Claremore, OK – After officially declaring candidacy for re-election during the recent filing period at the Rogers County Election Board, Rogers County Commissioner Steve Hendrix will retain his seat.
This automatic re-election allows him to serve another four-year term taking oath again January 2025 to begin his third term as District 2 Commissioner.
Since Hendrix’s initial victory in the primary election in 2016, he said he has remained committed to serving the citizens of his district and Rogers County, stating, “I still have accomplishments to achieve within the county. I enjoy what I’m doing and I’m not ready to walk away.”
Serving on the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as chairman during rotation is just one of many boards Hendrix serves on.
Some of the most notable highlights during his two terms in office: spearheading the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; rural broadband projects; 177th E. Ave. road extension project; employee incentive bonus program; Phase 1 – realignment down Keetonville Hill; Phase 2’s 193rd Street; intersection with 76th street north; securing a number of grants for transportation projects; rebuilding the Winganon Causeway crossing over Oologah Lake and collaborating on a number of interlocal agreements with municipalities and other entities.
“There is such a dynamic situation in our county right now. Things are constantly evolving and changing,” he said.
Without the rigors of an extended campaign, Hendrix said his most gratifying sentiment about running again, and one of the underlying factors, is the current public perception.
“The community has expressed how satisfied they are with the current leadership in place and the direction the county is going. That motivates me. For the most part, when people express that you are doing a great job, that is very gratifying.”
Hendrix said that citizens can anticipate continuity in the upcoming term, with a focus on maintaining transparency, prioritizing public safety for roads and bridges, and implementing proactive strategies for county growth.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent regional growth estimate for Rogers County has increased by 5.26 percent, now with a population of 100,248, becoming the second highest growth in the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area.
This surpasses the 98,836 population estimation for Rogers County for 2020-2022.
With Rogers County experiencing significant population growth, Hendrix highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements and renovations to accommodate the county’s expanding needs.
“The growing pains of the courthouse – that we are undergoing right now – have led to renovation plans to accommodate all the different [county] departments. The need for more space and personnel allows us to keep up with the demands of a growing county.”
Hendrix concluded by saying, “I am looking forward to another four years, and I am very, very satisfied and thankful for the voters in Rogers County.”
