Why Do You Want To Run For Senate?

I have been asked this question by many, many people; even my wife. As you know, I have been involved in the government affairs arena for over 10 years. When you consider my volunteer time, it has been over 25 years. I have really enjoyed this part of my life and most people consider me just a "Political Junky". I don't have it as bad as some; I think I'm still sane.

A few years ago, I started studying the overall picture of our state government. Sadly, I really didn't like what I discovered. During the past 12 years; the time period of our term limits, our state budget has grown almost out of control from $3.4 billion in 1996 to $7.1 billion this year! Now I don't know about you, but I think that is a lot of money. I asked myself, what have we improved in our state by having spent more than twice as much of the "People's Money". It is with great concern that I must report we really haven't improved anything of importance during this past 12 years.

I found out that we have 136 state agencies in Oklahoma. We also have over 400 boards and committees across our state. Each of these agencies, boards, and committees, receive either financial appropriations or allocations of manpower or material resources. I have concluded that we attempt to do so much in Oklahoma that we no longer do anything well. I am tired of being 47, 48, 49, in so many important issues across the nation and I am mad enough that I want to do something about it!

I believe we must set priorities for our state and focus on the real role of state government. Of these 136 state agencies, and all the hundreds of boards and committees, I am convinced we can find ways to eliminate some and combine others. The savings will certainly be in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions of the "People's Money".

These savings won't just represent a financial savings, but will also result in a reduction of governmental interference into our personal and business lives.

I truly believe in a smaller, less intrusive government, and I am the man to fight for real results benefiting all Oklahoma citizens. I hope I can count on your vote July 29.

Thank You,
Jeff Applekamp

13 Days Left

Wow, the past four months have really been exciting. I have knocked over 4,000 doors and trying to get to another 1,000 before Election Day!! I have truly enjoyed meeting so many people and listening to the concerns of the voters in Senate District 35. The days have been long and hot, but I have been blessed with so many Good Samaritans throughout the district who have offered me cold water as I walked the neighborhoods; a very special Thank You to all of you.

I have had the opportunity to speak at several events and to several groups. I am proud to have earned the endorsements of the Oklahoma Conservative Political Action Committee, the Oklahoma State Medical Association, the Tulsa Firefighters Local 176, as well as individual endorsements from Tulsa Councilman Bill Christiansen, State Representative Sue Tibbs, and Republican Majority Floor Leader Gregg Piatt, just to name a few.

I have given a couple of newspaper interviews as well. I must correct the Oklahoman and their recent article about the 5 candidates. The accurately reported that I wanted to combine state agencies and save “The People’s Money”. But what they got wrong was what I would do with the savings. I will certainly fight to get it back to the hard working Oklahoma citizens who earned it, but the paper misquoted me saying I wanted to spend more on education. The closest thing I can figure is that I did state that Infrastructure, Education, and Public Safety were my top priorities. However, when it comes to education, I strongly oppose the idea that any more money is needed. Our legislators have failed education by simply trying to throw money at the problem rather than rolling up their sleeves and working to fix the problem.

I look forward to hearing from you if you have any questions or concerns. Please call my cell phone, 760-4950, if you would like to discuss an issue or just want to share your views, or if you would like a yard sign.

Respectfully,
Jeff Applekamp