Former State Senator Clark Jolley will face State Representative Todd Russ in a runoff election on August 23 for the State Treasurer of Oklahoma.
Jolley spent twelve years serving as a State Senator. Governor Kevin Stitt appointed him as Chairman of the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and he also served as the State’s Secretary of Finance.
“I want to be a bully pulpit for sound economic policy and conservative economic principles,” Jolley said.
“We’ve got to keep fossil fuels,” Jolley said. He said while the state will continue diversifying its economy, he will continue prioritizing the oil and gas industry.
West Virginia State Treasurer Riley Moore authored a letter with 14 other State Treasurers, stating concerns the current administration is privately pressuring banks to refuse lending or investing in coal, oil and natural gas companies to try to eliminate the fossil fuel industry. Jolley said he will continue protecting the Oklahoma economy by signing onto the letter on his first day if elected.
He also said he wants to improve the State’s 529 college savings plan by increasing productivity and participation rates.
As an author of the Taxpayer Transparency Act during his time in the State Senate, Jolley said he will continue working towards financial transparency as State Treasurer. “There’s more we can do to improve on transparency,” he said.
Jolley mentioned his office would focus on “saving dollars and maximizing them for the benefit of the taxpayers.” He also said he will continue leading the State Treasurer’s office with integrity like the previous four State Treasurers.
During his time as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he balanced the state budget without raising taxes for five years. “It’s a job I’m passionate about,” Jolley said. “The fiscal house has to be in order for the state to function.”
Jolley completed his undergrad at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee from 1988- 92. He earned a juris doctorate at the University of Oklahoma and a Certificate in Public Treasury Management from Pepperdine University. He currently teaches classes at Oklahoma Christian University and Mid-America Christian University.
“The Treasurer’s office needs to be more proactive and do everything they can to increase the amount that goes back to the people,” Jolley said.
More information about Jolley’s State Treasurer campaign and his 10-point plan for Oklahoma can be found on his website clarkjolley. com. Information about the August 23 runoff elections and a full list of the candidates on the Pottawatomie County ballot can be found at oklahoma.gov/elections.
