House District 93 race

Published: October 19, 2008

Helping small businesses, fighting crime and improving the state’s public schools are some of the topics being discussed in the House District 93 race.

Three candidates are vying for the seat held the past 12 years by Rep. Al Lindley, D-Oklahoma City. Lindley cannot seek another term because of term limits.

Mike Christian, a Republican, said illegal immigration and crime are key issues in the district.

Christian, who ran unsuccessfully for the House District 93 seat two years ago, said illegal immigration "is by far the issue that most residents want to discuss.”

Christian, who retired from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol because of injuries he suffered during a traffic stop, said he supports the state’s immigration law, House Bill 1804.

Christian said he would like to see more cooperation between law enforcement agencies in identifying gang members and developing a shared database of gang members.

More money should be directed to the state’s classrooms, Christian said, and ways to lower administrative costs should be explored.

Oklahoma’s teacher salaries should be at or above the regional average, Christian said.

Democrat David Castillo, executive director of the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said he would support tax incentives for small businesses.

Castillo, elected six years ago to the Oklahoma City School Board, said education is a main concern, along with finding a way to provide health care insurance for the elderly.

Increased state funding for public schools is a key factor for why he’s seeking office, Castillo said.

Castillo said he wants to increase teacher pay and thinks illegal immigration is a federal issue.

"I don’t see using Oklahoma taxpayer dollars for federal issues,” Castillo said.

"We could spend more money wisely helping people where it really hurts economically.”

Castillo also said he supports eliminating the sales tax on groceries.

Jack Cherry, an independent, said many in his district are concerned about illegal immigrants. He would back any legislation that would slow down illegal immigration.

The economy is the most crucial issue in his district, especially in the most culturally diverse areas, Cherry said.

He supports removing sales tax on essential food items, such as meats, vegetables, breads and fruits.

A default manager for Midland Mortgage, he said he supports tax incentives for existing businesses as well as for those looking to move to Oklahoma.

He said he supports legislation that promotes renewable and alternative energy.

More choices will drive the cost down for all forms of energy, he said.

Cherry said he could help bridge partisan gaps between parties.

"They do everything they can to undermine each other’s policies.”

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