We asked every City Councilor candidate the same 11 questions. Here are their answers on a variety of topics facing Tulsa

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

In District 1, two challengers filed to face incumbent Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper. They are David Harris, 48, and Francetta Mays, 59. Harris is a community engagement specialist and tech entrepreneur. Mays is a pastor and self-employed business consultant.

Hall-Harper, 50, is seeking her fourth term in office.

The questionnaires were meant to provide insight on where these candidates stand on the issues, while the attached videos were meant to provide a little about them as people.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Vanessa Hall-Harper: To continue the historic work we have accomplished over the last 6 years improving the quality of life in District 1.

David Harris: I believe that District 1 needs representation in City Council that will move the entire city forward. I believe I can unlock the full potential of our district and bring progressive change.

Francetta Mays: When I was asked to consider running for this position it was a decision not taken lightly. I began market research by asking our seniors what were their concerns? I was advised “the community is not feeling safe, too many dispensaries and property values diminishing.” I then asked the young adults and middle-aged people. They stated “there are no opportunities and they needed to leave this community to be successful.” Then, I drove around and discovered that 23 years ago this community looked the exact same as today, and I have been busy and missed it. This is bigger than any one person, and I have a plan!

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

VHH: Lack of adequate and affordable housing. Continue to fund and incentivize programs whose mission is to build and revitalize quality neighborhoods.

DH: I think one of the biggest challenges in our city is the fractured relationship between the police and the Black residents of Tulsa. I think the city, along with TPD, should be proactive in forming and supporting effective community policing efforts. There are models that could be used that cost the city no money and be done even with the shortage of officers.

FM: Crime. There are so many issues that have not been dealt with in this city and conversations that have not been completed with a plan involving North Tulsa … and yet other communities get more attention and funding considerations. For Tulsa is the residue of 1921. This is a silent disease that still plagues our community, like PTSD. Until we begin to band together and have the hard talks within our families and communities, nothing will change.

There is a void between the community and law enforcement, and it is a lack of trust and communication. It is important to maintain platforms to establish relationships.

To help, we must seek the issues and confront the challenges. As a community we have allowed fear to penetrate the decency of being a good neighbor, and it is time to raise the standards and expectations, then redefine the narrative.

The Plan: Quarterly meetings with law enforcement officials; community forums to become familiar with the processes; provide legal resources to educate prior to violations; SMART goals/nonpartial monitoring units.

We must become a team in our city crossing boundary lines and begin unwrapping solutions to trauma and partnering with organizations already funded to assist. We are Tulsa.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

VHH: 1. Food Insecurity. Support with funding (such as ARPA) the expansion of more quality grocery stores that will address the food insecurity problems in District 1.

2. Economic Development. Demand and support economic development projects in District 1 that improve and benefit the citizens of District 1 and do not displace and gentrify the district; such as the Evans Fintube and the Kirkpatrick Heights development processes. I have and will continue to demand and voice the importance of local development opportunities for those who have historically been left out of development spaces.

DH: District 1 has some of the lowest property values in our city. A great deal of this is due to the conditions of the neighborhoods that suffer from empty and uninhabitable homes, empty, dilapidated commercial structures, and empty overgrown lots. I believe an active code enforcement in our communities could support efforts to present a more vibrant community worthy of greater value.

Our second challenge is the lack of jobs that pay living wages and competitive salaries in our communities. Residents of District 1 should (not) always have to travel out of the district to make a decent living. We should incentivize businesses to come to this area and seek the talents of those of us here in District 1.

FM: 1. We are misaligned regarding community focus. There are opportunities we missed to educate and position our community to thrive. Strategic planning is necessary, and I have a blueprint.

Trust has been diminished, we must include the community in our decisions and find ways to incentivize community efforts to change the narrative.

2. Generational Crime: We have several opportunities to create new expectations and goals specifically catered to areas in our community dealing with poverty, education deficiencies and career training.

Crime is a byproduct of a failed educational system and the results of the family breakdown which is also due to incarceration and death, which also has plagued this community. We have to solidify a stronger community through having more programs from those that have been incarcerated to pour back into this community through transparency programs, and other collaborations. This should not be the churches’ responsibility alone. “We are They”; crime, it affects us all. We need more collaborative community response teams in place. Goals.

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

VHH: I believe I am the best person for the job because I lead WITH my community and not FOR my community. Together WE fought for healthy food options in District 1. Today WE have Oasis Fresh Market. Together WE continue to focus on justice and economic development in the historic Greenwood District. Today a Black-led development company is leading a $250 million development project in Greenwood.

