Whose Property Is It Anyway?

Whose Property Is It Anyway??

When I was knocking doors during the campaign, I met a man who told me he was greatly concerned with his home being a target for ever-increasing property taxes. He said that he and his wife were fortunate enough to pay off their home mortgage about two years ago. He said he always knew the amount of his property taxes, but didn’t think about it much because they were a part of his mortgage payment. However, now that he doesn’t have a monthly mortgage payment, he now has to put over $400 per month in savings so that he can pay his property taxes at the end of the year! They live in south Tulsa, the highest taxed property in our state. He said he and his wife are not old enough to qualify for the senior citizen protection of freezing their property taxes, but are greatly concerned with the potential of increased burden of higher and higher property taxes!!

I spoke with another couple who said when they purchased their home about 9 years ago, their property taxes were approximately $6,000 per year. Now, their property taxes are over $9,000, a 50% increase!!!

Currently it takes a supermajority for an increase on a school bond; however there is a strong effort underway to reduce that to a simple majority. One school superintendent is quoted in the Tulsa World; "For 15 years, I've lobbied the (state) Legislature regarding the supermajority for the fact that I believe it is very undemocratic,” and the school board president at the time is quoted; "I think it should be just a simple majority".

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Todd Hiett, told me there have been several attempts to reduce the supermajority, and the last time it was defeated by only one vote. He reminded me that originally, only property owners were allowed to vote in elections that would increase property taxes. That measure was determined to be unconstitutional and was replaced with the supermajority rule to help protect property owners.

There seems to be no satisfying the appetite of government for our money. As citizens, we are expected to submit to the whims of elected officials whenever they say they need more money. But where is the accountability??? Don’t label me “anti-education” just because I oppose property tax increases. Show me you have spent your current dollars prudently and that there is a genuine need for new money before you expect me to just fall in line.

I am currently working with Oklahoma Legislators to find a member who will author a bill to protect our homes and property. Not only do I want to keep the supermajority before we ever see an increase in property taxes, I say we must require a minimum turnout of 25% of the registered voters, within the district being taxed, for the vote to be validated. A school board cannot take any official actions without a quorum present. A city council cannot take any official action without a quorum being present. Our Oklahoma State Legislature cannot take any official action without a quorum being present. The Oklahoma State Legislature even requires a supermajority of their votes before they can pass a tax increase.

I realize we cannot make people vote. However, there is a strong practice of finding election dates that will likely produce a low voter turnout and then working hard to only get out those supporting the measure. This change will require those wanting the measure to truly inform the voters and educate them of the genuine need.

I am glad that we, as a state, have put in measures to protect senior citizens from ever-increasing property taxes. I think it is now time to put in place measures to protect all of our homes and property from being the targets of hungry bureaucrats and elected officials. After all it is our home and our property.

Please contact your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to protect your property and support these requirements.

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

Stimulus Package ??

Stimulus Package ??

On January 18, President Bush asked for $145 Billion worth of tax relief to give the economy a “shot in the arm.” The House passed a bill which raised that to $161 Billion last week. Yesterday, not to be out done, the Senate attempted, but failed, to pass a $204 Billion bill.

Here is a quoted article from the AP yesterday;

“Senate Set to Act on Stimulus Package
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate could act as early as today on an economic stimulus plan, and the White House is watching closely to see how much is added to a House measure favored by the administration.
The Senate is looking at some $40 billion worth of add-ons, including tax rebate checks for disabled veterans and seniors on Social Security. The House version would provide larger rebate checks to fewer people.
The White House takes a dim view of the horse-trading but Press Secretary Dana Perino says that's the way the legislative process works. Perino says if the package is to help revive a flagging economy, rebate checks need to be mailed out as soon as possible.
The House overwhelmingly passed its $161 billion package last week. The Senate voted 80-4 Monday evening to advance that package, setting the stage for consideration of its much larger proposal.”

