State Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre and State Rep. Jabar Shumate (Dem., Tulsa) have both done magnificent jobs not only in vigorously representing their districts, but in proving themselves to be strong advocates for the betterment of all Oklahomans.That is why both of them receive our endorsements today.
Working together (and simultaneously pursuing individual courses that contribute greatly to advance education, health care, crime-fighting and protecting the elderly), State Sen. McIntyre and State Rep. Shumate have made us proud as they have proven themselves to be outstanding legislators.
In fact, we cannot remember the time when their districts were so outstandingly represented, and they have pursued the responsibilities of their offices as few of their predecessors managed to do.
As for State Sen. McIntyre, she has allowed her background as a social worker and as a longtime member of the Tulsa school board to help guide her as she selected legislation to sponsor, as well as legislation to champion and support.
As a consequence, State Sen. McIntyre has been found working to improve both public school education and the salaries we choose to pay our teachers. She has been campaigning, telling voters in District 11 that she strongly supports vocational and technical education, and she’s been telling the truth.
In addition, State Sen. McIntyre has been found working tirelessly to make certain that Langston University at Tulsa continues to get a fair shake, and she has also been found working to support the goals of Oklahoma State University at Tulsa.
Her support of charter schools has accented State Sen. McIntyre’s commitment to education, as well.
State Sen. McIntyre has supported legislation which she believes will increase funding for HIV/AIDS programs for minorities and for everyone else, and she has worked to increase founding for Medicaid, child care and early childhood development programs, and for initiatives that improve protections for the elderly.
As for State Rep. Shumate, he has made, as he puts it, several promises and he has kept all of them (“Promises Made, Promises Kept” is his campaign theme).
Even though, his party is now in the minority in the State House of Representatives, State Rep. Shumate’s personal integrity and decency have made it possible for him to be especially effective as a legislator, and as someone who can cross party lines to get legislation considered and passed.
While he has worked vigorously to achieve affordable health care, to fight for the interests of the elderly and to fight for education issues, State Rep. Shumate’s seemingly innate leadership abilities have been tapped by everyone from the governor to Republican and Democratic leaders of the State House.
As a result, he is assistant Democratic leader in his chamber of the Legislature, is chairman of at least one significant subcommittee, and the governor has appointed him to serve on the Oklahoma Affirmative-Action Review Council.
This young man almost single-handedly led the effort to turn-back the efforts of those who tried stealthily to change Oklahoma laws that allow for affirmative-action programs. We should not forget that State Rep. Shumate became the loudest voice heard to unveil the deceptive tactics being used by the anti-affirmative-action agitators, and he helped defeat them.
In short, State Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre and State Rep. Jabar Shumate have served us well, and Tulsans in District 11 and District 73 would be wise to give both of them their support when they vote in the Democratic primaries on Tuesday, July 29.
Let both of them continue to serve.
