Since Commissioner James Hanning was sworn into office January 3, 2011, he’s served in many capacities as a hands-on innovator and leader.
Hanning quickly proved his strong leadership skills when Wagoner County was hit with a record-breaking snowstorm. Only in office for a month, Hanning worked side-by-side with road crews, day and night for nearly a week, to make county roads safe for drivers. From that moment on, Hanning never hesitates to roll up his sleeves and do what needs to be done to improve and protect his community.
Hanning was appointed in 2012 to serve on the Energy Environment and Land Use (EELU) board and steering community with the National Association of Counties (NACO). Working with his counterparts from across the country gives him innovative solutions for issues that are common to communities like Wagoner County.
Serving on the Wagoner County Economic Development Authority, Hanning is instrumental in bringing in new business that eases the tax burden on citizens, while developing and maintaining county infrastructure. He also serves on several large project developments and new business strategic planning groups. These committees are vital to helping investors in Wagoner County’s growth and prosperity.
Hanning served several years as the chairman of the Board of Wagoner County Commissioners, leading and learning alongside his fellow board members.
Hanning listens to his District 1 constituents, including helping residents to take advantage of Title 19 funding for a volunteer fire department. He worked with rural water districts and the Oak Grove Fire Department to obtain grants to install fire hydrants throughout District 1, which not only improved safety, but enabled land owners and renters to reduce insurance costs. Hanning also listened to voters when they opposed a 241-megawatt solar farm near Porter, as well as the failed eight-proposition measure that would’ve raised taxes on hardworking residents who were already struggling under record inflation.
Always mindful that every aspect of his job is funded by Wagoner County landowners, business owners and consumers, Hanning’s priorities include maintaining a small, efficient government that serves the people – building bridges, repairing low-water crossings, improving safety, and maintaining county roads and facilities.
District 1 residents laud Commissioner Hanning for his open door policy and rapid response to issues and concerns.
Commissioner James Hanning will continue to trust his constituents to help guide business growth, while maintaining Wagoner County’s small-town charm and safety. He counts on his voters to communicate with him about what makes our communities special, and he uses their input to inform his decisions.
| Roads & Bridges |
| 21 miles of District 1 road paved, chipped, and oiled |
| Two bridges built from the ground up |
| Multiple low-water crossings repaired and elevated |
| Safety striping on county roads — first time countywide since 2011 |
| Online request portal for District 1 road and bridge needs |
| Adams Creek Bridge — repair and rebuild |
| 217th Washout repair completed |
| 41st Street rebuilt between 273rd and 305th |
| Eagle Ridge / 41st Street entrance project |
| Project management portal that tracks every job and dollar |
| Safety & Emergency |
| Helped establish the Oak Grove Fire Department |
| REAP-grant fire hydrants installed across rural District 1 |
| Led record-snowstorm response in his first month — day and night, nearly a week straight |
| Won accolades for the 2025 snowstorm: fast clearing and salting |
| Daily coordination with Wagoner County Sheriff's Office |
| Daily coordination with Wagoner County 911 dispatch |
| Daily coordination with Wagoner County Emergency Management |
| Supported county-wide 800 MHz public-safety communication upgrade |
| Tenure & Service |
| Sworn in January 3, 2011 — fifteen years on the job |
| Chairman of the Board of Wagoner County Commissioners, multiple terms |
| NACo EELU Steering Committee member since 2012 |
| Wagoner County Economic Development Board |
| Fiscal Stewardship |
| Paid off four pieces of county equipment in first 18 months |
| Cut the monthly equipment bill by $5,035.68 |
| Re-invested every dollar of those savings into roads |
| Free Dump Days for residents — twice a year, fully funded |
| New emulsion storage tank — long-term infrastructure investment |
| Office books open to any District 1 resident: every project, every penny |
| Government-debt-free philosophy held since day one |
| Opposed the eight-proposition sales tax when voters said no |
| Listening to District 1 |
| Opposed the 241-megawatt solar farm near Porter at residents' request |
| Helped attract new businesses that reduce the resident tax burden |
| Always-on AI phone line so District 1 callers reach the campaign 24/7 |
Check out Wagoner County Commissioner James Hanning's commitment to safer, smoother roads in the table above.
Commissioner Hanning wants to attract the kind of business to Wagoner County that gives big city revenues while maintaining a small-town feel.
Maintaining minimal debt for equipment and facilities means more money in our taxpayers' pockets instead of big banks.
Common sense planning and zoning that gives our residents a say in how our communities grow and prosper.
Commissioner James Hanning’s experienced and principled leadership is more important than ever – to maintain operational excellence and keep Wagoner County government running lean and strong.
