SCGOP FISH FRY IS MAY 19TH!

Weekly Opinion/Editorial

UNSELFISHNESS IS RARE TRAIT!

by Steve Fair

   It is less than eight weeks before the June 26^th primary election.  Between now and then, where two or three are gathered, there in the midst will be political candidates, extolling their honesty, integrity and experience.  They will be smiling, friendly and accessible.  Enjoy it because there are many you will not see again until they are up for re-election.  Accessibility and interest in you and yours often ends once a politico has your vote. 

     There are ten Republicans running for Governor in 2018.  Six of those candidates have been running for a year.  Those six will be participating in a forum in Duncan at the 14^th annual Stephens County GOP Fish Fry on Saturday May 19^th at the Fairgrounds.  This event has become the largest single gathering of Republicans in the state outside of a state GOP convention.  Because of the number of primary voters attending, every serious candidate for statewide office will be in attendance.  The SCGOP intentionally keeps the admission price low to insure affordability for anyone interested in attending. 

     While the GOP governor’s race has a crowded field, there are also GOP primary races for 4^th district Congress, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor, State School Superintendent, Labor Commissioner, Insurance Commissioner, and Corporation Commissioner.  There are a total of twenty two (22) candidates are on the ballot for those offices.  The Stephens County Fish Fry presents a unique opportunity to meet, visit and question those candidates one on one before the primary.  Everyone is invited, but registered Republicans should seize this opportunity to see some many candidates in one spot at the same time- and of course, they get to eat some fish.

     In my opinion, political candidates should be evaluated using the C.E.A.T. method.  C is for character.  It goes without saying that a candidate must be honest, a person of integrity and character.  It is amazing how many people run who have skeletons in their closets and those doesn’t always fall out until after their election.   E is for experience.  A candidate must be qualified to do the job they are running for.  If they don’t have the background, training, or education, then they shouldn’t be considered.  Elected officials should not be novices and learn on the job.  A is for accessibility.  They be responsive after they are elected.  They should return phone calls and follow up in a timely way.  There shouldn’t be a firewall of staffers, protecting them from their constituents. T is for temperament.  They should be able to keep their head when those around them are losing theirs.  They should be able to maintain their composure under pressure. They should take their work seriously, but not themselves seriously.  Of all the attributes, temperament may be the most important.  Can they stay in the background and let others take the credit?  Unselfishness is a rare trait in modern public servants, but if the voters made it a prerequisite for election, Oklahoma would be a better state.