Building a Better Future

Republican candidate Carl Parson is in the running for Oklahoma House District 8.

Republican Carl Parson is owner and founder of Inola Portable Buildings & Pole Barns and has announced his candidacy for District 8 Oklahoma State Representative. Founded in 1999, Inola Portable Buildings is a staple in the Inola community. Carl grew up knowing the value of hard work and the meaning of building a life from the ground up. When Carl was only four years old, his father was killed in a car accident, leaving his wife and children behind. Times were tough and the family had difficulty making ends meet. “During those years, my mother taught me the valuable lesson that the way out of poverty was to work your way out,” said Carl. And this he did.
At age 11, Carl got his first job delivering newspapers in a rough Oklahoma City neighborhood. He walked 34 blocks each day delivering the route and returning home. “I would have been scared walking that neighborhood,” said Carl, “if not for Midnight, my black lab, and a Cocker Spaniel that joined us every day. With my guardian dogs, I was never afraid.”
From its inception, Carl has run his small business completely debt free. “I believe there are three foundations necessary for a community to thrive: Biblical principles, a strong education system and individual freedoms,” said Carl. “I know the value of a paycheck and believe in using taxpayer money to build our great state, not tear down freedoms.” Carl said the Oklahoma Constitution is built upon the phrase “Invoking the guidance of Almighty God” and that we must reinforce our moral foundation by protecting life, legislating morally, and electing leaders who automatically vote for God. Carl supports the State’s authority and right to determine Oklahoma’s direction. He is a believer and supporter of the 2nd and 10th Amendments.
When he was 19, Carl’s life took a serious turn. Carl relates, “An older preacher took an interest in me while we were working at a freight dock in Oklahoma City. The elderly gentleman invited me to join him for dinner one evening at Lea’s Skyline Restaurant. As we waited for our food, the jukebox got hung up on “Amazing Grace” sung by Judy Collins. After listening to it a couple of times, I felt compelled to do something I had never done before; I asked the preacher if I could pray.” As the evening progressed, Carl knew what he would do. That night, Carl gave his life to Jesus Christ.
“Living my life involves my faith,” said Carl. “Whatever I do, I’m compelled to do it the right way.” Through years of building his business, Carl has also built his character. “I’ve learned that true wealth doesn’t come from the government. True prosperity comes from always doing the right thing and being a good steward with what the Lord gives you.”
Carl and his wife Linda have been married 37 years, building strong foundations for their three children and five grandchildren. These are the structural values of family, faith and freedom that Carl intends to protect as State Representative for Oklahoma House District 8.