Durant Senator Honored By Statewide Economic Development Group; Gumm Named “Friend of Main Street”

Senator Jay Paul Gumm, a Democrat from Durant, has been named a “Friend of Main Street” by the Oklahoma State Main Street Program for his vision of making downtown communities in Oklahoma a thriving economic development tool.

“Downtowns across Oklahoma are the heart and soul of the community,” Gumm said. “Ensuring they remain vibrant means a brighter future for all Oklahomans.”

Gumm, who served as a board member for the Durant Main Street Program, wrote and passed into law legislation that allows communities to receive historic preservation tax credits to upgrade and maintain the beauty of downtowns throughout Oklahoma.

Donna Dow, Director of the Durant Main Street Program, said she is grateful to Senator Gumm for his passion for the Main Street Program.

“Senator Gumm has a deep understanding of exactly how important the Main Street Program is for the future of rural Oklahoma,” Dow said. “He is truly a champion for our cause and goes beyond the call of duty to get things done for Main Streets throughout Oklahoma.”

Linda Barnett, Director of the Oklahoma Main Street Program at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, said honoring the Senator as a “Friend of Main Street” was an easy choice to make.

“As a former chamber of commerce executive, Senator Gumm understands that vibrant and bustling main streets are a sign of a health community,” Barnett said. “He has proven his commitment to putting his legislative weight behind the Oklahoma Main Street Program and for that he is to be commended.”

“As we approach the centennial year for the State of Oklahoma, we feel that Senator Gumm quite possibly gave us a lasting centennial gift—the state tax credits—for saving our historic buildings,” She said. “We want to thank him for his leadership.”