Former City Councilor Chris Medlock announced today that he will be a candidate for State House District 69, a seat currently held by Fred Perry, who has reached his term limit. The district overlaps with the eastern portion of the City Council district he represented, and extends west of the river to include Jenks and Glenpool.
Lest you think this is a whim, Chris has aspired to serve in the legislature for a long time. His first run for public office was for this very seat, in a special election in 1994. This is the first time the seat has been open since that time. When he first ran for City Council in 2003, he had in mind serving the remainder of that term, one additional term, and then running for House 69 when Fred Perry hit his term limit.
His plans took a detour last year. He successfully turned back the recall attempt, then was urged to challenge Bill LaFortune for Mayor.
After four elections in a little over three years, it would be understandable if he and his family chose to take a break from electoral politics. But it's likely that whoever wins the primary in this heavily Republican district will go one to win the seat and serve 12 years. That's a long time to wait for another chance.
I think Chris would make an excellent legislator. The Republican caucus needs more members who will keep it committed to conservative and free-market principles.
Chris Medlock understands that being pro-business means providing an environment in which all businesses can thrive, not making special deals for special interests. The fact that Republican leaders haven't declared the plan to give $30 million in tax credits to redevelop a lakefront resort (Shangri-La) dead on arrival tells you that we need more Republican legislators who can recognize, expose, and block deals like that.
The fact that SB 1324 and HB 2559 have gone as far as they have is an indication that we need legislators with city government experience, who will protect cities from the impositions of state government. And even during his mayoral campaign, Chris was talking about the importance of Tulsa and Oklahoma City legislators working together to develop an urban policy for the state, to better serve the needs of our largest cities.
Chris Medlock would be a great choice, and he has my support.
Comments (2)
I'm glad that Chris is running. I think he'll make an excellent State Representative. I hope all of House District 69 voters turn out for Chris!
Posted by Bob | May 21, 2006 8:34 AM
Posted on May 21, 2006 08:34
Chris has strong conservative credentials, a demonstrated ability to understand complex issues and the independence to pursue sound public policy. I have strong confidence that he would do right by district 69 and his broader responsibility for Good Government, however, he stated in a Mayoral debate, to the surprise of some, that he supported Regionalism. I suggest to Chris that it would be helpful if would explain fully what regionalism means to him and what urban policy he would pursue at the Capitol.
Posted by Twatch | May 22, 2006 2:48 PM
Posted on May 22, 2006 14:48