Tegan Malone

Tegan Malone was born in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2003 and a graduate degree from Western Governors University in 2009. Her career experience includes working as a national events manager and volunteer coordinator. Malone has experience serving as a public school educator, president of BikeOklahoma, president of Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship, growth and development chair for Sprint Officials Association, American Canoe Association, and dictionary chair for Midwest City Rotary Club.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Tegan is a former public school educator and current nonprofit professional dedicated to serving the citizens of Oklahoma. She has extensive experience as a cycling advocate, serving for 6 years on the executive board of the Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship. She is the current president of BikeOklahoma. For eleven years, Tegan and her family supported the missions of the United States Air Force as an active duty military family. She now continues the service in a different avenue as the Growth and Development Chair of the American Canoe Association - the national governing body for all paddles ports in the United States. Through her efforts in canoe/kayak, she has been a champion for Team River Runner, an organization who helps disabled vets get back into nature by means of kayaks and adaptive kayaks. Tegan is also a member of the Midwest City Rotary Club, serving as the Dictionary Program Chair. In her current role, she is the National Events Manager and Volunteer Coordinator at RIVERSPORT OKC. Tegan wants to see balance restored to the Oklahoma state legislature as she feels that too many voices are not being heard. She is a compassionate individual who takes the time to listen to people and help them achieve their goals or find workable solutions to problems.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Tegan supports public schools. Oklahoma's schools have suffered from legislative micromanaging for far too long. It is time to heed the State Constitution by fully funding our schools.Tegan understands the healthcare needs of lower income and rural Oklahomans. This directly impacts day to day living, children's needs in schools, and the overall well-being of a community.Tegan cares for our environment. As a cycling advocate, Tegan has learned and practiced what it means to be a good steward of the land.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Tegan’s background in active transportation has afforded her a unique perspective on the incredible things happening all over our state. She has witnessed and coached numerous communities to increase opportunities for safer routes for active transportation. She understands that Oklahoma has some of the most progressive cycling laws in the country, and building on this success will enable Oklahoma to be a Top Ten State with regards to its transportation infrastructure. She knows the power that good transportation infrastructure wields. It can bring a community together or force people apart when policies are enacted. She understands that good design practices can increase the economic dollars of an area due to tourism or walkability. She knows firsthand the powerful effects solid active transportation infrastructure can have on the mental health and well-being of a community.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I try to make a point each day to find someone exhibiting an honorable behavior each day. This weekend, it was the waitstaff at my favorite brunch spot who didn't shoo an unhoused man out the door. They sat him down, gave him water and a small breakfast, and allowed him the dignity of every other person in that place. Today, it was the man who held the door open at the bank and decided to wait almost a full minute as an elderly woman managed her delicate pace to greet him as she walked through. Tomorrow, I hope it is someone else who tries their best to form a positive, compassionate connection with a stranger. We all need this more than we realize.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

This is an easy answer - The Little Prince by Antoine de Sainte-Exupery. Having parsed the pages repetitively, one can ascertain that the book is a fable of war. The central character deals with feelings of isolation and uncertainty, fear and misgivings. Throughout the pages, one finds that those feelings are only conquerable with intimate speech and love. We all have the negative feelings from time to time, and the only way to combat them is to forge connections with others, learn from them, and love them. We only get through life together.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Compassion first and foremost! Elected officials are elected by citizens - not companies, not corporations, not interest groups, none of those things - people. If we don't have compassion for those who elect us, we are doing a disservice to the position.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe I am a forward-thinking compassionate individual - at least I strive to be. I relish the opportunity to work on tough problems to find amicable solutions. My ego does not demand full-time attention, therefore I am content to work behind the scenes to further common goals.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I am of the firm belief that the primary responsibility of this job is constituent services. In working with constituents in this manner as well as soliciting input from them, it enables a legislator to craft laws to address needs. Past that, cooperating with all parties to form a consensus on issues is paramount.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want people to feel empowered to be better for others. I want to create spaces and places where all feel welcomed and celebrated. I want others to pick up my work and carry it forward to bigger and better things.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

