Mike Goucher
Mike Goucher is hoping to remain Woods County District 3 commissioner this fall, but first he must win a two-person Republican primary July 27.
Goucher, 43, of Alva, is facing Gregory F. Scioli, of Waynoka, who hopes to take the seat from him.
Goucher has been District 3 commissioner for 12 years, since he first got the post when he was 31. Before then, the Alva resident was a diesel mechanic for 10 years.
During Goucher’s tenure, he said he’s helped the county build more than 30 bridges and upgrade its complete fleet of equipment.
“We have all modern equipment,” Goucher said. “All the fuel storage facilities are fully compliant.”
Goucher said he’s also tried to increase funding for bridges, and is working on a rail project with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line.
If he is re-elected, Goucher hopes to continue the work he’s doing on a number of different areas.
“I’ll continue to go on the same track I’ve been on as far as making the same rate of progress for roads and bridges,” Goucher said. “We’ll keep trying to apply for economic growth.”
One problem Goucher hopes to help solve is the number of young people who leave the county for jobs after they graduate high school. Goucher said the county has to provide incentives to keep the young population there.
Gregory F. Scioli
Gregory F. Scioli is challenging Mike Goucher for his post as Woods County District 3 Commissioner in the July 27 primary election.
Scioli, 51, of Waynoka, has worked with numerous companies during his life.
He owned an insulation and fireplace company in Kansas City before moving to Oklahoma.
He also has been involved in the semi-truck and the construction industries. Scioli later bought a house in Waynoka and opened up a campground, Deuces Wild RV & Campground.
“I went from a few spots to 50 spots now,” he said. “We have a real big repeat-customer base.”
Scioli said he got the idea of becoming county commissioner after talking to a lot of people and traveling the roads around the county.
He said he’s encountered many roads and bridges with closed signs on them — thoroughfares that seemingly lead to nowhere. The roads, he said, also are not maintained as well as they should be.
“I think it is time for a change,” Scioli said. “I want to get in there and get these things done.
“I’m not going to go out and build freeways, but I’m going to help (the residents) get in and out (of the county).”
Other goals for Scioli include cleaning out intersections and reducing vehicle accidents.
He also wants to do what he can to attract new businesses into the county.
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