OPEA

OPEA board members and staff hit the campaign trail in Muskogee recently, giving a much-welcome assist to legislative candidate Eugene Blankenship.  OPEA President Connie Stockton was joined by fellow board member Carol Miller, as well as staff members Sterling Zearley, Rachelle Johnson and Nancy Hughes. 

“Working for a candidate who is willing to work for state employees is very important,” Miller said.  “I wanted to make sure I hit the ground running.  Having volunteers on the streets and in the neighborhoods is the key to getting a candidate’s name and information in front of the voters.”

OPEA is urging all members to get involved in the campaign and voting process.  Having legislators at the Capitol is important to issues affecting state workers and their families.

“Legislators are not supposed to play favorites,” Stockton said.  “But they do remember who was there to help them when they needed it.  They remember the people who chose to get involved in their campaigns, and are more likely to listen to pleas for support on such issues as pay raises and holding the line on the benefit allowance.”

Stockton said it’s time all state employees join OPEA and be pro-active in this year’s elections.  “The price of everything is going up…everything except your paycheck.  Ask the candidates the tough questions, what are they going to do for state employees?  If every state employee would join OPEA, we could take the Capitol by storm and shape a better future for ourselves and our families,” Stockton said.

Blankenship is only one of many candidates endorsed by the Association who are waiting for state employees to call their campaigns and volunteer their time. One Saturday or an evening could make the difference in getting that candidate elected. So pick up the phone and contact that endorsed candidate and make your voice heard and your vote count!