Macy Gleason–a candidate for the Oklahoma House of Representatives–is a fifth-generation Oklahoman who calls Creek County her home. Growing up the daughter of two teachers, Macy saw the impact that educators have in in lives of the future generation. Because of this, Macy decided to dedicate her life to the classroom as well. Because of irresponsible budget decisions, schools across the state do not have the resources they need. Gleason said, “Over the past several months, I have talked with parents and teachers who, with tears in their eyes, tell me of the great need that their school has. Those tears fuel my fight, and I will tirelessly work to ensure our students have the resources they need.” While Macy looks forward to making a difference in the classroom, she realizes that a difference must be made at the capitol as well. It is because of this that Gleason is running for the House of Representatives for district 29. Gleason plans to fight for the education of our students and is the only candidate in District 29 who received a pro-education rating from the education advocacy group, Oklahomans for Public Education.
In addition to education, Gleason knows that there are many other important issues in our state. One of these issues is protecting senior citizens. Creek County, serving the third largest elderly population in the state, faces budget cuts to programs that help care for our seniors. For example, the Advantage waiver program, serving 23,000 Oklahomans, provides health care, meal preparation, and personal care to seniors. With looming budget cuts, services such as these are threatened, and our citizens are at risk. Gleason understands that it is vital we protect the very people who made Oklahoma what it is, and she is ready to represent the needs of our seniors. Futhermore, coming from a small town, Gleason understands how important it is to ensure our rural hospitals remain open. Gleason knows access to medical care is essential and will fight to ensure the hospitals serving the citizens of district 29 are protected.
Moreover, the granddaughter of a business executive and small business owner, Macy deeply cares about the job market of this state. Education and health care-related services employ a large percentage of Oklahomans. Gleason believes that investing in core services will not only preserve jobs in the education and health care markets, but it will also create an environment that is attractive for small businesses and corporations to flourish. Gleason stated, “My grandfather spent his career serving as the marketing manager of the western half of the United States for IBM. When deciding where the company should locate, he first looked at the state’s education, health care, and transportation systems. My passion for protecting core services not only comes from an educator’s perspective, but it also comes from a passion for protecting the job market of this state.”
Gleason grew up watching her parents and their colleagues use unexpected objects for education purposes in their classrooms. Oklahoma needs legislators who use this teacher-like creativity to create a healthy budget for our state. Gleason knows that creating a budget with responsible revenue sources is vital for the success of the state.
In conclusion, Gleason pleads, “My community taught me what being an Oklahoman truly is. I have watched my community stuff school supplies and food into backpacks, volunteer with church groups, and always come to aide when our neighbors need it. I believe it is time that our leadership reflects the same values that my community taught me. Your votes on June 28th and November 8th will do just that.”
