By Mindy Ragan Wood
Staff Writer

Republican candidates for House District 41 are knocking on doors and taking phone calls from voters who are speaking their mind about the issues that matter most.

Education was a heated subject for Oklahomans who did not want to see taxes raised and from those who supported House Bill 1010xx. The bill is the largest tax hike in recent history and was used to pay for teacher and staff raises.

“The main things I’m hearing from the community and stakeholders is number one education. Since we put most of dollars (now) in education, people are concerned about how that’s being appropriated,” said Charo Guillory, 35, of Piedmont.

Guillory is an award winning American sign language interpreter who has, from the beginning of her campaign, been outspoken about education issues, in particular special services for the disabled.

“Everything comes out of education and that leads to economic development,” she said.

“Out of that comes concern about our most vulnerable population and barriers to access in their education that kicks the can down the road where they have to utilize services to live an independent life.”

The other concerns she has heard have been criminal justice and mental health issues. Oklahoma is number two for the highest incarceration rate and number one for incarcerated women in the nation. Criminal justice reform measures were passed in 2016, but advocates demand more.

“Criminal justice reform and mental health issues, those again come out of education and working with the special needs population,” Guillory said. “When someone has no language to express themselves in society, that leads to frustration and mental health issues, and tracking them into the criminal justice system.”

Denise Crosswhite-Hader, 53, of Yukon, said voters have made it clear they are concerned about high taxes.

“A lot of what I get is of course people are very concerned about not paying more taxes, concerned about what are we doing with the money we already had,” Hader said.
Hader and other candidates across the state have been outspoken in their support of demanding performance and budget audits of state agencies that siphon most of the budget for core services.

Education did not escape Hader’s notice as she knocked on doors.

“Some are interested because they are a teacher, some because of their children,” she said.
Voters also spoke to Hader about constitutional carry, especially those “who live out in rural areas,” she said.

“Lots of people just want to be left alone. I tell them that I want government to be as efficient and as small as possible. I would rather be consistent and let someone know who I am than try to give the answer everyone wants to hear.”

Hader said even people who have disagreed with her views have said they will vote for her.

“It’s humbling when you have a great conversation with someone and you respectfully state why you disagree with them and they say they’ll still vote for me, because I talked with them and they see my work ethic,” she said.

Infrastructure was another issue Hader kept hearing on the campaign trail and she said it’s an issue she knows well. Hader is a legislative staff member who works for the Insurance Commission.

“I dealt with infrastructure issues and that’s where government serves best,” she said.
Laura Griesel, 32, of Piedmont, is one of many teachers who decided to seek office after the teacher walkout.

“It seems like most people want to know where the money in our state is going and what’s going to happen with the education budget, Griesel said. “I don’t think these are new issues, but the teacher walkout has definitely put a spotlight on the budget. I’m a classroom teacher, so it’s a problem I’ve known about first hand for a while. I’m glad it’s getting the attention it deserves and I hope I can help fix it.”

Roxanne Pollard, 63, of Waukomis, said she has heard a variety of issues from voters.

“Number one is education. Secondly, it’s criminal justice reforms and anther one is the health care issues, specifically not being able to afford to have health care with seniors and with younger people. They’re over that maximum amount needed to be in the Insure Oklahoma program so they fall into that window,” Pollard said.

She plans to tackle those issues and agriculture concerns.

“I feel fortunate that I have a little piece (of experience) in each of those areas. I know there’s a lot of issues, but it will be prioritizing those and see where they all fall,” she said.

Pollard is a certified surgical technologist assistant. Her family owns a registered Angus cattle organization and a John Deere dealership. Pollard serves on the Autry Career Technology board and is a substitute teacher.

Candidates Greg Ingle and Karl Fahrenthold did not respond to requests for comment.