Grissom seeks re-election, pledges fiscal responsibility and economic growth
Lifelong Cleveland County resident is on ballot in June 16 GOP primary
Incumbent Rusty Grissom is seeking the Republican nomination for re-election to the District 3 seat on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners. He faces Michael Nash in the primary election scheduled for June 16.
Grissom was elected to his first Commission term in 2022 and began his tenure in January 2023. In his campaign, he emphasizes his commitments to fiscal responsibility and sound budget management, efficient county management, economic growth and infrastructure maintenance.
“My roots run deep here in Cleveland County,” said Grissom, a lifelong resident of the district he represents. “I don’t believe there is a better place to live, work, own a business or raise a family.
“It has always been a lifelong goal of mine to serve as County Commissioner for Cleveland County. It is an honor to be able to serve this community that has given so much to me and my family.”
Grissom and his wife Tammy have raised their two children here as well as built Grissom Landscape Nursery, which has been in business since 1985.
Among the accomplishments he highlights are reinstating the budget board, renegotiating all standing county contracts, generating taxpayer savings by renegotiating interest on a $12 million account from $103 a month to $45,000, overseeing ARPA funding distribution, collaborating with the Cleveland County Economic Development Coalition on relocating businesses to the county and securing donations from local tribes for current and future maintenance projects.
Grissom says economic development is important to the future of Cleveland County.
“I’m proud to support projects that create opportunities for our communities,” he said. “From investments at Max Westheimer Airport to the growth of aerospace education and new business development, we’re seeing exciting progress that will benefit our county for years to come.
“I’m committed to continuing to support smart growth, strong partnerships, and opportunities that help move Cleveland County forward.”
Since he took office, Grissom also notes the commission has secured more than $8 million through grants and partnerships as well as improved roads, bridges and equipment without placing additional burdens on taxpayers
“These results didn’t happen by accident,” he said. “They came from asking questions, reviewing contracts, building partnerships and treating every taxpayer dollar with the same care I would in my own business.”
Grissom’s campaign website reveals that he has served on many boards and committees in various capacities, including as vice chair of the Cleveland County Health Department Board, Community, Economic and Workforce Development Steering Committee member for the National Association of County Officers, chair of the Cleveland County Public Facilities Authority, and chair of the Cleveland County Justice Authority.
Additionally, as he shares on his campaign site, he has a long record of community service, including over 20 years on the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative Board. He has also been a member on numerous chambers of commerce, and he is a longtime supporter of community organizations like Noble Fire & Police, Noble Public Schools, and 4-H and FFA Booster programs.
The Private Property Rights Institute, whose mission is to combat government infringement on private property rights, has endorsed Grissom.
“As an organization dedicated to protecting property owners from the intrusive reach of government, we are proud to endorse Rusty Grissom for re-election to the Cleveland County Commission,” said Charlie Kolean, president of the PPRI. “He understands he works for the voters first, not the government, and stands for transparency, fiscal responsibility and the rights of private property owners which is the foundation of our free market economy.”
Per the Cleveland County government website, the commission acts as the county’s main administrative body. In addition to serving on the commission, commissioners also serve on the Cleveland County Budget Board. The commission comprises three members who are elected to four-year terms.
“One thing we’ve always believed is that progress happens through partnerships,” Grissom said. “Whether it’s supporting our local schools, improving parks and community spaces, or helping cities with important infrastructure projects, we’ve worked together to make meaningful improvements across District 3.
“And when I say ‘we,’ I truly mean it. None of this happens alone, and I’m grateful for the dedicated team and community partners who work hard every day to help move Cleveland County forward.”