Senator Gumm Wins Online Poll as “Best Politician in Texoma”
February 15th, 2010
OKLAHOMA CITY – KMAD Radio 1550 AM in Madill recently conducted an online “Best of” poll in which listeners would email the station with their choices for “The Best” in several categories.
Among the categories was “Best Politician in Texoma,” and when the results were counted, Senator Jay Paul Gumm was the overwhelming choice of KMAD listeners. The poll was open-ended, meaning voters were free to vote for any elected official or candidate for office at any level.
Gumm – who represents all of Bryan, Johnston and Marshall counties, most of Coal County, and a portion of Atoka County – said he was deeply honored by the recognition by the people he represents.
“During my seven years in office, I have worked hard to stay in contact with the people I represent and listen to their concerns,” he said. “Working together, we have cut taxes, improved education, protected children, saved our water and kept our local economy as strong as possible even in the face of a worldwide economic slowdown.
“None of that would have been possible without the counsel and support of the people my family and I are so blessed to serve. This is an honor that means the world to my family and me.”
Gumm was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2002, and quickly became a force at the State Capitol. In his first session, working with local citizens, he successfully passed the landmark bill – Senate Bill 288 – which prevented the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer from being plundered by large metro areas.
During his service as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Gumm wrote and passed the two largest tax cuts in Oklahoma history. Continuing his work on taxes, Gumm was a primary legislative sponsor of the Oklahoma Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which became law after years of work.
He has been the “Legislator of the Year” for the Oklahoma chapter of the Disabled American Veterans in honor of his work to provide benefits to Oklahoma’s veterans. Also, he has been recognized by local veterans’ organizations and the 1-180th Infantry Battalion for his support of the Oklahoma National Guard.
The Oklahoma Rifle Association named him “Senator of the Year” for his unswerving support of the right to keep and bear arms. In 2006, he received national attention for his bill imposing the death penalty or life without parole on repeat child molesters. That measure was approved by the Legislature and signed into law in June of that year.
The lawmaker is a tenacious advocate for public schools, which he says allows “every child to become what God intends for them to become.” Also, he has been a tireless supporter of measures that would provide insurance equity for children suffering from autism.
Gumm, his wife – Deena – and four-year-old son – Jacob – make their home in Durant.