“
Anyone who enters public service wants to leave it better than when
they found it. I want to work to create an environment in which all businesses can thrive. The reflection of that would be better schools, transportation systems and well-run communities.
more involved. Each step along my journey made me realize it was not that hard to be engaged.”
In 2000, Schulz entertained the idea of run- ning for office. He ran for the state House of Representatives in 2002 but did not win. In 2006, he won a seat in the state Senate during a special election, a victory former Oklahoma Sen. Don Barrington says was hard to attain. “Mike wasn’t supposed to win that election, but he got out there and worked really hard. It is a testament to his strong work ethic,” Barrington says. “He has been a great addition and an advocate for rural Oklahoma. He is pas- sionate about our state and wants to see Oklahoma move forward. You sense that in his demeanor.” Schulz initially served in the minority, but in 2010 he became majority floor leader. He re- placed President Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, who left due to legislative term limits.
On the state’s Organizational Day, January 3, 2017, Gov. Mary Fallin commended Schulz
on his new role of Senate president pro tem. “Mike Schulz is a dedicated leader who pre- viously earned the respect of his fellow senators as majority floor leader. I look forward to work- ing with him as Senate president pro tem to make Oklahoma a stronger, more prosperous state for our residents to work and raise a fam- ily,” Fallin says.
The Road Ahead
A longtime member of Southwest Rural Electric Association based in Tipton, Okla., Schulz has two years ahead of him before he is term limited. His goal is to leave a lasting lega- cy in the Republican Caucus. “Anyone who enters public service wants to leave it better than when they found it,” he says. “I want to work to create an environment in which all businesses can thrive. The reflec- tion of that would be better schools, transpor- tation systems and well-run communities.” For the last 10 years serving in public office,
Schulz admits each legislature is different and brings unique challenges. One challenge he
identifies going forward is the number of new members in the House and in the Senate. According to Schulz, only 25 percent of today’s legislators served prior to 2010. “We have a lot of new and qualified people. I look forward to the opportunity of putting a vision in place, establishing long-range goals and watching these new members finish strong six to eight years from now,” Schulz says. His ultimate goal is to create a solid founda- tion for future generations of leaders. Glenn Coffee, an Oklahoma attorney and former president pro tem, has full confidence is Schulz’s ability to lead the Oklahoma Senate. “Mike exemplifies what is great about
”
Oklahomans. He’s a hard worker, always will- ing to do his part and more to get the job done. He is a strong leader,” Coffee says. Schulz’s leadership skills and hard work ethic
began on the farm where he is deeply rooted— perhaps when his dad placed him at a John Deere tractor for his first ride. Schulz is quick to acknowledge, with his faith, life has been the greatest ride.
- Mike Schulz, Senate President Pro Tem
Left: Mike Schulz relaxing on his porch with one of his dogs at his farm near Altus. Right: Schulz on a John Deere tractor at his farm operation. FEBRUARY 2017 15
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