In my second grade classroom, we sat down on the carpet as our teacher rolled the television into the room. We had been studying the planets and conducting experiments growing seeds in paper cups. We knew the first teacher was going to be going into space, and we knew that there were things on board the space shuttle that would benefit school-aged kids all across the United States. We watched, not fully comprehending what had occurred, as the space shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff. It was a tough day for so many of us. We mourned the crew as only kids who feel a connection to someone they don't know can mourn. Those lessons were hard for us to learn - for a lot of us, that was our first experience with death, but I will never forget the love I have for space and our nature to explore.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was as a mobile breakfast salesperson. It was a summer job to help the woman who owned the business be able to take time off to care for her newborn baby. The owner would prepare breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and pastries, and I would drive to local businesses to sell the food. I met so many interesting people during this time, and I was grateful to have gas money with a bit extra to spend.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Uncatena by Sylvan Esso

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Honestly, I have the same problems as almost everyone else, but something that hits harder is when I lose a student. I have lost students to suicide and gun violence. I have lost them to car accidents and other preventable causes, and it stings so much harder because as a teacher - you come to understand the inherent potential in each child.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I believe in a weak governor system. The power should rest with the people through their elected representatives in the legislature. I believe that with this structure no single person should ever consolidate power to give him/herself more than what has been assigned through the state's Constitution. It is a necessary system of checks and balances.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Our state will face great challenges that stem from climate change. We are already experiencing drastic changes in our weather patterns which are indicative of the evolving climate. Oklahomans have to be prepared to examine "the way its always been done" in favor of creating solid policies that will sustain us into the future. This will impact ever single aspect of our lives, from the economy, to recreation, from healthcare to industry, we must be forward-thinking and innovative to remain effective for our people.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

A unicameral system can yield an economic benefit for the taxpayer, however, the lack of representation gives me pause. There may be a great reason why only one state in the Union is unicameral.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe that it can be beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics. However, the system was designed to welcome a wide variety of voices to provide the best representation for ALL Oklahomans.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely! At the core of our beings, we desire community and cooperation. These things are not achievable without building relationships.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I favor an independent, nonpartisan commission for redistricting. Even though I believe most partisan bodies have it in their hearts to do what is best for all, there is a proclivity from both sides to ensure even a small amount of favorability. Having an independent, nonpartisan commission serves the public's interest - not a party's.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would love to be on the education committee as well as the transportation committee. Tourism and military/veterans affairs are also committees that I would love to participate in.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am really in awe of Katie Porter from California. She relies on data and research to make her points and is extremely quick-witted.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

For now, I would be content in serving until I am term-limited as a representative in the Oklahoma House.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

While out door knocking, I met a man in his early 70s caring for his wife with multiple sclerosis. His 40 year old daughter had to move back home due to her lupus. When I met him, he was pulling in the trash cans for his neighbor - a man in his mid-80's who had trouble getting around. As he described his home situation to me, I couldn't help buy admire the fact that even though things were tough for his family, he still had compassion for those around him. I want to be that person when I am his age.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes. Oklahoma has this ability, and it seems to have served us relatively well thusfar.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Absolutely! One of the things that is so frustrating about Oklahoma's state government is the stranglehold one party has on the power structure. I do not advocate for any one party controlling all the power of the branches of government. Rather, I want to see a healthy mix of ideologies, backgrounds, etc. because we are truly at our best when everyone has an equal seat at the table. Oklahoma does not meet this need for so many people. We have started to ignore the voices of our people opting instead to listen to small groups who have enough money to channel an ear. While input from these groups is vital (because let's face it - there isn't a single legislator out there who is an expert on all subjects the body is tasked with legislating), we must seek ways to actively engage our populace to serve as the best representation we possibly can.