By Rep. Scott Fetgatter
After speaking with many of you throughout the campaign, I continued to hear a common theme. I kept hearing that you feel forgotten. Several of you expressed that you feel like your voice hasn’t been heard. Others commented on how you feel removed from the process. If there is one thing that I want to make sure the people of House District 16 understand it’s this: I am here for you.
As you know, I am new here at the Capitol. Much of this first half of session will be spent figuring out how I can best serve each of you. I have already spoken with many of my colleagues, Capitol staff, and Republican leadership about the challenges that face rural Oklahoma.
I am encouraged to see that a majority of the members are ready to find a way to get teachers the raise they deserve. I expect this to be one of the first issues that the 56th Legislature will begin to tackle when the session officially begins Feb. 6.
Another area that I plan on spending my time addressing is economic development in rural communities. I am currently working with Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Deby Snodgrass to get a better understanding of how her team can work with my office to benefit the people of House District 16.
I believe one of the best traits of citizens of rural Oklahoma is that they are hard workers. However, too many of you haven’t had the opportunity to work hard in a job that pays a decent wage. Finding ways to attract new businesses to rural Oklahoma will be the quickest way to change this, and I am going to do my best to make this happen.
As I am learning more and more about how the Capitol operates, I am slow to make many promises to you at this point. However, I can promise that this won’t be the last you hear from me. My number one goal this legislative session to ensure that each of you is informed about what is happening at your state Capitol because I am here for you.
Rep. Scott Fetgatter represents District 16 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which consists of Muskogee, Okmulgee, Tulsa and Wagoner Counties.