Jenkins, Seifried discuss top priorities

Chelsea Weeks, Claremore Daily Progress, Okla.
·4 min read

Jun. 25—Keith Austin, Jarrin Jackson, Coy Jenkins and Alley Seifried face off in the Republican primary for Oklahoma Senate District 2 seat Tuesday.

Incumbent Marty Quinn is term limiting out of the seat.

If no candidate receives 50% plus one of the primary vote, the election will go to a runoff Aug. 23.

The general election will be held Nov. 8.

The Daily Progress sent questions to each candidate. Austin and Jackson did not return their responses by deadline.

Seifried and Jenkins answered these questions:

1. Why do you consider yourself to be the best candidate for this office?

JENKINS: I have spent my entire life and career trying to provide social, emotional, and economic support and advantages for members of the communities where I have assumed an active role and responsibility. Arguably, unlike other individuals, I do possess experience and unique skills, which are very different from others. And, therefore, I am confident that I have the knowledge and ability to provide solutions to issues and concerns, in an effort to resolve conflict. It should also come as no surprise that I am most approachable, I constantly make myself available to everyone, and I do have a proven record for meeting accomplishments.

SEIFRIED: I am a strong, passionate conservative with the business sense, political experience, and community knowledge to make a difference for Oklahoma. I know what it takes to fight for traditional values and put American interests first. I'm from here, I know the people, and I have the skill set.

2. What do you consider to be the most important issue that you plan to address first?

SEIFRIED: Having knocked thousands of doors, I can tell you the most important issues facing the district truly are the outrageous Biden policies — whether it's the tanking economy, rising gas prices, supply chain issues, or threats to our rights. It's imperative that we have bold conservative leadership to represent the people of District 2 and push back against the liberal policies coming from Washington, D.C. daily.

JENKINS: Inflation relief. But, we have to continue to be alert and prepare for other sudden economic and social challenges. That's why it will be important, as well, for me to seek making improvements in education, transportation, and public safety.

3. Why do you consider this a top priority?

JENKINS: Inflation Relief should be considered a top priority because if individuals are having to spend so much of their disposable income on everyday necessities, including food, housing, and gasoline, they will not have enough money left to allow them to enjoy a well-deserved quality of life.

SEIFRIED: My family owns eight small businesses in the district in various sectors. I know the challenges that business owners face and will fight to reduce regulations and job-killing red tape. We have been & will continue to be invested in this community, and the Biden policies are threatening our Oklahoma way of life.

4. How do you plan to address that issue should you win the election?

SEIFRIED: As the next state Senator, I will defend constituents from federal government overreach and mandates, empower parents to make the best decisions for their children and increase economic development in the area. I'm willing to step forward and make a difference. Our values matter. It will be a tough fight, but it's worth it.

JENKINS: plans to address Inflation Relief by continuing to reduce the costs associated with living and conducting business in the State of Oklahoma. He suggests keeping the tax burden low, support measures to improve supply chains, and removing some of the restrictions being placed on transportation. "And, we absolutely have to identify and correct methods of government waste, in order to prevent contractual controversies like Swadley's Bar-B-Q and Epic Charter Schools, from ever happening again.

5. How do you think this will impact your district?

JENKINS: If Oklahoma can correct Inflation Relief, the State can continue to compete with other States, in a variety of areas, including education, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy. Make no mistake about it. All of us have an obligation to pursue priorities, which will encourage our children and grandchildren to remain in our State, raise their families here, as well, and embrace the promise and future of Oklahoma.

SEIFRIED: Our district is growing. Having grown up here, I've witnessed it personally. I do not want us to go backwards, I want us to grow and move forward. I believe Oklahoma's best days are in front of us, but only if we stand strong. It would be an honor to serve the people of this community at the State Capitol.