Oklahoma Governor Candidates Spar on Taxes in Lawton Debate

From Left: Gentner Drummond, Chip Keating, Charles McCall, and Mike Mazzei/Photos by Amarillo Pioneer Staff

Four of the leading candidates for Oklahoma governor squared off in a debate Thursday night in Lawton, hosted by NonDoc Media.

The debate, titled “Primary Function,” featured Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former House Speaker Charles McCall, former Public Safety Commissioner Chip Keating, and former Oklahoma State Sen. Mike Mazzei. Tres Savage of NonDoc Media was the main moderator of the event.

During the debate, the four candidates clashed on a variety of issues, including taxes, water security, public corruption, and public education.

On the issue of taxes, McCall advocated for eliminating the state’s income tax, while also making significant cuts to the state’s property tax. Likewise, Mazzei also argued for making tax reductions. Meanwhile, Drummond argued against eliminating any specific taxes, instead saying that economic growth in the state is the quickest way to tax reductions. Keating also argued for making significant reductions to state spending, in addition to pushing for tax cuts.

Another issue of interest was whether the Oklahoma Legislature should provide funding for public television in the state. Incumbent Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed funding for public television twice, having his veto overridden once. Drummond was the most supportive of passing funding for public television, calling it a public safety issue. Keating and Mazzei both expressed skepticism about passing funding for public television, while McCall was non-committal on the issue, but the former speaker still expressed his support for public television.

On the issue of public education, all four candidates agreed that education must be a top priority for the state in the coming years. Mazzei argued that one of the biggest issues in the state’s educational system is the presence of leftist administrators. Drummond defended public school teachers, making the argument that they are the backbone of the state’s economy.

All four candidates also worked to present themselves as the most qualified person to handle the challenges facing the state. Drummond argued that his background as a prosecutor and business owner makes him the right candidate to tackle the state’s public safety challenges. Keating argued that he is the only true outsider in the race, while stating that he also knows how government works based on his time as public safety commissioner. McCall positioned himself as a fiscal watchdog, noting his work to balance the budget as speaker. Meanwhile, Mazzei pointed to his experience running a successful financial planning business as evidence that he is best prepared to handle the state’s finances.

While the four candidates squared off in the auditorium at Cameron University, a fifth candidate was also outside talking to voters. Former State Sen. Jake Merrick, who did not qualify to participate in the debate based on polling criteria, was out in front of the venue, shaking hands and answering the questions posed by voters.