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June 4, 2010

State Sen. Todd Lamb makes bid for lieutenant governor

Ada Evening News

Ada — By Justin Lofton

Staff Writer

ADA—Oklahoma State Senator Todd Lamb came by Ada on the campaign trail Wednesday during his run for lieutenant governor.

“It’s good to be back in Cougar country,” Lamb said.

The first Republican Majority Floor Leader in state history, Lamb said he’s confident he’s qualified and ready for the job of lieutenant governor.

“I’m really concerned about the economy of Oklahoma,” he said.  He said he wants to focus on three things he believes will help Oklahoma’s economy:  business retention, business recruitment, and tourism for the purpose of economic development.

A former college football player for Oklahoma State University, Lamb said Oklahoma’s rivalry with Texas extends beyond sporting events.

“I’m running for lieutenant governor because I’m tired of getting beat by Texas in economic development,” he said.

Lamb said business retention is important because, although now is a time Oklahoma can draw businesses from other states, it’s in our best interests to keep the successful businesses we have.

“I think we’re missing the boat if we look past them and we immediately consider recruitment,” he said.  “We should first focus on business retention.”

He said he wants to find out what incentives Oklahoma companies have to relocate to another state and what Oklahoma can do to be competitive.

“I want to ask these companies, ‘If you’re an Oklahoma company and you’re engaged in another state—business-wise—what does that state do differently than Oklahoma that allows you to thrive and prosper more?” Lamb said.  “Can we adopt that policy here?  Can we enact that policy here?”

He said Oklahoma is also in a position to recruit businesses from other states.

“We have more arrows in our economic development quiver now than we ever have had,” he said.

Lamb said he believes Oklahoma was hit later with the economic downturn and is already on the rebound.

With four topographical regions in Oklahoma, Lamb said the state also has enormous potential in attracting tourism.

“We have four unique topographical regions.  One, that’s great for filming but, also, what a unique opportunity for tourism,” he said.  “In Oklahoma, we’re very unique in what we can offer you in one state and have a lot of different areas for your tourism stops.”

He said he hopes to oversee legislation in the best interests of the economy and job creation being passed if he is elected Lieutenant Governor.

“I think it’s always important for the state of Oklahoma to focus on public policy that allows Oklahoma to thrive and prosper, allows more jobs to be created and allows a safe environment to work and enjoy a high quality of life,” he said.

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