Earl Sears Announces -- Feb. 24, 2006 -- Collinsville, OK -- www.cvilleok.com

2-20-06 Press Release
District 11 State Representative 2-20-06

I am announcing today that I am seeking election for the seat which will be vacated by Representative Mike Wilt at the end of the 2006 legislative session. Representative Wilt has been an exemplary legislator for our district for the past 10 years, and his leadership will be missed in our state government. I am asking today for the opportunity and great honor to represent the citizens of District 11 to ensure our values, ideas, and opinions are represented at the state capitol.

Bartlesville has been my home for 53 years, and it is where my wife, Jane, and I have raised our two children, Ryan and Hollye. As a City Councilman for Ward 3 for four years, and an active private citizen for more than 35 years, I have worked on numerous projects, and I have been actively involved with issues that have improved the quality of life we enjoy every day.

For 31 years, I have had the distinct honor and privilege of serving the Bartlesville community as a teacher and a principal at Central Middle School. Words cannot express the immense gratification I have received from serving the students, parents, and teachers with whom I am associated. Being an educator in the community where I grew up and serving as principal in a school I attended has been a great source of personal and professional pride.

As my educational career draws to a close, I want to continue to serve the citizens of my community; this position provides me the opportunity to continue working for the people of my community and of District 11.

My family has called the communities of District 11 home since before statehood. The values by which they lived are the values which guide my life: love of God and family, hard work, honesty, and integrity. Those same values will go with me to the State capitol.

I have always served this community and its surrounding areas with passion and integrity. I will represent all of the citizens of District 11 with that same passion and commitment. If you give me the responsibility of serving you in our state government, I pledge to be committed and accountable to you.

My basic beliefs are straightforward and intentional:

I promise your tax dollars will never be taken for granted, and responsible spending of those tax dollars will be at the core of my decisions. In addition, I will search for ways to reduce the tax burden.
I will make education a top priority; education is the cornerstone of our society, and we must have a strong educational program for all our children. I will always advocate local control on educational issues.
I will promote and support avenues that encourage growth of small businesses, the expansion of existing businesses, and coordination of new businesses and industries in Oklahoma, and the creation of jobs to ensure a better quality of life for the individuals and families in our communities and state.
I will always hear and accurately represent your ideas and concerns.
If elected, I will always remember how I arrived there, the trust you instilled in me, and the responsibility I have to you, the people of District 11.

As this campaign unfolds, you will hear and receive more information about my positions and my person. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any issue or question you have.

Thank you in advance for your support and faith.

Earl Sears