Thread by @FOIoklahoma

Debate will be in two parts. Candidates start with intro remarks and their thoughts on open government and transparency. Then we'll do questions from Dick Pryor, KGOU, and Alex Cameron, News9. You can also ask questions with #FOIOKDebate hashtag.

First up is GOP candidate @JonesOK2018. Introduces wife, Mary Jane. (Jones won FOI Oklahoma Sunshine Award in 2016.)
31 states are subject to Open Records/Meetings Act. But not Oklahoma. Will push to make Legislature come under act as governor. #FOIOKDebate

Next is Libertarian candidate @okcspowell. "Open records are very important to me." Notes he has signed @FOIoklahoma Pledge of Open Government. Encourages all other candidates to sign pledge. #FOIOKDebate

Now @DrewForOklahoma, who notes that he also signed Open Records pledge. Said he was a champion of open records/open meetings in his tenure as attorney general. Pushed to include cell phones by officials as public records if they contain govt. business.
#FOIOKDebate

Libertarian @GovRexLawhorn: Notes the current AG decision to keep a Tar Creek audit closed until pulled into court to make it open.
Also said he would push to include Legislature in Open Records/Meeting Act. Has "Open Friday" plan to meet with residents.

Now Blake Cowboy Stephens, who is running in the GOP primary.
"I'm a cowboy with a big heart...I have a real heart for Oklahoma, our country, our world." Decided to file for governor on the last day.
Wants to rebuild the state.

.@DanLFisher, GOP: Notes past experience as lawmaker: "I know why government doesn't want to be transparent...If they saw what was done in House or Senate, they would be infuriated."

Now Libertarian @joe_exotic: "You the people should have the answers. Gov, Senate, House should be open Monday to Friday to ask questions...We have got to fix Oklahoma."

Last, but not least, Republican Christopher Barnett. He talks about one of his open records requests and a lawsuit.
"We have so many loopholes in the Open Records Act." Wants to update the act and have all agencies follow the law. #FOIOKDebate

Introductory remarks over, we now have questions from students.
Q: What are your plans for educational funding.
A: @okcspowell: More authority at local level within reach of parents.
A: @DrewForOklahoma: Put gross production tax at 7 percent; cigarette tax at $1.50.