Pederson takes oath, begins first senate term

Roland Pederson is officially the State Senator for District 19 after the Enid Republican was sworn in during a ceremony at the Capitol on Wednesday as friends, family and other supporters looked on from the Senate gallery.

“I am thankful to the good people of District 19 for trusting me to be their voice in the Senate,” Pederson said.  “I’m ready to get to work on legislation to help create more jobs for our district and our state, grow our economy and generate more resources to support education, public safety, and other core services.”

Pederson is a second generator farmer and educator.  He and his wife, Terry, have operated their family farming business for 40 years, producing cattle, wheat and alfalfa.   He is active in his Enid community, with service to the Burlington Cooperative Association, the Alfalfa County Farm Bureau, the Burlington Lions Club, and the Alfalfa Election Cooperative Round-Up.  He also served as member of the Class III Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Program, and was appointed to serve on the Agriculture Diversification and Enhancement Board.

Senate President Pro Tempore Designate Mike Schulz said he was looking forward to working with Pederson in the 2017 session. 

“Senator Pederson will be a strong voice on behalf of District 19 in the State Senate.  His experience will be a valuable asset to our caucus as we work to build a stronger and more prosperous Oklahoma,” said Schulz, R-Altus.

The Senate will hold a one day organizational meeting on January 3, and the 2017 session will formally get underway on February 6.