Webb announces for state representative

(The following is Matt Webb's announcement as a candidate for state representative. The announcements are a free service and will be offered to any candidate. To place your announcement or to see other announcements, please click HERE.)

My name is Matt Webb. I’m a 31-year-old Democrat and a lifelong Poteau resident. I am humbly asking for your support as the next State Representative for LeFlore County’s District Three. If I am fortunate enough to earn your trust, I will do “Whatever It Takes” to rebuild our economy, improve our schools, and make eastern Oklahoma an even better place to live. 

I have the education and experience that it will take to fight for our area at the State Capitol. After graduating from Poteau High School as co-valedictorian, I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, serving on President David Boren’s Leadership Class while I went to school in Norman.

Since I returned home from college, I have worked as General Manager at Spider Webb Farm Implements, the area’s John Deere dealership just east of Poteau. Most of you probably already know me from either the John Deere store or from the many ballgames I officiate throughout eastern Oklahoma. 

A few years ago, I decided to go back to school to work on furthering my education. In 2007, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Arkansas. While I was there, I also worked as a Graduate Assistant, teaching computer technology classes at the university in Fayetteville. Over the past several years, I have also taught courses in math and computer technology at Carl Albert State College in Poteau. 

I am the son of Spider and Darlene Webb of Poteau, the brother of Jane Webb-Stewart of Fort Smith, and the grandson of Ruth Webb of Poteau.

In these tough times, we all know how critical it is that we elect a State Representative who will work day and night to restore our economy and bring good jobs back to eastern Oklahoma. Having managed the John Deere dealership for over eight years, I have the business sense and know-how that I will take to Oklahoma City to help rebuild our state’s economy.

I know how to balance a budget, successfully grow a business, and take care of people – and how to do it right here at home!  In my line of work, I have also gained a great appreciation for the hard work that our local farmers and ranchers and their families do each day. I understand the long hours and difficult conditions that these folks endure, and I pledge to take all necessary steps to protect the family farms of eastern Oklahoma.

While I will work each day to improve the lives of all residents in LeFlore County, I promise the people of District Three that I will do “Whatever It Takes” at the State Capitol to accomplish these goals:

• Work to rebuild the economy in our area so that more of our citizens can have stable, high-paying jobs right here at home
• Accelerate the expansion of State Highway 112 to four lanes from Poteau to Fort Smith for the safety and future economic growth of our area
• Ensure that our children get a quality education from safe schools with modern, high-tech classrooms, and well-compensated teachers
• Increase opportunities for our local students by helping Carl Albert State College and Kiamichi Technology Center continue to grow successfully
• Take all measures to ensure that quality health care is available for all people in District Three, especially our children and senior citizens
• Honor the sacrifices that our veterans have made over the years and make sure that our government fulfills its obligations to the brave men and women who have served our country
• Fight to keep LeFlore County clean and beautiful for outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing, and to increase future tourism growth

My long-time friends know how I attack challenges – with energy, passion, fairness, honesty, and a strong work ethic. I promise to work day and night not just during the legislative session, but throughout the year to improve the lives of people in LeFlore County. Like most residents of District Three, I am fed up with the state sending the lion’s share of our tax dollars to Oklahoma City and Tulsa.  I will fight tooth-and-nail for every single penny of money that can be sent home to LeFlore County, and will not shy away from any battle that will benefit the people of our area.

I promise to be a faithful servant for the people of LeFlore County’s District Three. I will maintain open communication with all constituents, meeting regularly with local government officials, business leaders, teachers, educational administrators, and civic groups to find out which policies should be advanced in Oklahoma City. I will also set aside time every Saturday so that all constituents of District Three may visit me at my Poteau office and voice their concerns in person. By staying connected to the people of LeFlore County, I will be able to take action on issues that will make a difference here at home.

While I know that this will be a tough, hard-fought campaign, I am ready for the challenge. I know the fight is worth it, because I truly care about the people of LeFlore County and our future direction. We live in the most beautiful part of Oklahoma, with friendly people, high-performing schools, and the great outdoors right here in our own backyard. If I work hard enough in this election to earn your trust, it would be a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as your next State Representative. I pledge to you that I will work tirelessly and passionately on your behalf in Oklahoma City and will do “Whatever It Takes” to make our county and state a better place to live, work, and raise a family.