2nd District Congressman Brad Carson outlines plan for western Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Western Oklahoma's eroding tax base, declining population and crumbling infrastructure are pressing problems that need to be solved, Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Brad Carson

Monday, April 12th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Western Oklahoma's eroding tax base, declining population and crumbling infrastructure are pressing problems that need to be solved, Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Brad Carson said Monday.

Speaking inside a three-story, wood-and-stone barn at the Harn Homestead Museum, Carson, D-Claremore, released a 65-page policy book detailing his plan to address economic problems in western Oklahoma. He is beginning a 30-county tour of the western half of the state.

Among Carson's ideas are to repay up to 50 percent of college loans for graduates who choose to live there, a $5,000 tax credit for home purchases and tax incentives for business expansion and relocation.

"Dealing with the unique economic problems facing western Oklahoma is essential if we're going to have 77 counties of prosperity in Oklahoma," Carson said. "What is missing is not excellent state and local leadership, for those are present in spades. What is missing is federal leadership."

Carson's plan also includes the creation of homestead accounts into which individuals could contribute up to $2,500 each year to be matched by federal dollars. Tax-free distributions could be made after five years for small business loans, education expenses, first-time home purchases and reimbursed medical expenses.

"Nothing is more important than keeping young people in the communities where they were born and raised," he said.

During his campaign tour, Carson said he plans to visit: Boise City, Goodwell, Guymon, Beaver, Buffalo, Arnett, Taloga, Fairview, Woodward, Alva, Cherokee, Medford, Enid, Kingfisher, Watonga, Weatherford, Clinton, Cordell, Hobart, Anadarko, Chickasha, Duncan, Waurika, Lawton, Walters, Frederick, Hollis, Mangum, Cheyenne, Elk City and Altus.

Currently in his second term in the 2nd Congressional District, Carson is seeking to succeed Sen. Don Nickles, a Republican. Other Democrats in the race include Insurance Commissioner Carroll Fisher of Oklahoma City, Muldrow attorney Monte Johnson and Jim Rogers of Midwest City.

Republicans who have announced their plans to run are Corporation Commissioner Bob Anthony and former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys, both of Oklahoma City, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Coburn, a Muskogee physician.