U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice visited Seminole on Friday, February 3. During her stop she met with a group that included a number of civic leaders at the Reynolds Wellness Center.

Representative Bice began her comments by expressing how grateful she is to be representing District 5, which includes most of Oklahoma County and all of Seminole and Pottawatomie Counties, in Washington D.C.

Bice stated that Seminole City Manager Steve Saxon and Mayor Jeff Griffin had previously contacted her about some of the challenges they were having with a water tower project. They began looking at all of their options, and Bice admitted that, being “the new kid” beginning her first term in Congress, it took some time. However, one of her staff members had worked for Senator James Inhofe in the past, and her portfolio was water infrastructure, so she knew what paths to go down pursuing grant money.

Bice shared that, while speaking with Manager Saxon earlier in the day, she had asked when they would be able to get the project up and running. He replied that depended in part in her. They will have to see how long it takes to get all of the grant paperwork and application process completed.

Later in the meeting Representative Bice explained that the grant program that was put together specifically to help with water infrastructure programs is part of the appropriations package that goes through the energy and waters appropriation sub-committee, which she happens to be serving on.

“These grant programs are put forward to try to help communities that don’t have the ability to fund those programs by themselves,” she stated. “What’s interesting is, this is becoming a really big topic of conversation across the 5th District.”

She shared that she now represents the City of Guthrie, and when she met with them the number one topic of discussion was their water treatment facility.

The grant program is based in part on the size of the community, and the federal funds require matching funds from the state, city, or both. She noted that this gives the community a little “skin in the game.”

Bice explained that her district may include the Oklahoma City metro area, and that may be where she lives, but there is nothing like communities like Seminole. She observed these smaller communities have the comradery and desire to help each other that you don’t find in other places.

She recalled, when she first ran for State Senator in 2014, there being a concern among smaller communities that she would focus on the urban area of the district. After a couple of years, however, these doubters admitted they were wrong after Bice demonstrated her interest by visiting often and attending chamber events and getting involved in other community events.

“I think this community atmosphere that towns like Seminole have really are invigorating,” Representative Bice stated, “because you don’t see much of that in Oklahoma City.

“It’s really exciting to see the growth in Seminole, Bice continued. “The housing development that’s being put in, the commercial development and the really incredible baseball complex I got a peek of. This all shows you are not this tiny, sleepy town. You all have a lot going on here and a lot to offer, and people are beginning to recognize that.”

Representative Bice gave an overview of recent events in Washington, joking that she’s now been through two “historic” beginnings of two congresses, and she would like to go through one that is not so “historic,” referring to the drama and the 15 time the House voted before Kevin McCarthy was appointed Speaker of the House.

Turning serious once more, she shared her opinion that Kevin McCarthy is the right person at the right time to be Speaker of the House, and he’s doing the right things.

She stated she was really honored her first term in congress to serve on the House Armed Services Committee. This is really important to Oklahoma, noting there are five military bases here, and many of the individuals that work at Tinker Air Force Base live in the 5thDistrict. She wants to make sure we are protecting our military service members as well as our veterans.

Bice explained that she also serves on the Science, Space and Technology Committee with fellow Oklahoma Delegation member Frank Lucas.

During the visit, Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds recalled the day after the May 4 tornado tore through Seminole. Reynolds explained that Representative Bice herself (not an aide) called to check on how things were in town and asked how the college was doing. Reynolds wished to thank her for this sincere outreach and let her know how much it was appreciated.

In reply, Bice first explained ten years ago she would have never believed she would run for public office. However, she was approached to run for State Senate and had one of those “why not moments,” and the next thing she knew she was running for congress, which she said was an incredible journey.

“Coming to communities like this and getting to visit with you and hear your concerns, or answering questions, reminds me why I’m here - why I do what I do and why I’m willing to let people beat me up on social media and occasionally yell at me at town halls,” Bice said.

“I do feel very fortunate to be in this role, and I’m committed to doing what I can help others.”

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