Zachary Cavett

1. You have served as District 1 commissioner since 2012. What do you consider your most significant accomplishments during that time, and what unfinished work are you seeking re-election to complete?

I consider some of the greatest accomplishments completed to be the completion of the Norfolk Road CIRB project. This three-mile project was engineered several years prior to me taking office and was finally completed in 2025. This project was made possible from funding that was obtained through the CIRB program and diligent work to bring those funds into Payne County. This project brought in over $5 million in infrastructure improvements. During my tenure, I have brought in over $1 million per year of outside funding to aid in infrastructure improvements. There have been over 10 bridges built and 50 miles of new asphalt placed under my leadership.

Unfinished work: I currently have partnerships and agreements with the Pawnee and Sac & Fox tribes to build up to 10 bridges in Payne County within their tribal territory. This is estimated to save Payne County taxpayers over $10 million. I also have engineering design working on two miles of roadway reconstruction on 9th and Harmony east of Cushing to improve the roadway and add a sidewalk for the new Cushing school facility. There are also more road improvements planned within our County 5-year plan I would like to complete.

2. What are the most significant challenges District 1 faces over the next two to four years, and how would you address them?

Challenges that District 1 faces are not much different than any other county or business faces — not enough funding to accomplish all that I would like to accomplish. That being said, Payne County is blessed to have the funding we have. If roads were evaluated from Payne and surrounding counties, one would find that we have significantly better roads overall. Another challenge most all counties face is the ability to pay employees enough to keep them.

3. How do you currently measure and communicate road maintenance progress to District 1 residents, and what would you do to improve transparency going forward?

Payne County District 1 currently has a process to address call-in requests. All requests are logged into a live document allowing all necessary employees to know where areas of concern are to be addressed. Once the request has been addressed, it is logged as completed and my assistant has been tasked with informing and verifying that the caller's requests were satisfactorily addressed. When District 1 is in the process of planning roadwork, my assistant is tasked with posting potential delays, road closures and improvements on Facebook.

4. Oklahoma lawmakers and voters are debating proposals to limit property taxes. What is your position on property tax reform, and how would any changes affect road and bridge funding in District 1?

I do not have any issues with any tax reform. I believe we first need to have other funding mechanisms in place to take their place. The thought of not paying property tax sounds great, but what services will be lost with that funding loss without replacing it? Law enforcement? Fire? Legal filings? Currently in Payne County road districts 1 and 3, only two road foremen and the chairman's assistant are funded with property tax funds, so that would not have a drastic effect on road and bridge funding directly. It would, however, have monumental negative effects in all other aspects of county government, as well as schools, which receive around 87% of property taxes.

5. You ran unopposed in your last election but now face two challengers. What do you say to voters who may be open to a change in this seat?

I began my career with Payne County in 1997, working through every aspect of county work from mechanics to road and bridge building. I was elected to serve as your commissioner in 2012. I have brought in on average over $1 million per year of outside funds since 2012 to aid in improving our infrastructure. I not only deal with roads and bridges, but also with updating policy and procedures for Payne County and addressing liability concerns facing government entities today. I am young enough to be actively involved, old enough to be intelligently involved, and experienced enough to be competently involved.

Responses have been lightly edited for grammar, spelling, and AP style. Substance and positions have not been altered.

It is my pleasure to offer my endorsement of Zach Cavett. In my professional capacity on local economic development efforts, a key priority has been strengthening partnerships and collaboration between Stillwater and the communities throughout Payne County. In that effort, Zach has consistently demonstrated a commitment to engagement, learning and service.

Zach has not only participated in regional meetings and collaborative opportunities, but he has also been actively engaged in understanding the resources available to support local communities. He has taken advantage of free economic development training opportunities and shown a genuine interest in expanding his knowledge to better serve the residents of his district.

What stands out most about Zach is his willingness to listen, learn and consider new ideas. He approaches challenges with an open mind and a desire to find practical solutions that benefit the people he represents.

As communities continue to face evolving opportunities and challenges, leaders who are willing to invest in relationships, seek out knowledge and embrace innovative approaches are essential. Zach has demonstrated these qualities through both his participation and his actions.

I am confident that Zach will continue to be a thoughtful advocate for his district and a constructive voice in efforts that support economic growth, community development and regional cooperation. I am pleased to offer my support and endorsement of his continued service and look forward to working with him more in the future. – Kari Moore