With tragic shootings in the news both nationally and in Oklahoma, gun control is a hot topic. How will you approach gun rights in Oklahoma?
Duel - “I am a Constitutionalist, a lifetime NRA member, and I have received an AQ rating from the NRA, the highest rating a non-incumbent candidate can receive. I will stand against any form of gun control that infringes on our second Amendment right.”
Grider - Enacting gun control will keep guns out of the hands of law abiding citizens because criminals don’t obey laws. Further radicalized individuals will find a way to accomplish their plans regardless of means–look at the pipe bomber, Timothy McVeigh, etc. We need to protect the 2nd amendment that was guaranteed a right for all the reasons it was intended.
Trainer - “The 2nd Amendment is non negotiable. It’s a God given right and I will always respect it as such. I believe in law abiding citizens fully exercising their 2nd Amendment rights.”
How much emphasis will you put into upkeep and repair of roads?
Duel - “The upkeep and repair of roads and bridges is a core function of government. If elected, I will take the necessary steps to work with the county commissioners to explore how we can appropriate the maximum available funds for the upkeep and repair of our roads.”
Grider - I will work tirelessly to bring transparency to the roads and bridges funding, ensuring that all motor vehicle taxes go to that fund, and that we’re securing the finances guaranteed to us from that funding. Where are our taxes going? I think that’s the question people want answered and I’m going to find out.
Trainer - “I believe roads are single handedly one of the most discussed topics in Logan County. It’s a big issue and it matters to the constituents (including myself) who have to travel on these sub-par roads. I believe having meetings with constituents in an organized setting to effectively come up with solutions for better roads is the perfect place to start. Many times people have better ideas than one or two individuals and it’s important to hear those ideas.”
Inflation and gas prices are extremely high right now. How much relief can come from a state level and how will you combat the increases?
Duel - ”The out-of-control inflation and gas prices are the result of the policies of the current federal administration. Oklahomans are hurting because of those reckless policies. I would combat the inflation and increasing gas prices by deregulating, getting the federal government out of OKlahoma affairs, and encourage drilling in our state.”
Grider - I’d like to see what leases for oil and gas look like here in Oklahoma and if there’s anything we can do to help reduce red tape for oil companies. I’m also for freezing property tax rates for certain individuals on fixed incomes– like the retired and disabled–to help alleviate the effects of a federal regime bent on breaking the people.
Trainer - “I believe making it easier (cost effective) to do business (tax cuts & repeals of over regulation) as well opening up a business helps stimulate production therefore checks rising costs. It can be difficult to combat this solely from a state level though as we can see that much of what we’re affected by in the last 2 years has come solely from bad policy and executive orders and we’ve all had to suffer because of it. We do not operate apart from the federal government and therefore it makes it difficult not to be impacted by the current administration.”
What is the first thing you would do if you are elected?
Duel - “If elected, I would immediately partner with fellow constitutional conservatives at the capital to ensure that our traditional values are protected.”
Grider - If the ERIC system is still funded at the time, I will author a bill to defund it. Our poll books need to be kept on paper and in the dark until after the election. It’s been proven that online databases are hackable and this information should be kept secure to ensure election integrity.
Trainer - “I would like to have a meet and greet within different communities of Logan County. This can be in the form of community events block parties. To have a better, clearer idea of not just what issues that matter but moreover how to go about creating and executing a solution for said problems for the 2023 legislative session. There are many important issues but one must first understand what the most pressing needs are and then work from there.”
Why are you running for office?
Duel - “As a lifelong Oklahoman and resident of House District 31, I genuinely care about our state’s direction. I want to look my children in the eye and tell them that I did everything in my power to represent and preserve the traditional Oklahoma values that were instilled in me growing up in this very community.”
Grider - Right now we are fighting for the heart and soul of this nation and that fight starts in our own backyard. It’s the elite establishment vs. We the People. Our very way of life is at stake, our children are being indoctrinated, and the vulnerable are being financially strangled all because those in positions of leadership care more about their security and their agenda than our rights and our families. We need someone who is for us and will not compromise. Everything I’ve done is to show that person is me.
Trainer - “I’m running for office to properly and respectfully represent the needs of the constituents of Logan County and Oklahoman’s alike. I’m running to ensure that Oklahoma is kept a Christian Republican Conservative state. I’m running to defend, uphold and protect religious, medical and economic freedoms that are already ours and are not up for negotiation as we see the government increasingly more opportunistic at seizing the rights and liberties of the people. To be a voice for the voiceless.”