Brittany Novotny

Brittany Novotny, who is challenging state Rep. Sally Kern for her House seat this election year, has published an intelligent and important open letter to the legislator, which should be read thoroughly by voters in District 84.

Kern, as most Oklahomans know, is infamous nationally for her anti-gay crusade. She once claimed homosexuality is a bigger threat to this country to terrorism. Kern’s 2009 Proclamation of Morality, a publicity stunt with no legal meaning, included language like this:

WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance upon the Creator of the Universe; and

WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and

WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery;

Novotny, pictured right, doesn’t attack Kern on her beliefs, which are certainly extremist. She just wants to engage Kern in a discussion about the real problems facing the state right now and how to fix them. How in the world can you get anything done to improve schools or create jobs with arguments such as “our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis”? That’s an example of how Kern has sacrificed any sense of pragmatic leadership for promoting her dark, personal worldview.

In the letter, Novotny asks Kern why she spends much of her time on ideological issues and not the problems facing Oklahoma’s leadership, such as the state budget crisis. The letter asks:

Instead of spending your weekends and your time in the legislature “taking a stand against liberals,” why aren’t you finding solutions to our budget dilemma that will keep teachers in the classroom, police officers and firefighters on the street, construction workers improving our roads and bridges, and small businesses afloat?

Novotny goes on to argue that Kern’s main legislative goal has been to create a “big brother government.” According to the letter:

After examining your legislative record of the past six years, it appears that your main goal has been to institute a big brother government that looks into the private bedrooms and physician exam rooms of Oklahomans, while doing nothing to address the issues facing Oklahoma’s public schools (which you have stated are “failing our children”) or our crumbling infrastructure. Targeted tax incentives are great for economic development; across the board tax cuts that bankrupt our public schools and deplete resources that go to public health and safety will not make Oklahoma a more attractive place to do business.

It’s a huge understatement to argue that Kern’s social and religious agenda and her political stunts have embarrassed the state and made its residents seem hateful and intolerant to people throughout the nation. Novotny points out that an editorial in The Journal Record, a local publication, even argued that Kern is bad for business in Oklahoma. A state’s image is intrinsic to economic development.

Novotny, a local attorney, would be an engaged, intelligent legislator focused on issues, such as job creation and education. Here is her website that includes opportunities to get involved in her campaign.

Brittany Novotny, a local attorney, is running for the House District 84 seat now held by the infamous Sally Kern, a Republican, who once created a national media firestorm when she said homosexuality was a greater threat to the country than terrorism.

Novotny has a well-organized campaign with an excellent web site, and she has already been walking the district. She didn’t draw an opponent in the primary, which will allow her to focus on the general election. The general election will include an independent candidate, who could draw votes away from Kern. The bottom line is this: Novotny can win.

This should be an interesting race, which will draw national attention, but one thing is for sure: Novotny has a pragmatic approach to the real issues facing Oklahomans in her district and doesn’t have an ideological agenda. This is the opposite of Kern.

In a statement about her race after she filed for the office, Novotny said, “[Kern] has proven to be out of touch with mainstream Oklahomans, ineffective at solving problems, and bad for business.”

She also said, “I understand there are going to be some folks who try to make this election about the fact that my medical history includes a gender transition, but I’m running for office because I believe I’m the best candidate to fight for jobs, education, and transportation. I understand that state government runs best when it focuses on helping small businesses create jobs and guarantees all of our children can get a great public education.”

Kern’s extremism and intolerance when it comes to gay people and her religious-infused legislative proposals have embarrassed the state and sullied its national image. Novotny’s election would signal to the nation that the state has rejected Kern’s radical, apocalyptic ideas and moved on.

Novotny, 30, is dynamic and personable. She deserves support. Even if you don’t live in the district, you can help campaign and donate money.

There are other great Democratic candidates as well this year, which I will write about in the future. In an earlier post, I wrote about state Sen. James Wilson’s race in Oklahoma’s Congressional Second District, a seat now held by Blue Dog Dan Boren.