The Norman Transcript

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February 17, 2013

Congratulations to election winner Cindy Nashert

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Editor, The Transcript:

First, I would like to congratulate Cindy Nashert on her victory in Tuesday’s election.

I am truly blessed by a loving family and devoted friends. I am so thankful for the voters who supported me and believed in me and my convictions.

My awesome son and I, a mere teacher, ran a campaign with integrity and honesty and dignity. We ran against, not just an individual chosen by the establishment, but the money and influence of a powerful few here in Norman.

Although I am just a teacher, with a shoestring budget and grassroots effort, we showed that we can be a formidable presence. We printed our own fliers and posted and passed them out ourselves. We made our own signs and wore out the soles of our shoes attempting to talk to all the people we could, not just members of one party, but all we could.

We worked to show the people we are for them and not for a powerful establishment of Norman. We had a zero dollar ad campaign and were up against the endorsements of the elite. We fought hard and although we were beaten, it was not by an overwhelming landslide.

The turnout was a bit disappointing, but I am certain that had we not had inclement weather, there would have been more of a turnout which would have favored me a little better. As I campaigned on the doorsteps of the common folk and the regular citizens, I garnered support from many of the folks who voiced their support but probably weren’t able to get to the polls.

In spite of my loss, I will continue to persist in my efforts to serve the kids and folks here in Norman. I will forge on in my efforts to get better safety measures in our schools by supporting those highly trained teachers who choose to defend their kids with the option of being armed. I will support a revision to the evaluation process imposed upon our schools.

I will always be an advocate for children, our rights, our freedoms, and my honorable profession as a teacher.

I have been blessed by our Almighty God with an awesome son and marvelous family and dear friends.

God bless you all.

GARY BARKSDALE

Norman

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