Neglected roads could provide path to House
Elections: Candidates say streets must be fixed
Neglected roads could provide path to House District 16

By Bryan Dean

Published: July 15, 2008

The two Democratic candidates for state House District 16 agree the state's failing roads and bridges are among the most important issues in the election.

Incumbent Jerry Shoemake, 65, of Morris and challenger James Bo Delso, 43, of Henryetta said the roads in their district, which includes most of Okmulgee County and portions of Muskogee and Wagoner counties, need help and the state must do something about it.

Shoemake, a rancher who has served as the district's representative the last four years, said legislators made some progress this year when they agreed to remove a funding trigger that tied the Transportation Department's funding level to growth in state revenue.

The change means the agency should get more money to fix roads and bridges across the state.

"That's a start, but we need to make sure that we put more into it every year,” Shoemake said. "If we don't get these roads and bridges straightened out in the next few years, it's going to start biting into our economy.”

Delso said the problem isn't just funding. He's frustrated that roads and bridges don't last longer, and he suggested the state build roads to a higher standard to begin with and save on long-term maintenance costs.

"I think you get what you pay for,” Delso said. "Roads are the same way. I know it's going to cost more, but you're going to get a better product.”

Delso also wants to see the state invest heavily in alternative forms of energy as a way to give residents a break at the gas pump.

Delso, who drives a truck fueled by compressed natural gas, said he wants the state to increase its fleet of natural gas vehicles and offer reimbursement programs for schools, local governments and private citizens who want to invest in wind and solar power.

"These systems will eventually pay for themselves,” Delso said.

Shoemake said his other priorities include raising salaries for the lowest-paid state employees and fully funding the state's teacher retirement system.

He said the Legislature should pay back a loan it took from the system several years ago and stop slashing the budgets of county governments by cutting ad valorem taxes.

"It's pretty easy to work on a balanced budget when you don't pay your bills,” Shoemake said.

There are no other candidates in the race.

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