Roger L. Jackson - Candidate for Oklahoma Governor - 2010 Roger L. Jackson is a lifetime Oklahoma resident who has been married to his wife, Karen Sue, for 31 years. He received his bachelor of business administration degree in marketing from the University of Oklahoma in 1973.
Career edit
Roger was a member of the National Office Machine Dealers Association (NOMDA) for 20-years and was also the President of the Oklahoma Office Machine Dealers Association (OOMDA).
Roger worked for a family owned and operated office equipment company for 23 years, nine of which he was the owner. He was also an account executive with Southwestern Bell Yellow Pages in Oklahoma City. Finally, Roger worked for three Oklahoma liquor wholesalers: Jarboe Sales Company, Dixie Liquor and Central.[1]
Civic Involvement edit
Roger and his wife, Karen Sue, have been long-time members of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. They have also been involved with the United Way, and have set a trust in place for the University of Oklahoma Foundation and Oklahoma State University Foundation.
His robust business experience has given him insight into many of the needs and obstacles Oklahoma businesses face, being instrumental in allowing liquor sales in Oklahoma on election days.[2]
Campaign for Oklahoma Governor - 2010 edit
Roger L. Jackson loves Oklahoma, and believes in its citizens ability to prevail, even through the hardest of times, as they have shown time and again. His campaign focuses on the Oklahoma budget, and re-establishing a surplus of funds. Investigating a wide range of issues, he will work to increase jobs and revenue, as well as addressing Oklahoma's educational shortcomings through the following issues:[3]
Issues edit
Tax Revenue
- Liquor Sales on Sunday – Allowing liquor stores to operate on Sundays will lead to more jobs, more revenue for local businesses as well as increased sales tax revenue.
- Higher Alcohol Percentage in Oklahoma Beer – This will keep money from leaving Oklahoma’s borders, increasing sales tax revenue and the overall amount of money in our economy.
- Medical Marijuana – Following Colorado and other state’s examples, Oklahoma could increase tax revenue, provide jobs and reduce the number of non-violent offenders in our correctional system.
- Wine Sales in Grocery Stores – Will provide more revenue for stores as well as more sales tax revenue. Additionally, this will bring in more businesses that thrive on wine sales, such as Trader Joe's, to Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s Economy and Budget
- State Salaries – State employee salaries need to be reviewed. In some cases, employees are drastically overpaid for the services rendered.
- Vendor Contracts – State vendor contracts need to be examined. Oklahomans need reassurance that their money is being used as efficiently as possible.
- Agency Consolidation – In some cases, redundant work is being performed by many state agencies. This needs to be evaluated, and addressed, where appropriate.
- Corporate Tax Rate - Thirteen states and most countries have lower corporate tax rates than Oklahoma. To help existing local businesses, as well as encourage new businesses to enter our economy, this rate must be reduced.
Education
- Reducing Unnecessary Superintendents and Administrators – Oklahoma’s 530 school districts find themselves over-encumbered with unnecessary superintendents and administrators. Last year, our 530 superintendents cost taxpayers $51M. With a better balance of superintendents to students, education funds can be devoted to where they are most needed: students.
- Increasing Oklahoma Teacher Salaries – Oklahoma loses many of its excellent teachers to surrounding states, where they can make higher salaries. This issue must be addressed if for the sake of Oklahoma students.
- Exploring Alternative Teaching Methods – Technological innovations allow supplemental teaching through the use of software, as well as satellite learning from centralized locations. This would allow many more students to be reached by professional speakers and specialized classes.
Health Care
- Competitive HMO’s – Taking new bids on HMO’s for state employees could reduce state health care expenses by as much as 40%.[4]
References edit
External links edit
- Candidate Takes Aim at State Salaries - Edmond Sun[1]
- Jackson: The State Gubernatorial Candidate No One Knows Yet - The Express Star[2]
- Oklahoma's State Finances Worry Gubernatorial Candidates - NewsOK.com[3]