Stone Announces He Won’t Seek Reelection
Stone was elected to the Oklahoma House in 2014. Part of House Democratic leadership, Stone served this past session as the Assistant Democratic Minority Leader. He has also served on the following committees: Administrative Rules, Appropriations & Budget General Government Subcommittee, County and Municipal Government and Insurance.
“Serving with Rep. Stone has been a true honor,” said Minority Leader Emily Virgin (D-Norman). “His commitment to working families not only in his district but across Oklahoma has been nothing short of inspiring. I am especially thankful for his friendship and support during my time as minority leader. The House Democrats are extremely grateful for his service to our caucus and the state.”
Stone and his family have deep roots in Oklahoma, especially in House District 89. Having the opportunity to represent the South OKC community has meant a lot to the South Sider.
"Serving South Oklahoma City in the State House has been a dream come true,” Stone said. “However, after much consideration, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020. I will be forever thankful to my family and friends that helped me become the best representative I could be, to my colleagues for working every day to make this state a better place, and to the people of House District 89 for their continued support and the opportunity to serve."
During Stone’s tenure, through his tenacity when advocating for his constituents, he received the respect and appreciation of his Democratic colleagues.
“Shane’s dedication to the good people of House District 89 was apparent the first day I met him,” said Rep. Monroe Nichols (D-Tulsa). “Over the last three years I’ve watched him – one of the youngest legislators serving – become one of the most powerful voices for hard-working Oklahomans. On a personal note, Shane has been my very best friend in the Legislature. Although he’s 10 years younger than me, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from him and consider him one of my greatest mentors. I will miss him dearly. I wish both he and his wife Courtney the best as they shift to a new and exciting chapter in life.”
And his Republican counterparts.
“Representative Stone has been a fierce advocate for South Oklahoma City,” said Majority Leader Jon Echols (R-OKC). “He is always concerned first and foremost with doing what he believes is best for the people of his district. It has been a true honor to serve with him and count him as a friend. South OKC has been served honorably by Representative Stone, and he will be missed.”
Always in the minority, Stone saw the need to ask questions and ensure that legislation passing through the House by the majority was fully vetted by the body.
"There is something special about being an Oklahoma House Democrat and having had the opportunity to serve under Leaders Scott Inman, Steve Kouplen, and now Emily,” Stone said. “I'm beyond optimistic about the future of this caucus knowing that many will continue to ask questions of the supermajority and drag Oklahoma back toward the middle for quality bipartisan solutions.”
Stone’s career has been highlighted with milestones and major victories both inside the Capitol and back in District 89.
"Many of my proudest moments as a representative have occurred close to home,” Stone said. “Coaching Police Athletic League teams, speaking at graduation ceremonies and organizing public meetings; but I was also very honored to have sponsored the inaugural Hispanic Cultural Day at the State Capitol and to have been part of the historic revenue-raising measure to deliver hundreds of millions of annual dollars to public education last year."
from MuskogeePolitico.com
