Mike Sparks and Austin Whittenburg, both of Hennessey, are the Republican candidates for the District 2 County Commissioner seat currently held by Commissioner Ray Alan Shimanek, R-Hennessey.

Shimanek, who was elected to that office in 2009, announced his resignation in April before the filing period for his seat.

The job is for a four-year term and GOP voters will select their candidate at the Tuesday, June 18, primary election.

The lone Democrat to file is David Roller of Hennessey. Roller will face the Republican winner in the Nov. 5 general election and that winner will take office in January 2025.

These candidates have not filed for a public office before, so are newcomers to politics.

The KT&FP asked candidates to complete a biographical form and asked them questions about their qualifications and more.

Meet The GOP Candidates

Michael “Mike” K. Sparks, 61, Hennessey, was born in Enid and has lived in Hennessey for 36 years.

He has worked for Kingfi sher County’s District 2 for a combined 27 years and is self-employed at MKS Pumping Inc. and Contract Pumping.

He graduated from Kingfisher High School in 1980 and attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

He and his wife, Lori, have five children: Jared, 42; Jace, 38; Lauren, 35; Mason, 29; and Olivia, 25. Mrs. Sparks is the owner/ operator of Sparky’s Eatery in Hennessey.

Sparks is a member of the Hennessey First Baptist Church.

Austin H. Whittenburg, 35, Hennessey, was born in Enid and has lived in Hennessey for 17 years.

He has owned W&W Equipment since 2014, Kings Rental since 2016 and Gladiator Construction and H-Town Auto Wash since 2021. He worked at Weatherford International from 200821 and Hills Land & Construction in Tuttle from 2004-06.

Whittenburg graduated from Hennessey High School in 2008 and studied diesel mechanics at Mid-America Technology.

He and his wife, Hannah

(Means), have four children: Logan,15, Beau, 13, Maverick, 8, and Henry, 2. Mrs. Whittenburg is a nurse.

Q&A with Candidates

What work experience, or special training, do you have for this position?

Sparks: “I have worked for Kingfisher County District #2 for 27 years. I have operated heavy equipment, am a CDL truck driver, and am the purchasing agent and receiving officer. Working for three different county commissioners over the years has given me experience in county government. I have been through 15 state-required audits and have worked with FEMA paperwork on natural disasters.”

Whittenburg: “I have over 13 years experience in the oil field, working at Weatherford International.

There I worked as swamper, crane operator and field supervisor. I run my own construction company called Gladiator Construction, specializing in land clearing, road building, general dirt work and mowing. I also have a rental equipment business, called Kings Rental, mainly renting equipment long term to businesses. I also own and operate the local car wash in Hennessey. So I have experience in managing money and running a business as well as road building and dirt construction.”

Do you believe there are any problems in the courthouse, or at the county barn, that voters should know about? If so, what are they and how would you tackle that problem? Be specifi c.

Sparks: “In the courthouse, each office has an elected official. That person is responsible for that office. The commissioner’s job is to only step in for legal clarifications required by that office. The county barns each have an elected commissioner for their district. The commissioners work as a team for all barns to be effi cient. The District 2 county barn could work more efficiently and have better communications with officials and the public. Communications and transparency will be one of my first priorities. I will be available to employees and to the public 24/7.”

Whittenburg: “I am not currently aware of any problems at the courthouse. I have had a lot of voters approach me with concerns of some of the roads being unsafe with drainage issues and washboards. That would be the first thing I address, finding out what areas/roads need attention first.”

What factors would you consider in decisions on road and bridge repair and maintenance? i.e. which roads and or bridges should get done first? And, what role does the state (and/or feds) play in your decisions?

Sparks: “My priority will always be the bus routes, mail routes and roads for the elderly with medical issues. Our children need to get to school and home safely. People depend on their mail to get checks, medications and supplies. Routes for farmers are next for the feeding of livestock. Our bridges are inspected yearly so this gives us some time to plan for repairs, or replacements. Our county is fortunate in funding from our gross production taxes. Our fiveto- six year plans help us get funds from the state and federal governments. There are also grants available and we apply through the grant writers at the Association of County Commissioners.”

Whittenburg: I haven’t personally driven the county (District 2) to see what ones are in need of repair. Our bridges are inspected yearly so this gives us some time nor have I had anyone come to me with any concerns.”

What changes in the county budget would you like to see, and will you support, if you’re elected?

Sparks: “I would like to see the firemen and law enforcement funded appropriately. We always need these officials in the county for our citizens’ safety. Our previous commissioners have done a great job with the budget. The equipment in District 2 has been updated. This equipment has been purchased outright, with no pending payments owed.”

Whittenburg: “I am unaware of any at this time. I haven’t seen the county budget. I have gone to get them on two different occasions to request it and was not given the proper documentations.”