FROM LEFT: Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei/Photos by Amarillo Pioneer Staff
Oklahoma voters got a better look at the two candidates in the Republican primary for governor during a televised debate on Monday night.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former State Sen. Mike Mazzei met for a debate on Monday hosted by Griffin Media. During the debate, the two candidates duked it out over issues like state income taxes, public education, and a proposed smelter plant.
On Taxes
Drummond, a combat veteran and former prosecutor, expressed opposition to eliminating state income taxes during the debate, saying it would lead to dramatic increases in sales taxes. He said issues like education and healthcare would need to first be addressed before the state moved toward eliminating income taxes.
Mazzei, who positioned himself as a fiscal hawk, argued that in order for Oklahoma to compete against states like Texas for job growth, the income tax must be eliminated. Mazzei also went further, arguing that he will also support eliminating property taxes for seniors and veterans.
On Education
Regarding public education, Drummond expressed strong support for public schools and expanding access to early childhood education programs. He also stated that the state must fund public education adequately and seek solutions for schools serving both urban and rural communities.
Mazzei, meanwhile, pledged that he will hire a statewide literacy director and seek to reproduce Mississippi’s successful educational system overhaul. Mazzei said this begins with emphasising phonics-based reading in the classroom.
On the Proposed Smelter Plant
A proposed smelter plant in the rural community of Inola was also a significant source of debate between the two candidates. The $4 billion proposed project, which has received some opposition in the Inola community, would be one of the first smelters built in the United States in more than 40 years. The project is a joint proposal from Century Aluminum Company and Emirates Global Aluminium.
Drummond, who had previously filed a lawsuit to stop the project, expressed concerns that the project could impact the local agriculture community. He also expressed concern about the funding behind the project, saying the project would “[give] 350 acres of land to a Muslim monarchy.”
Mazzei, meanwhile, expressed support for the project, highlighting what he says would be the project’s expected job creation. He says the project could bring more than 10,000 jobs to Oklahoma. His position is notable, as he originally opposed the project during the first round of the primary election.
The Republican runoff is scheduled for August 25th. The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Cyndi Munson in November.