I would like to give you a little background on myself so you can make an educated decision in the November election. I have been married 45 years to my wife, Debbie Walker. She is the daughter of Ann and Mervin Sterner of Okmulgee. We have one daughter, Tracie Byrd.
I would like to give you a little background on myself so you can make an educated decision in the November election. I have been married 45 years to my wife, Debbie Walker. She is the daughter of Ann and Mervin Sterner of Okmulgee. We have one daughter, Tracie Byrd.
Tracie gave us three grandchildren, Alec, Alivia and Aryc.
My mom’s name is Nadine Walker and she retired from C.R. Anthony’s in Okmulgee, then went to get her license and worked at Betty’s Cut and Curl. My dad was Harold Walker and he worked for Schlitz Beer for 18 years, then opened up his own business named Okmulgee Vending.
I have lived in Okmulgee County District #2 all my life. I am a life member of the Okmulgee Elks Lodge with 38 years of membership. I graduated from Okmulgee High School in 1972.
After graduating, I went straight into the work force for the next 41 years. I spent two years at an entry level job, three years on highline construction, five years in pipeline construction running equipment and eventually being a supervisor over the corrosion crew. I worked 31 years at ConocoPhillips Oil Company, where I started out as an Operator in the tank farm.
Before I retired, I had the responsibility for two petroleum product tank farms, two truck loading facilities, and about 200 miles of interstate pipeline regulated under DOT. I was responsible for managing four different budgets in the millions of dollars along with managing contractors, and employees, working to help them set goals to achieve and completing their appraisals for pay increases. I coordinated the recruitment, selection, and termination of employees. I personally had the privilege of mentoring two employees to become future supervisors.
I have received many awards some of which include, writing a computer program for the Corrosion Department, Incident Command Training Certification, Contractor Leadership Training, 2 week API School of Petroleum Measurement School, Nation Association of Corrosion Technologist Certification, Rockwell Automation Programming, Speed Shore Trench Safety, Ansul Fire Fighting School, Electrical Related Safety Seminar. I also achieved an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Certification for one of our tank farms and was offered a chance to be an OSHA guest inspector.
One of my biggest accomplishments was partnering with another employee to design, build, and obtain a U.S. Patent on a Vapor Free Multi-Sampler. This invention eliminates operators having to breathe harmful petroleum vapors.
I am currently retired and after much thought and discussion, my wife and I decided I could use my experience in construction and other fields to give back to our community. I plan on using my construction and management experience to build upon what Bobby Hardridge has accomplished over the last 12 years as commissioner. I would appreciate your vote in November.
