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Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell speaks to Elgin Middle School students in Melissa Evon’s civics class Monday. This elective class is open to any sixth-, seventh- or eighth-grade student. “It was a fantastic opportunity for kids to talk to someone in a statewide office who’s worked so hard for Oklahoma, to hear about all the great things going on in our state, and some of the challenges too,” Evon said. “Having guest speakers is just a great way for kids to learn about politics, service and citizenship. So, i
ELGIN –Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell made a stop in Elgin Monday afternoon to speak to a group of students at Elgin Middle School.
Students from the sixth, seventh and eighth grades enrolled in Melissa Evon’s civics class leaned about the lieutenant governor’s roles in state government.
Pinnell, who serves as president of the Oklahoma State Senate, is a member of multiple constitutional boards and commissions, and is also the state’s first Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage where he oversees the state’s Department of Tourism and Recreation, his website states.
“It’s a big deal to learn about how our country works -- how our state works -- from a civics perspective,” he said. “Some of my favorite classes were these civics and government classes.”
The lieutenant governor, who is currently seeking re-election, discussed the state’s political history, constitutional duties of his office, working with local legislators, and balancing the state’s multibillion dollar budget.
Pinnell ballparked the budget at $8-10 billion.
“That’s a lot of money,” he said. “Here’s the good news: in Oklahoma, we have to have a balanced budget… Like, tax dollars that we spend, we can’t spend more than we have.”
Pinnell, Oklahoma’s 17th lieutenant governor, said that while he was campaigning in 2018, he ran on a platform to become secretary of tourism, promoting the “state’s parks, Native American history and heritage, Route 66, Chisholm Trail, all these great museums, and the Wichita Mountains. We kind of have it all. We don’t have an ocean, but we have a lot.
“We have a lot of amazing lakes and fishing and wildlife,” he added.
Students asked about different aspects and challenges the lieutenant governor faces. They also inquired about campaigning, role models he looked up to, if his role was something he had aspired to do when he was younger, and if there were any other offices he would like to undertake.
Pinnell, who resides in Tulsa, did not receive any Republican opponents vying for the office of Lieutenant Governor; however, he will face Libertarian Chris Powell of Bethany and Democrat Melinda L. Alizadeh-Fard of Edmond in November.
According to a 2010 amendment to the state Constitution, the lieutenant governor is limited to no more than two terms, consecutive or not.
“It was fantastic opportunity for kids to talk to someone in a statewide office who’s worked so hard for Oklahoma, to hear about all the great things going on it our state, and some of the challenges too,” said Evon.
The Elgin civics and geography schoolteacher told Southwest Chronicle that she and her class have reached out to several guest speakers and has had tremendous responses.
This year state Attorney General John O’Connor, state Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, District Attorney Kyle Cabelka, Lawton Police Detective Aaron Malloy, and Elgin Mayor JJ Francais have spent time in the classroom. Other guests have included Captain John Dye of the Texas National Guard, Oklahoma City Bombing survivor and former postal inspector Bob Thompson, and West Point graduate A.J. McGovern. In addition, Evon’s class has held Zoom calls with Sister Helen Prejean, the 83-year-old Louisiana nun, political activist and author who wrote “Dead Man Walking;” and U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Chelsea Porterfield, the first female to lead the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“Having guest speakers is just a great way for kids to learn about politics, service, and citizenship,” said Evon. “So, it’s an opportunity that we always welcome.”
Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell speaks to Elgin Middle School students in Melissa Evon’s civics class Monday. This elective class is open to any sixth-, seventh- or eighth-grade student.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for kids to talk to someone in a statewide office who’s worked so hard for Oklahoma, to hear about all the great things going on in our state, and some of the challenges too,” Evon said. “Having guest speakers is just a great way for kids to learn about politics, service and citizenship. So, it’s an opportunity that we always welcome.”