For Adelson

Incumbent remarkably effective

Voters in Senate District 33 have an easy decision on Nov. 4. Returning Sen. Tom Adelson to the state Capitol would be the best choice not only for the district, but also for the rest of Tulsa and the state.

Adelson, a Democrat, is seeking his second four-year term in the Senate. He faces political newcomer Gary Casey, who has been described as representing the Ron Paul wing of the Republican Party.

A Tulsa native, Adelson brings a wealth of experience and useful knowledge to the Legislature. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his law degree from Southern Methodist University.

Prior to running for the Senate, he served as Gov. Brad Henry's Secretary of Health, and during his tenure in that position helped initiate major reforms to the state's health-care system. Among his most notable accomplishments is his work to create a state-subsidized insurance program for residents who aren't provided insurance through the workplace.

He also helped expand health-insurance coverage for children and was instrumental in the creation of a state prescription-assistance program for senior citizens.

Adelson has been a key player in the ongoing health-care issues affecting Tulsa hospitals and medical schools, and promises to continue efforts to resolve those issues.

He also focuses on other major needs besides health care, such as public infrastructure and education. Competitive wages for teachers and expansion in scholarship aid to deserving students are among his top goals.

Adelson also helped secure funding for Educare early-childhood pilot programs in Tulsa.

He has served in a variety of health-care and education organizations.

Adelson has been remarkably effective in his first term in the Senate. Let's give him the opportunity to further his efforts on behalf of Tulsa and the state.