Sen. Sharp takes oath, begins legislative service

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Ron Sharp was formally sworn in for his first term at the State Capitol on Wednesday.  The Shawnee Republican was elected to serve Senate District 17. 

"I am honored and humbled to have been entrusted to represent the people of District 17," said Sharp.  "It is a privilege and a responsibility I will never take for granted as I work with my fellow legislators and constituents to move Oklahoma forward."

While in the legislature, Sharp plans to focus on ensuring core functions of government, such as education, transportation and public safety, are properly funded.  He'll also work to eliminate unnecessary spending and reduce burdensome regulation.   

Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said he was looking forward to working with Sen. Sharp in the 2013 session. 

“Senator Sharp represents the core values that have made Oklahoma great.  I know he will be a strong voice on behalf of District 17 in the State Senate,” said Bingman, R-Sapulpa.

Sharp has taught at Shawnee Public Schools for 38 years and has served the last 12 as an AP Government and American History instructor.  He was named the 2011 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as well as the Shawnee High School Teacher of the Year in 1994, 1996 and 1997.  Sharp is a member of the United States Selective Service Board, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the Oklahoma Bar Association's Foundation for the U.S. Constitution.  He has been named to Who's Who Among America's Teachers for the past 18 years and also received the U.S. Congressional Award of Special Recognition for Outstanding Service in 1998 recognizing his many coaching and teaching accomplishments. 

The Legislature will convene for an organizational meeting on Tuesday, January 8 and will convene the 1st Session of the 54th Legislature on Monday, February 4.  Live streaming audio and video will be available on the Senate website at www.oksenate.gov.