In one week, NonDoc, Let’s Fix This, Women Lead Oklahoma and Generation Citizen will co-host the Labor Omnia Vincit GOP primary labor commissioner debate at the Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the debate running from 6 to 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. Set a reminder for yourself to attend by RSVPing to the Facebook event page.
Debate sponsors
Now, we are proud to announce the financial sponsors for the event. Without their help, we would be unable to bring the community this opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.
Edwards Capitol Partners
Edwards Capitol Partners is a leading advocacy firm based in Oklahoma. Led by Steve Edwards, Michael Maxwell and Dan Patten, the organization represents clients across a variety of industries, including manufacturing.
Freedom Oklahoma
Established in 2015 after then Oklahoma City-based Cimarron Alliance and Tulsa-based TEN (The Equality Network) chose to combine their efforts, Freedom Oklahoma has a 20-year history of advocacy on behalf of Oklahomans who have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
Jill Castilla
Castilla leads Citizens Bank of Edmond as its President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairwoman of its bank holding company. A few notable recognitions include: “Community Banker of the Year” by American Banker, “Most Innovative CEOs in Banking” by Bank Innovation, “Most Admired CEOs in Oklahoma” by Journal Record and “Business Leader of the Year” by Oklahoma Christian University.
Oklahoma AFL-CIO
The Oklahoma AFL-CIO, created in 1957 by the merger of the AFL and the CIO, is made up of 230 local labor unions that represent over 100,000 workers. They serve as an informational resource to their members and encourage them to engage with government to advance workers’ rights.
OKC Firefighters IAFF Local 157
Unionized in September of 1964, International Association of Firefighters chapter number 157 currently serves 950 Oklahoma City firefighters. In addition to their duties as firefighters, the union members also volunteer community service hours and resources for charity fundraising. Local 157, along with its members, donates around $75,000 a year.
Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association
The OIPA was founded by independent oil and natural gas producers. Drilling contractors, service and supply company owners and managers, and royalty owners also comprise a portion of their membership. Other members include attorneys, accountants and other professionals with ties to the energy sector.
Women Lead Oklahoma
Women Lead Oklahoma is not only a sponsor of this debate but also a partner (see below). The non-profit organization’s mission is to support “the engagement and inclusion of women in civic life.”
Set a reminder for Wednesday, June 6:
Event partners
Among our event partners is Generation Citizen Oklahoma. They are a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to engage citizens in political and civic action on issues that matter to them personally and in their communities.
Another one of our partners is Let’s Fix This. Similar to Generation Citizen, they provide resources and meetups for citizens who would like to become more involved in the political process.
“Let’s Fix This is thrilled to co-host this event,” said executive director Andy Moore. “We believe an informed voter is a better voter, and this is a great opportunity for regular, everyday Oklahomans to learn about a statewide-elected position and meet the candidates in the race.”
Women Lead Oklahoma is our third partner in planning this debate as well as a financial sponsor. They work specifically to engage women in politics.
“Women make up almost half of the workforce and are breadwinners for half of the families with children, but earn less and are promoted less than male counterparts,” said Elizabeth Horn, executive director. “We’re looking forward to a lively and informative debate that will shed some light on the office of Labor Commissioner.
“Women Lead Oklahoma is thrilled to be a part of this event as it furthers our mission to help individuals navigate and demystify government structures.”
And, of course, this event would not be possible without the generosity of the Tower Theatre. Not only do they bring movies and concerts to the Uptown 23rd district, but they also offer up their venue as a space to hold debates, like last year’s Oklahoma County Sheriff’s debate, and other civic events.
“Tower Theatre is proud to provide a place for the community to gather,” said managing partner Stephen Tyler. “Thank you to NonDoc for this valuable opportunity for our neighbors to hear firsthand from candidates running for labor commissioner.”
Don’t miss this debate
All three Republican candidates have said they will be present while NonDoc editor-in-chief William W. Savage III moderates. Questions will be delivered to the candidates by Brianna Bailey of The Frontier, Aaron Brilbeck of News 9 and Claire Donnelly of KGOU.
The debate is free to attend. An RSVP is not required, but you can confirm your attendance on our Facebook event page.
(Update: This post was updated at 12:45 p.m. Friday, June 1, to reflect the addition of Brianna Bailey to our panel of journalists.)