Together we have supported our most vulnerable neighbors; we have expunged 400 criminal records through the Tulsa Expungement Expo leading to better jobs and housing. Together we have fought for quality housing in our community by creating the District 1 Housing Committee who is knocking down barriers fighting against home appraisal discrimination and collaborating with Home Buyer Programs to increase home ownership. Together we have accomplished much, but we still have so much to do!!!

DH: I believe my leadership style and vision for District 1 makes me the best candidate. I know that my collaborative approach gives our district the best opportunity to excel. The change and progress we seek is found in an inclusive effort that creates bridges rather than barriers. District 1 has an incredible blend of community and culture that deserves a councilor who invites them all to participate.

FM: I believe we all have a stake in the success of our city. Each representative has a responsibility to challenge ourselves and dream bigger than what we have accepted. I have been instrumental in positioning people for their success in many aspects of their lives through my company Nyodrms pronounced (“in your dreams”). This has been bigger than me for a long time. This position is what I do every day. Create space for others through helping them locate their potential.

I began investing in lives in 2014 and have consistently helped reshape the lives of several individuals willing to participate in their process. This is what we must focus on in District 1 and the city of Tulsa - investments of time, talents, and resources as a community, as a city.

What I realized is when you feed a man, he will always need to be fed. When you teach him how to feed himself, he can never go hungry.

I see the vision and have a plan to improve property values and bring economic growth to District 1, while educating our community and forming partnerships to enhance the landscape and infrastructure.

5. Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

VHH: I am advocating for a west Tulsa infrastructure project that will update water and sewage that will bring more adequate and affordable housing to west Tulsa to address the housing crisis. Tulsa recently experienced the largest population growth in far east Tulsa. This is due to the infrastructure investments that were made by the city. West Tulsa has hundreds of developable land that must be used to revitalize a segment of Tulsa that has been forgotten.

DH: Lights. Too many of our streets are poorly lit, which is a real safety concern. Not only does it make it difficult for drivers to see hazards in the road but pedestrians are also at risk if they are crossing the street or having to share the road because of the lack of sidewalks as well.

FM: There are several dilapidated buildings that have been left unmaintained in north Tulsa and that is affecting property values and lowering the morale in the area. This has been limiting the attractiveness of businesses and that is directly affecting the mental and financial stability of those living in the area.

These areas should not be specific to a city as beautiful as the Tulsa landscape; nevertheless, this is not a priority. We are abandoning those communities and leaving our citizens to deal with drug addictions, homelessness and mental illness left to dwell comfortably in those areas.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

VHH: ABSOLUTELY!!!! Real independent oversight will begin the process of building TRUST and ACCOUNTABILITY among law enforcement.

DH: I believe there is a lot of information that needs to be reviewed as it pertains to oversight. I believe that there should be accountability for officers who are negligent or part of criminal activity. I also believe the department should not only be aware of citizen concerns but they should seek to find effective solutions to restore community confidence. I think that the citizens of Tulsa should get an opportunity to voice their position in a ballot question. I don't believe something as important as this should be left up to the decision of a few.

FM: Yes. I have worked with the (Tulsa County) Sheriff’s oversight committee and strongly suggest we have one established for TPD. It is great for the community, Sheriff Vic (Regalado) has been amazing to work with and the citizens are pleased.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

VHH: Yes! Adequate and affordable housing has become a national problem and Tulsa is not immune from this problem. Government exists to serve the needs of the People. We (city government) must step up to address the need. We have begun and we must continue to find innovative ways to encourage and incentivize housing programs through public/private partnerships.

DH: Tulsa should definitely have an adequate amount of affordable housing. I would be interested in seeing models from other cities where they are doing well in the area of affordable housing that we could possibly duplicate here.

FM: I believe taxpayers should be allowed to have access to housing when our community does not offer the educational and economic needs for the community. Once this improves, we can subsidize housing by other means such as programs and other initiatives which again includes community organizations that already exist. We must make adequate assessments and comparable training via vo-tech or on-the-job training/ internships, etc.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

VHH: There are still questions to be answered, and my first inclination is not to criminalize yet another already disenfranchised and economically challenged population.

DH: I don't see the need to criminalize the condition of homelessness. I believe there are various circumstances that have caused someone to be unsheltered. There are those who suffer from severe mental illness and should not be jailed but rather treated for their illness. We need solutions that help to change the conditions of homelessness that respect the humanity of our brothers and sisters living on the streets. The manpower and resources used in the proposal by the mayor would be best used supporting better efforts with lasting impact.

FM: Against.

