Alzada residents vie for county commissioner

My family and I have operated a full-time outfitting business in southern Carter County since 1993 and have resided in Alzada since 1999. Our two youngest children went to school in Alzada prior to graduating from the Hulett school system, and I am proud to say that both will make their home in the area this year.

In 2006, having had 11 years of law enforcement experience in Oklahoma, I accepted a reserve position as a deputy sheriff to assist with answering emergency calls. That position became full-time in 2010 and has continued to date. My familiarity with the whole county is important because each commissioner is tasked with making decisions for all areas and needs of the county.

We have witnessed many positive changes in our county in the last 10 years. Our roads and bridges continue to receive much needed upgrades. We have had major pipelines come through the county providing greatly needed tax dollars and we are currently slated to have more pipeline projects that will provide additional revenues.

I know that Carter County works hard and I believe that the tax money of our people should be used effectively to improve our county. My priorities include:

• providing resources for our aging population, including finalizing and completing plans on our community medical facilities and nursing home. We all benefit from quality health care through the employment it provides and the service it gives our population.

• encouraging recruitment and retention of young people by providing opportunities for business growth and good jobs that will encourage our youth to go to school and return to our community.

Accomplishing these goals will not be easy, nothing worthwhile is, and I am ready to represent you and Carter County. I ask that you place your trust in me by casting your vote for Mike Watkins, District 3 County Commissioner on June 5. Thank you.