Joseph Maytubby Sr.

I wanted to highlight one of my favorite results from Tuesday’s election. Naturally, it involves bipartisanship and mayors.  In the Arizona system, after their nomination by their parties, the gubernatorial candidates select a running mate to campaign with them for the position of Lt. Governor. Incumbent Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs made a transformational choice this year. She selected as her running mate the former Mayor of Mesa, who was a lifelong Republican until changing his registration to Independent this May. Mayor John Giles served as Mayor of Mesa for 11 years. At the time of his selection by Governor Hobbs, he stated: “Extremists shouldn’t stand in the way of getting things done.” On Tuesday, in a state that voted Republican for President in 2024, the Hobbs-Giles ticket won 56-43. I know John personally, and he is a good and decent man. He is certainly a conservative (in the historic sense of the word), but he is also a perfect reflection of the overwhelming message sent by voters across the country on Tuesday. Americans just want their government to work again, and they want their leaders to work together, treat each other with respect, focus on the real issues, and get things done. That certainly describes John. This is the way, as we begin our quest to Make America Good Again.

Property taxes in Oklahoma primarily pay for two things - education and streets. This has always been true. That’s what property taxes fund around these parts. For many years, Oklahoma politicians have proposed to lower your property taxes. No one likes paying taxes, but we also strongly desire a strong education system and well-maintained streets. Those goals can’t be achieved if funding is diminished. This year, the Legislature followed through on their proposals. They placed State Question 847 on the ballot, which would over time lower your property taxes. And the voters of Oklahoma defeated it. When given the opportunity to lower their property taxes, the voters said NO. As it turned out, they’d rather have good schools and streets. Defeating State Question 847 was a great thing, and it also sent a strong signal to those who will represent us at the State Capitol in 2027 and the years ahead. The people of Oklahoma were given the option of lowering their property taxes and they rejected it. The people of Oklahoma have now affirmatively stated in a statewide election that they are willing to pay property taxes for the things they care about. I hope that message was heard loud and clear.