As I have thought about this over the past weeks it has been discussed, I have been amazed, shocked and disappointed in our political process; or as Perino says “…the way the legislative process works.”

The idea of an economic stimulus started out simple enough, seemed to have merit, and an action our President and Congress should take. However, it quickly got bogged down in the process and has now become another bridge to nowhere.

First off we need to change the way the legislative process works. I am suspicious of how many incumbents are only supporting this measure to go home and tell you they personally sent you a check; what a waste of mine and your tax dollars.

If, as a “shot in the arm”, we want to get money into the hands of consumers we need to do it immediately. The best estimate for these checks to arrive, even if the wrangling stops, is mid to late summer.

Let’s think outside the box. Congress can pass a bill to instruct employers to immediately suspend Federal Income Tax withholding from paychecks until each employee receives $600. For those who are self-employed, they can simply subtract $600 from their current quarterly tax payment. Congress can include necessary language to change the tax code so that taxpayers aren’t penalized next year when filing their 2008 tax returns.

How simple. And this will put additional dollars in consumer’s hands starting with next week’s paychecks. These dollars will more likely be used for the purpose of stimulating the economy rather than one large check that will come some time in the future.

This will save us, The American Taxpayer, from borrowing $200 Billion from another country.

This will save us, The American Taxpayer, from paying interest on $200 Billion.

This will save us, The American Taxpayer, millions of dollars it will cost to print checks and pay the postage to deliver them.

Now that this has stalled, we have time to fix this, fix it right, and get the “legislative process” out of the way.

Respectfully,

Jeff Applekamp
American Conservative

Announcement

I officially announce my candidacy for Oklahoma State Senator, District 35.

I am a Conservative on fiscal and social issues. I would like to inform you of my position on a couple of issues. While basic, these issues are crucial and I consider as priorities. These best define me and explain my desire to serve the citizens of Oklahoma.

Government
I believe in “Government Of The People and By The People”. Government is to serve the People. Government should be small and focused on their role. It should not hinder Families, Business, or our Freedom of Religion.

Taxes
I reject the term "government funds" and I will work to make sure all legislators and agencies acknowledge that it is the "Peoples Money". I will never lose site of the fact that every dollar of our state budget comes from a hard-working Oklahoman. I will be a good steward of YOUR money. This is just an introduction to the issues that are important to me and why I am committed to doing my part in our state.

Please contact me if you have any questions. My promise is that I will always give you an answer without doing a political dance around the issue!

Sincerely,

Jeff Applekamp Candidate for Oklahoma State Senate

I Am Proud To Be A Republican

Republicans have a long and rich history with basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home.

From the Beginning
Abolishing slavery. Free speech. Women's suffrage. These are all stances the Republican Party, in opposition to the Democratic Party, adopted early on.

The First Republican
With the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860, the Republicans firmly established themselves as a major party capable of holding onto the White House for 60 of the next 100 years.

The Bull Moose
Assuming the presidency when McKinley was assassinated in 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt busied himself with what he considered to be the most pressing issue, ensuring the Republican principle of competition in a free market.

Leading The Way On the Issues
Republicans fought to abolish slavery, give blacks equal rights and then the vote. Many Republican politicians risked their careers on that period's "third rail" of politics.

Republican Women
Once again the Republican Party was the vanguard in relation to women. In 1917, Jeannette Rankin, a Montana Republican, became the first woman to serve in the House.

The Republican Party was born in the early 1850's by anti-slavery activists and individuals who believed that government should grant western lands to settlers free of charge. The first informal meeting of the party took place in Ripon, Wisconsin, a small town northwest of Milwaukee. The first official Republican meeting took place on July 6th, 1854 in Jackson, Michigan. The name "Republican" was chosen because it alluded to equality and reminded individuals of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party. At the Jackson convention, the new party adopted a platform and nominated candidates for office in Michigan.

