Chuck Hoskin, Vinita, has put his bid in for the Oklahoma House of Representatives in District 6, which includes Craig, northern Mayes and northern Rogers counties.

“I’m running because I know that I can make a difference at the State Capitol for the people of District 6,” Hoskin said. I’ve spent my life in this community working on important issues like education, healthcare, and economic development. The people of District 6, the people of my community, deserve the best in these areas and they deserve a Representative who works as hard as they do.”

Hoskin, a lifelong Democrat, is seeking the seat being vacated by Representative Joe Eddins who is leaving office due to term limits. Hoskin says that this election is extremely important for the future of the people of District #6.

“With term limits coming into effect the State Legislature will not necessarily be Democrat vs. Republican, but urban interest vs. rural interest,” Hoskin said. “We need a voice in Oklahoma City who is a strong and experienced advocate for the people of District 6.”

Hoskin says he has the type of experience that the Legislature needs.

“What we need in state government are fair-minded people who put people first. They listen to each other’s views, listen to their constituents, approach the issues with an open mind and solve problems,” he said.

“I’ve spent more than 10 years working in the legislative process, building partnerships with local, county, state and federal government officials,” said Hoskin, who has served on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. “I think the success I’ve had at making progress in healthcare, education and economic development will carry over into serving the people of District 6 in the State Legislature.”

Hoskin adds, “I grew up here, I’ve spent my whole life living, working, and worshipping among the people in these communities. No one knows the issues that affect this area better than I do, and I will spend every moment in Oklahoma City working to serve the people of District 6.”

Hoskin was born in Claremore, raised in rural Craig County and has been a lifelong resident of Vinita. He is married to Stephanie, a former kindergarten teacher and elementary principal, who currently works as an educational consultant. Hoskin has two grown children — Charles Jr. of Vinita and Amy of Muskogee, and two grandchildren.

Hoskin graduated from Vinita High School in 1970 then volunteered for military service. After completing his honorable service in the United States Navy, Hoskin followed his father and brother’s footsteps and became a journeyman ironworker. He later worked his way through college as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service. Hoskin earned his Associates degree from NEO A&M; College in Miami and his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Many in the community know Hoskin from the years he spent as a teacher and coach in Vinita and as a school administrator in Locust Grove.

In his tenure as a Cherokee Council representative for Craig and Nowata counties, Hoskin has put people first. He has served as the chairman of the Education Committee which has allowed him to directly impact the youth in the area through the development of education scholarships for career-tech, undergraduate, and graduate students. Hoskin has improved healthcare by playing an important role in increasing the size of the Nowata clinic and in the development of the Vinita clinic. Hoskin has worked directly with the area’s County Commissioners, law enforcement officials and fire departments by working together to fund road improvements and by updating, replacing, and enhancing equipment so that all citizens are better protected.

Hoskin has learned a lot from his legislative experience.

“I’ve learned that when people at all levels of government work together, everyone benefits. I’ve been fortunate to take part in making life better for people, but I know there is more work to be done,” he said. “This part of rural Oklahoma has shaped my values; it has made me who I am. I owe a debt of gratitude to the people and communities of this area. I will work hard to repay that debt by putting the people of District 6 first as their State Representative.”

Hoskin may be reached at 918-256-3229 or www.chuckhoskin.com.