Sen. Susan Paddack is running for re-election for Oklahoma State Senator in District 13. We got the chance to ask her a few questions. Here is her bio, followed by the interview.
“I was the first person in my family to receive a college degree,” she said. “My father started work as a lineman with the telephone company and my mother was a stay at home mom. Neither was able to go to college, but they knew the importance of it and encouraged me to further my education.”
Susan believes a good education allows each individual to reach his or her goals and to be successful in life. Education is the way that people achieve the American Dream. Through hard work and a quality education, every person is able to be what he or she wishes to be. Education is also at the heart of our country’s democratic form of government. Each person must be educated to carry out his or her duties as a citizen.
Susan received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Colorado and a Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from East Central University. She earned a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Susan married her high school sweetheart, Gary, who is an internal medicine physician in Ada. Susan and Gary have two children, Geoffrey is a physician doing his second year residency in radiology, and Elizabeth is a third year medical student at OU’s College of Medicine.”- Part of Sen. Paddack’s bio from her website, click to read more
GO: If re-elected, what would you do, if anything, about current pollution issues?
Sen. Paddack: I continually look at the most pressing issues that our state is facing in this area and file legislation as appropriate.
GO: What about energy issues?
Sen. Paddack: I will continue to support a diversified profile to our energy needs while also being very supportive of issues like converting state vehicles to running on CNG.
GO: What have you done so far in office for these issues?
Sen. Paddack: In the broad sense, my approach has been to look at issues which affect our environment. I have passed legislation on achieving a statewide goal of recycling our solid waste stream (SB 498 in 2008) and I passed model legislation on computer recycling (SB 1631 in 2008). In addition, I have passed legislation enabling aquifer recharge (SB1410 in 2008) and legislation which studied marginal quality water (SB 1627 in 2008) for inclusion in the statewide water plan. Also, I passed a joint resolution (SJR 24 in 2011) that required the promulgation of rules for water reuse in our state and last year I passed a joint resolution (SJR 91 in 2012) which adopted those rules such that now water reuse can be an effective tool for maximizing our water resources. I’ve received several awards for my work. These include:
Metropolitan Environmental Legislator of the Year in 2007
Partners in Conservation Award from the US Dept. of the Interior in 2009
OKA award from the Citizens for the Protection of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer in 2007
GO: What are your views on climate change?
Sen. Paddack: Climate change is not an issue that is discussed at the state level, but I do believe that climate change is occurring.
GO: And lastly, why do you think our readers should vote for you?
Sen. Paddack: Readers should vote for me because I work extremely hard for the people of SD 13. I am the most highly qualified candidate in this race due to my experience, work ethic, and education. I am approachable, responsible, and accountable. I would very much appreciate their vote!
If you would like to learn more about Sen. Susan Paddack check out her website votepaddack.com.
Be sure to check out our other interviews as well.
Disclaimer: Green Oklahoma doesn’t endorse any candidates. We urge our readers to learn about all of the candidates and make informed choices this year. And above all Green Oklahoma urges all Oklahomans to vote!
