FOI Oklahoma was founded to educate the public and officials about rights guaranteed by the state's open government laws.
Apr 28, 2018 • 8 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: Studies show benefits of early childhood education. What is your view on this and how do you prioritize?
Lawhorn: Focus on age 3-5 and recognize their strengths and weaknesses. Put more into the system by cuttting number of superintendents.
Apr 28, 2018 • 8 tweets • 1 min read
New question: What can governor do to enhance open meetings, open records.
Edmondson: Wants Legislature subject to the act. Wants an ombudsman in gov office to call for help in open govt.
Apr 28, 2018 • 6 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: Should marijuana be decriminalized?
Powell: Vote for medical marijuana state question, SQ 788. But too many people are in criminal justice system on drug offenses.
Edmondson: Difference between decriminalize and legalize. We already took a step toward decriminalization in 2016 state question on criminal justice reform.
Apr 28, 2018 • 7 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: Recent legislation focused on adoption and religion. How does your interpretation of 1st Amendment address religious liberty.
Jones: We need to focus on the children.
Powell: We have a lack of foster and adoptive parents. We have freedom of religion and orgs have right to operate as they choose, but they don't have right to do that on public dollar.
Apr 28, 2018 • 7 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: How would you make sure Oklahoma schools are safe?
Barnett: Fully support 2nd Amendment. Make sure teachers are able to support students.
Jones: Educators should be properly trained if they carry firearms.
Powell: Our schools are safe, and we need to stop scaring folks. Points out more accidental deaths than mass shootings.
Apr 28, 2018 • 9 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: OK economy is expanding, but many residents don't have skills. What are best ways to connect jobs with people.
Joe Exotic: Where I'm from, the economy isn't exactly booming. People can't get a ride to work. Big difference between city economies and rural economies. Teach people to function as normal human beings first before asking what business wants.
Apr 28, 2018 • 8 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: Balance free speech and religious freedom in schools?
Fisher: Stop feds and states have too much power in schools. Let districts run their schools. Return control to the people.
Apr 28, 2018 • 5 tweets • 1 min read
First question from our audience:
Q: Will you promise not to use governor's power to keep records confidential.
Stephens: Not sure of question. Pass.
Fisher: Maybe some strategy sessions should be confidential. But I wouldn't need to claim executive privilege because I will be transparent.
Apr 28, 2018 • 9 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: After budget crises, what are your plans for a more accountable budget?
Lawhorn: we had shortfall because of our state's economy and reliance on oil and gas and giving incentives to wind industry. Diversify our economy and treat all companies fairly.
Apr 28, 2018 • 8 tweets • 1 min read
Next question: What are your thoughts on higher education funding?
Edmondson: We keep raising tuition. It will price some kids out of college. Revenues we raise in coming years need to go to common ed and higher ed
Lawhorn: Still giving $800 million to higher ed. That's significant for our state. Lots of expensive landscaping on campuses; luxury dorms. Prioritize spending we have.
Apr 28, 2018 • 10 tweets • 5 min read
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