In 1856, the Republicans became a national party when John C. Fremont was nominated for President under the slogan: "Free soil, free labor, free speech, free men, Fremont." Even though they were considered a "third party" because the Democrats and Whigs represented the two-party system at the time, Fremont received 33% of the vote. Four years later, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to win the White House.

The Civil War erupted in 1861 and lasted four grueling years. During the war, against the advice of his cabinet, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves. The Republicans of the day worked to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, which outlawed slavery, the Fourteenth, which guaranteed equal protection under the laws, and the Fifteenth, which helped secure voting rights for African-Americans.

The Republican Party also played a leading role in securing women the right to vote. In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women's suffrage. When the 19th Amendment finally was added to the Constitution, 26 of 36 state legislatures that had voted to ratify it were under Republican control. The first woman elected to Congress was a Republican, Jeanette Rankin from Montana in 1917.

Presidents during most of the late nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century were Republicans. The White House was in Republican hands under Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush. Under Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, the United States became the world's only superpower, winning the Cold War from the old Soviet Union and releasing millions from Communist oppression.

Behind all the elected officials and the candidates of any political party are thousands of hard-working staff and volunteers who raise money, lick the envelopes, and make the phone calls that every winning campaign must have. The national structure of our party starts with the Republican National Committee. Each state has its own Republican State Committee with a Chairman and staff. The Republican structure goes right down to the neighborhoods, where a Republican precinct captain every Election Day organizes Republican workers to get out the vote.

Most states ask voters when they register to express party preference. Voters don't have to do so, but registration lists let the parties know exactly which voters they want to be sure vote on Election Day. Just because voters register as a Republican, they don't need to vote that way - many voters split their tickets, voting for candidates in both parties. But the national party is made up of all registered Republicans in all 50 states. They are the heart and soul of the party. Republicans have a long and rich history with basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home.

The symbol of the Republican Party is the elephant. During the mid term elections way back in 1874, Democrats tried to scare voters into thinking President Grant would seek to run for an unprecedented third term. Thomas Nast, a cartoonist for Harper's Weekly, depicted a Democratic jackass trying to scare a Republican elephant - and both symbols stuck. For a long time Republicans have been known as the "G.O.P." And party faithfuls thought it meant the "Grand Old Party." But apparently the original meaning (in 1875) was "gallant old party." And when automobiles were invented it also came to mean, "get out and push." That's still a pretty good slogan for Republicans who depend every campaign year on the hard work of hundreds of thousands of volunteers to get out and vote and push people to support the causes of the Republican Party.

I am proud to be a Republican. I realize that not every individual calling themself a Republican will always display these principles. I realize that I will not always agree with every individual calling themself a Republican. I won't be distracted or swayed by the actions of others. I am a Republican, I will always fight for these principles, and I will always be a Republican.

Jeff Applekamp

Runoff Election, August 22, 2006

I hope you voted today. Sadly, the estimate is that only 4-13% of registered voters will actually go vote.

4 to 13%? Makes you wonder how they came up with those numbers. Why not just say approximately 10% will vote. It would likely hit the number either way. But the sad fact is that 10% of the registered voters will decide for all those who don't participate. And I say registered voters because there is still an even larger numbers of citizens who aren't even registered.

I don't know what issue it is going to take to get people involved in their Democracy. Taxation doesn't seem to be major enough. Social issues don't seem to be major enough. You would think illegal aliens would be enough, or maybe the direction for our state and nation.

One sad item to think about; January 30, 1933, Hitler was elected Chancellor of Germany with about 28% of the vote.

Thank You

I want to say a special Thank You to all who voted for me and those who helped me and supported me throughout this campaign. I am proud of our effort. I was always honest in my information to the voters and never attempted to deceive the public.

