Mayoral candidates make final pitches ahead of Tuesday's election

Seven candidates filed paperwork to be on the ballot Tuesday, but only five have actively campaigned: Casey Bradford, John Jolley, Karen Keith, Monroe Nichols and Brent VanNorman.

They all want the job Mayor G.T. Bynum has held since 2016 but has chosen, after two terms, not to seek again.

To get it, they’ve attended forums, given speeches, done interviews and filled out questionnaires all in the hope of convincing the city’s 220,000 registered voters that they’re the best choice.

As the campaign closes, the Tulsa World is giving the candidates one more chance to make their cases.

Also on the ballot Tuesday are all nine City Council seats as well as two proposed city charter amendments. The amendments, if approved, would increase the salaries for city councilors and the city auditor, effective after the winners of Tuesday’s elections are sworn in in December.

Bynum won his second term on Aug. 25, 2020, by earning nearly 52% of the vote in a packed race that included eight candidates. Greg Robinson finished second with 28.8% of the vote.

Had Bynum not won more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election would have been held. The same rules apply on Tuesday.

Turnout for the 2020 mayoral election was not stellar: Only 70,820 of the 207,458 registered voters at the time, or 34%, cast ballots.

The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Here are the candidates’ final pitches for your vote:

Casey Bradford

Age: 32

Occupation: Co-owner of Shady Keys Dueling Piano Bar and Graffiti, downtown entertainment venues

Education: Served in the U.S. Army

Website: bradfordfortulsamayor.com

The backbone of our city is our small businesses, and the life of our city is our community. When you vote this week, vote for the candidate that understands our city and what it means to be a Tulsan. Vote for the candidate that will fight alongside you to ensure we no longer adhere to a subpar standard, but instead, set a new standard. One that will ensure our youth has every opportunity to succeed, one that allows small businesses to not only become the focal point of our economy but become empowered to drive this city forward making us the leader in economic growth.

Most importantly, I ask you to vote. As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by my brothers and sisters so that we have the opportunity to have our voices heard. I want our city to become a beacon of hope, a place of progress, and a vision of tomorrow, and the only way we can make this happen is by the people.

Your voices matter, your votes matter, and together, we can bring about positive change. Vote Casey Bradford for mayor, and let’s work together to get this city back on track.

John Jolley

Age: 62

Occupation: Owner of Big Guys indoor billboard company

Education: Bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa

Website: None available

I love Tulsa!

I first came to Tulsa 42 years ago after transferring from the U.S. Naval Academy to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering at the University of Tulsa. I had no idea that I would fall in love with this beautiful city.

I am running for mayor of Tulsa, for I feel a calling.

I grew up in a small town in the south during the turbulence of the 1960s and ’70s.

I was in Memphis during the Sanitation Workers Strike of ’68, which resulted in the horrific death of Martin Luther King Jr.

The following year, I watched as a man walked on the moon.

I saw a city implode between the ‘Haves’ and the ‘Have Nots,’ and I saw what could be accomplished by people working together who believe.

It will take all of us to make Tulsa great.

If elected, I will lead my beloved city of Tulsa with the qualities of my favorite president during my lifetime, Jimmy Carter — honor, integrity, compassion, kindness, grace, and decency.

I became a single father at 50, and it changed me as a man. My daughter has given me the desire to leave Tulsa a better place.

Karen Keith

Age: 70

Occupation: Served four terms as Tulsa County commissioner.; previously worked as a television news anchor

Education: Bachelor’s degree in radio, television and public affairs from Oklahoma State University

Website: karenkeith.org

I’ve served as county commissioner since 2008, worked to pass Vision 2025, and built bipartisan support to rebuild our levees, a project that will save lives and property for years to come. Together, we can achieve remarkable things.

As your next mayor, I’m committed to championing public safety and am proud to have endorsements from Tulsa FOP and Tulsa firefighters. My vision for Tulsa is straightforward: a safe city, with top-notch schools, well-maintained streets, abundant job opportunities, and affordable housing. These aren’t red or blue issues; they are the building blocks of a thriving city.

We must address homelessness with a holistic approach involving increased mental health services, and partnerships between law enforcement, business owners, and philanthropy. Nobody should call our streets home.

We must cut the red tape that delays housing developments and road projects. Under my administration, we will remove barriers to progress and improve accountability. I will also stand up for our public schools and local control. Working with philanthropic leaders, we can create a housing assistance program to both recruit and retain teachers.

I am ready on Day One to lead Tulsa into an even brighter future, and I ask for your vote on Tuesday.

Monroe Nichols

Age: 40

Occupation: Served four terms representing District 72 in the Oklahoma House; co-founder of ImpactTulsa

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma

Website: monroeformayor.com

Tulsa has a rich history, once known as the “Oil Capital of the World” and the hub of Black wealth in America. As the largest city entirely within a Native American reservation, Tulsa is a melting pot of cultures, with first-generation Americans building our city brick by brick. Here, people have the unique opportunity to write their own stories and tackle big challenges.

Harnessing that collective ingenuity, I aim to achieve ambitious goals as mayor — ending homelessness by 2030, improving student outcomes, expanding our economy, and making Tulsa the safest big city for my child and yours. But a big vision requires a clear plan. The Tulsa World’s endorsement of my candidacy underscores that I’m the only candidate with a straightforward roadmap to address our city’s challenges. Now, Tulsa must decide its future.

We can choose a path forward with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a new generation of leadership. As a candidate with diverse professional experience and a track record of standing up to those like Ryan Walters who attack our community, I promise to be Tulsa’s best chief executive, ambassador, defender, and friend. I’d be honored to earn your trust and vote on Aug. 27.

Brent VanNorman

Age: 64

Occupation: Businessman, attorney, accountant and former pastor

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer science from Anderson University in Indiana and a law degree from Virginia-based Regent University

Website: brent4tulsa.com

Tulsa is at a crossroads. Now, more than ever, we need a leader with proven experience, integrity and a bold vision for our future. I’m running for mayor because Tulsa deserves leadership that’s both innovative and grounded in strong values.

Over my 40-plus years of business experience, I’ve led teams, managed large budgets and solved complex challenges. My time as a pastor taught me to listen, empathize and serve. As a family man, I share the hopes we all have for our children — a safe, thriving community with limitless opportunities.

As mayor, I will confront Tulsa’s toughest challenges head-on. We need a fresh approach to tackle rising homelessness, crime, and improve education, while making our city more business-friendly. My vision is for a Tulsa where homelessness is a thing of the past, businesses thrive, families feel safe, and our children receive a world-class education. With the right vision and leader, we can achieve more than we imagine.

Let’s make Tulsa that shining city on the hill! I’m ready to lead with a commitment to the values that make Tulsa great. This is our moment to build a brighter Tulsa together. I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 27!

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