MOORE — The candidates for state House District 54 agree that age and experience are important issues in this month's primary. But each Republican candidate thinks the 39-year age difference between them works in his own favor.
Incumbent Paul Wesselhoft, 60, says his experience in life and as a two-term state representative are what makes him the better choice. His challenger, Dustin McGowen, 21, counters that his youth will bring a fresh approach the Legislature's needs.
McGowen says Wesselhoft gained his experience in a broken legislative system; he's only experienced in doing things the wrong way.
"I can bring new solutions to old problems, but still maintain the conservative values the citizens of District 54 hold dear to their hearts,” he said.
Wesselhoft says McGowen can't understand what his constituency needs without gaining more life experience first.
"I'm a retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger,” Wesselhoft says. "I spent seven years with the state Department of Health. And only then did I run for public office.”
What they agree on
There are least some issues on which the candidates agree. Each advocates smaller government and lower property taxes.
Wesselhoft says he'd like older residents of his district to not have to pay property taxes.
"I'm not sure what that age is,” Wesselhoft said. "But at some age, by golly, in the United States you ought to be able to own your own home and the government should stop taxing you on it.”
McGowen points to new homebuilding in the Oklahoma City area, saying new growth can support a 2 percent reduction in property tax rates.
"If you're widening your tax base, you're getting more revenue, and there's no need to keep the tax rate the same,” McGowen said.
No Democrat or independent candidate filed to run for the post, so the winner of the July 29 primary will be elected to office.
No comments:
Post a Comment