I was especially pleased with the number of phone calls and contacts I received this past week before the election; over 100 e-mails to my web site on Sunday and Monday. I know voters were trying to investigate my position on the issues. I was running on the issues, some very specific issues, and I will continue to fight for the issues. If our legislators do not begin setting priorities so that we can see accomplishments in crucial areas we will continue to erode. I know Oklahoma is better than that and the citizens deserve better than that.

I will begin picking up my signs today. However, I will be keeping them. If we don’t see the type of representation necessary for the success of Oklahoma, you will be seeing that red apple popping up in 18 months.

Thank You,

Jeff Applekamp

Basic Philosophy

Thank you so much for calling with questions. I encourage you to call or write me any questions you have on my legislative view points. My promise, If you ever want to know where I stand on an issue all you have to do is ask. And, you won't walk away wondering what I just said.

Jeff's Basic Philosphy:
Protecting the Rights of the Individual
Protecting the Property of the Individual
Limiting government spending and taxes to only "real" needs
Limiting government interference in the lives of the citizens
Believes that with Rights come Responsibilities
Believes that my Rights end when they interfere with your Rights

Marriage

I have always believed the definition of marriage was one man and one woman. I didn't need a vote of the majority of Oklahoma citizens to make me support that idea. I believe God made Adam and Eve for a purpose.

I have been asked why I didn't send in the survey I received from the Gay and Lesbian Organization. When I read their questions I couldn't even bring myself to take the time to write a response. I couldn't support a single item they addressed.

I oppose gay marriage. I oppose gays adopting children. I oppose gays being classified as a demographic.

Eminent Domain

I will fight to protect property owner's rights. Eminent Domain must only be used when it is in the public good. That does not include the construction of a new shopping mall just to have new sales tax dollars!

Just like it's the "People's Money", it's the "People's Property", and I will fight to defend and protect what is yours. You have worked hard for what you have and you should know it is safe; even from legislators.

Illegal Aliens

I am excited about the amount of telephone questions I am receiving today and tonight. It is great that voters are taking this interest in selecting their candidates.

On Illegal Aliens; First off, I do not like the term Illegal Immigrants or any term that is only designed to be “politically correct”. Political correctness has failed us and it is time we abandon that whole idea.

We are a country of laws and we must insist that those who come here obey our laws! I believe that people coming to America should do so with the desire to become an American. They ust leave their culture, their language, and especially their flag behind. I will fight against the expense of printing state information, literature, street signs, etc., in any language other than English.

I believe there is more to the story than “They do work that Americans won’t”.

They create a tremendous expense on our social services, our schools, our hospitals. And the fact that children of illegals qualify for “in-state” tuition at our state college is horrendous!

Our welfare programs still promote a non-work attitude, and this has made jobs available for illegals. I was recently talking to a masonry contractor while knocking doors in the district. He told me two men came to him asking about working just a couple days a week. When he asked if they had other jobs and needed to moonlight, one man responded he had a woman who gets a check and free rent, all he needs is a little money to buy smokes and beer!!!!!! Take this away and those Americans will work those jobs.

We have a country and a culture worth defending; it is high time we stand up and defend it. I will always defend it with legislation that protects the principles of our founding fathers.

What sets me apart

As I have spoken with voters in the past few days, I have received the question, "What sets you apart from other candidates?"

The easiest way to summarize what sets me apart is my experience. I have 25 years of Business Manager experience with 10 years of Government Affairs Manger experience. I started my career at PSO as a meter reader at the age of 19. I maintained a full-time job and attended college at night. I earned my Associate Degree in Business Administration from Connors State College. I earned my Bachelor Degree in Business Administration / Accounting from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. And I earned my Master Degree in Administration from SEOSU as well. I advanced through management at PSO and eventually became their Lobbyist and Government Affairs Manager. I spent the majority of my time working at the Oklahoma State Capitol.

I have first-hand knowledge of the working and activities at our Capitol. I have been blessed with endorsements from various legislators and leaders; Conservative Leaders. As they have said, my knowledge will make me effective from day one.