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Former Norman mayor Ron Henderson, Republican, announced his candidacy for State House District 45 Saturday, stating he believes Oklahoma needs legislators who understand it is time for government to be on the side of the people they represent and quit wasting money.

"Government is getting carried away with its own needs without concern for careful spending. I am seeing what people are dealing with daily... gasoline increases and the corresponding increase in goods and services. It is time for government to be on the side of the people. I have never seen government spending so out of touch with what people are facing.

"I believe we should be cutting taxes but also controlling spending. I'm concerned my party has created their own special interests that want as much money as the Democratic special interests. All this at a time our roads and bridges are crumbling and huge expenditures on education that never make it to the classroom."

Henderson cited numbers from expenditure data from the U.S. Census which showed annual growth in spending per capita growing 8.1 percent from 2000-2005 (compared to 6.3 percent for the rest of the nation) and expenditures in 2006 up 10.1 percent.

"We need legislators who understand the impact of new laws ad mandates on business and families. There are not enough small business owners in the legislature. We have too many people who have made their living in government or as lawyers but very few who have worried about making payroll or surviving in a tough business climate."

Henderson has owned the Mr. Shortstop convenience stores in Norman for more than 35 years.

"Everyday I'm out talking to people and purchasing items for my stores. I know how much things cost. My job is to get quality for less and I'd like to take that same experience to the legislature. We must start sending people who have real world experience of getting more out of a limited budget or else our state government will continue to get more expensive and provide less service to the citizens."

Henderson served on the Norman City Council from 1991 until 2001 and as mayor of Norman from 2001 to 2004.

"I think it is important for voters to understand what I learned during my years serving on the city council. We must work together, government and the people. We must spend every dollar carefully. Cut back where we have to, just like every family must do during these times.

"My commitment to the citizens of House District 45 is to be a diligent and bold citizen leader for them at the State Capitol," Henderson said.

Henderson wanted to make sure the voters knew where he stood on important issues facing the state.

"I support HB1804, last years immigration reform bill that has begun to stem the flow and cost of illegal immigration. I'm pro-life and will support the sanctity of human life and dignity. I believe taxes should be out. I believe in low broad-based taxes so every citizen has a stake in the funding of government. I believe we will attract more business and industry in the state if business taxes are low."

House District 45 includes east Norman and Little Axe. The Republican primary will be July 29.