem? How can you help in attracting more businesses and services?

Biggs — The use of state and local incentives is key for economic development both for industry and retail locations in Oklahoma.



Byte — I will work with city leaders throughout the District and support legislation at the Capitol to spur economic growth throughout HD 51.



McKinney — Retail outlets follow population. When a major retailer evaluates an area for a location, they basically use just two factors — population and per capita income. If the projections don’t show that outlet to be profitable, they will pass on that community. We must build our population and per capita income in Duncan and Stephens County if we expect to attract major retailers. Job growth and economic development are intricately tied to retail growth.



Halliburton has been an essential component of Duncan and Stephens County for decades. Do you know its current leadership? How can we strengthen our relationship? Are there ways we should express our commitment and appreciation for its value to our area?

Byte — I support companies that bring jobs and revenue to Stephens County and HD 51.  



McKinney — Halliburton is a great partner to Duncan, having been founded here by Erle P. Halliburton in the 1920s. I have met several of their current executives at the Duncan Manufacturing facility and have worked with them on the Western Spirit Celebration project. Halliburton’s long term commitment to our area and their contributions to the energy sector should be recognized by not only those in Stephens County, but by our state leaders. I would work to make sure that happened.  



Biggs — While knocking hundreds of doors I have met several people who work for Halliburton, and I look forward to meeting with all of my constituents.



Is there a message you would like to share with readers of The Banner and residents of the district?

McKinney — This job fits me and I know I would be an effective legislator. I would work tirelessly without the hindrance of another job to serve the citizens of this District. Senator Sykes believes that and has endorsed me. I have truly enjoyed this campaign. I have met some great people and the experience has been wonderful. I have met people on their doorstep and in coffee shops, at the park and on Main Street. I look forward to serving as your State Representative.



Biggs — Rosslyn and I have been honored to meet hundreds of neighbors. I am a conservative who believes government is too big and it is jeopardizing future generations in Oklahoma.

Together we can reduce the size of government, lower our tax burden and stop Obama’s socialist agenda. I’m 100 percent pro-life and I support traditional marriage. Our rural way of life is under attack from bureaucrats in Washington D.C. and Oklahoma City who think they know what is best for us. Let’s return power to the citizens, to determine their own fate and their own lives. I would be honored to have your vote on June 26.



Byte — I have two daughters and I want them to have the opportunities that I have had. Oklahoma is doing well—we can do better. As the Representative for HD 51, I’ll work daily to ensure the American Dream is preserved for my children and yours.