Lieutenant governor glad to be a native
- About 150 students and staff listened as Askins spoke about the government and people of Oklahoma.
- Askins said that March is Women’s History Month.
Photo by Amber McBride
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins stopped by OCCC March 27 to give a speech on her experiences in Oklahoma. Pictured with her is Jon Horinek, OCCC’s Service Learning and Student Life Programs coordinator.
By Cynthia Praefke, Staff Writer
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins said she is proud to be an Oklahoman in a speech on campus March 26.
“Oklahoma is a proud state with a rich heritage. We are a dynamic, culturally diverse state full of hard-working, friendly people,” she said.
About 150 students and staff listened as Askins spoke about the government and people of Oklahoma.
Askins said she felt fortunate to have been in her office during the state Centennial celebration.
“I was invited to many community events, and people were surprised that I accepted all of the invitations,” she said.
“It was an opportunity for me to get to many communities throughout the state and witness the ground-swell of pride as Oklahomans celebrated Oklahoma.”
A native Oklahoman, born and raised in Duncan, Askins said one of her best days was Nov. 16, 2007, at the Guthrie reenactment of statehood.
“To see 80,000 people lined up and down the streets to celebrate our 100th birthday was spectacular.”
Askins said that March is Women’s History Month.
“This serves to remind us of the many female contributions to Oklahoma, past and present.”
Askins herself has been a significant part of that with her service as a district judge for eight years; being the first female elected as chairperson of the Pardon and Parole board, being elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1994, serving as Democratic House Leader in 2005, and being elected as the states first woman Democratic lieutenant governor.
“My family encourages me, and has always made me believe I could accomplish anything,” Askins said.
“Their examples showed there were no limits to what women could do, and that instills self-assurance.”
Askins said there are many statewide public service opportunities for women in Oklahoma.
When asked if she has considered running for Governor in 2010, Askins replied that her first duty is to the people of Oklahoma, to do her best at her present job.
“My options are dependant on my performance in office.”
She said many people have asked her about her plans, and she has not been willing to commit as yet.
“But,” she said, smiling at the audience, “it has not escaped my attention that my governor is term limited.”
