Oklahoma governor stops at Beaver County Stockyards

The Oklahoma Panhandle took center stage when the state’s governor thanked farmers, ranchers and the agricultural community for their support during the past eight years.

Gov. Kevin Stitt, who will finish his second term, stopped July 15 for an “eggs and issues” breakfast at the Yard and Table Cafe inside the Beaver County Stockyards in Beaver, Oklahoma. He is pictured at top in a photo by Bettye Lovelace.

The governor spoke to about 65 people at the stockyards’ cafe, where he was well received. He said his background prepared him for his successful election in 2018 and his re-election in 2022.

The Oklahoma State University graduate started Gateway Mortgage Group, now known as Gateway First Bank. He considers himself a political outsider who had a vision.

He recalled the struggles Oklahoma faced in 2018 while states such as Florida, Texas, and Tennessee were thriving. Oklahoma experienced a teacher walkout in 2018, and the state was running budget deficits. Encouraged by Oklahomans, he decided to run for governor.

“Our Founding Fathers didn’t think politics was going to be a career profession. It should be about service,” he said.

Whether a person was a successful farmer, rancher or business owner, after serving the state or country, they should be willing to return to the private sector, he said. Oklahomans embraced Stitt’s approach as a nonpolitician who brought a fresh set of eyes to the frustrations they faced.

Stitt said Oklahoma is the best state to live, work, and raise a family. Oklahomans embraced his view that the state should be business-friendly and pro-agriculture.

“Let’s get government out of our lives,” he said. “Let’s let the free-market system work.”

The state achieved $3.7 billion in savings, and he said it has cut taxes by $2 billion, which shows that when businesses grow, the state’s revenue also grows.

Stitt spoke for about 25 minutes. Following his remarks, he took questions from the audience.

Stitt said he recognized the toll wildfires earlier this year had taken on local resources after a fire chief described the strain on firefighters and their equipment.

Stitt said changing the way state resources are deployed has been a focus and one he hopes will continue. He said that in 2024 too many assets were deployed in eastern Oklahoma, but that has started to change as officials recognize Oklahomans want as many water hoses as possible to stop wildfires, regardless of where they are in the state.

He said the state should consider setting aside some money from federal disaster proclamations to help rural fire departments.

Attendees also asked about ad valorem taxes, data centers and how the state should approach them.

He also endorsed Mike Mazzei, of Tulsa, as his Republican choice in the August primary.

Stitt also praised Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur for her work and support and said he hopes the state’s next governor considers keeping her in a Cabinet position.

Editor’s note: Account Representative Bettye Lovelace provided the audio for this story.  Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].

Beaver County Stockyards: https://www.beaverstockyards.com/

Govern Stitt: https://oklahoma.gov/governor.html