We have a moral responsibility as a city to provide for our taxpayers to ensure all people are respected. This is not an issue for those already at their lowest, and to think the resolution is jail time and fines, that makes no sense to fine them for conditions we have not helped them resolve. That makes no sense to me that we overlook those that cannot contribute, but has anyone even asked them to help?

The homeless population is saturated in District 1. It is up to our city to discuss all available options including vocational services and re-entry partnerships with organizations to cater to their categories of needs physically and emotionally.

We get to do better when we pay attention to the problem to resolve it, as opposed to discussing how to make more money. Arrests and fines do not serve as deterrents to desperate people, in my opinion. Resources, training and options for citizens is necessary for them to be healthier and make the right decisions daily.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

VHH: Yes, because it will save lives!

DH: As a veteran, it is difficult for me to see any reason to restrict the rights and liberties of law-abiding citizens. With that being said, I believe that taking precautions to protect the health and well-being of the residents in our community may require us to ask Tulsans to join us in safe practices that give us the best opportunity to remain healthy and minimize exposure.

FM: No. We tried the mask mandate and what we are moving closer to is infringing upon everyone's rights. There are examples of how to control this virus, total lock downs…that didn’t work because we cannot effectively man the post to inspect what we are expecting. And the other way is martial law, which is not an option in America…or is it?

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

VHH: The Tulsa Fire Department and the hourly wage city employees. Increase in salaries/pay.

DH: We need to have our streets improved in District 1. Along with better roads, our communities are in need of sidewalks for safe passage off of the streets. I would focus dollars in those areas because it not only improves safety but also the values of our neighborhoods.

FM: No response provided.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

VHH: The lag in economic development in my opinion is in the opportunities to develop. Historically, the power structure, capitalism and the good ole boy network has dictated who can develop and profit in Tulsa. The city has a responsibility to ensure that there is equity in opportunity in economic development.

DH: District 1 is in the greatest need of economic development. The northern most part of the city has gone neglected too long. There needs to be intentional efforts to stimulate growth in this area that brings quality paying jobs and support for new businesses in the area. I believe tax incentives would be one of the ways to attract new businesses that would spark this growth.

FM: No response provided.

Related

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story.

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

In District 2, incumbent Jeannie Cue will face challenger Aaron Bisogno. Cue, 68, was first elected to the City Council in 2011. She is a retired nurse. Bisogno, 35, is a loan specialist who is challenging Cue for the third time.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Jeannie Cue: District 2 is my home. I work daily in the community trying to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Aaron Bisogno: I am just a concerned citizen who wants nothing more than to change the direction the City Council is going before the usurpation of the rights and freedoms of me and my fellow District 2 citizens and all Tulsans becomes a reality. Government overreach extended to a zenith in 2020-2021. I won’t let that happen again if I am elected.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it? 

JC: Protecting the residents’, the community’s, and businesses’ way of life while at the same time working to improve and curb the homeless situation.

AB: Homelessness: Getting people off the street and rehabilitating those who are willing, and teaching the skills so that they might become self-supporting and interested in becoming a contributing citizen in the city of Tulsa.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

JC: Public safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods.

AB: The homeless, which I already mentioned above, and the roads. The roads shouldn’t need to rely on Vision projects and monies collected from them and/or taxes. We should turn to the private sector to repair our roads; we can come up with solutions rather than begging for scraps from the city budget. And to hold the contractors responsible for sub-par roads and incentivize for roads that stand the test of time.

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council? 

JC:  I have been part of District 2 my whole life. I believe this helps me understand the residents of District 2 along with their needs and concerns better than any other candidates. 

AB: Because I never voted away anyone’s right like my opponent did. I will never, ever, encroach on anyone's rights or liberties. I believe that we are all sovereign under the Constitution with inalienable rights and those rights were violated over the last two years. I will vote down any measure that increases the tax burden of my fellow citizens. I will work hard to ensure my district leads by example and will always stand for freedom.

5. Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

JC: Working to secure access to our water supply and improve the aged water and sewer lines in District 2 and our city.

AB: I am unaware of any infrastructure project that is more pressing than our streets. Once our streets are fixed, then we can move on to bigger things. Nothing is bigger than the streets right now. What we should be concerned about is where this money is coming from and how it’s tied to the Vision projects, and what is the city of Tulsa smart plan? You should look for yourself right here: https://www.transportation.gov/smartcity/visionstatements/tulsa-ok

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

JC: I do not support police oversight as previously proposed. I believe we have the best Police Department in the world protecting our Tulsa streets. Although mistakes have been made within the department, I believe due process of the law within our current justice system protects us citizens. 

AB: No. The police already have internal affairs, which is obligated to investigate every officer when they discharged their weapon during any police action, and there are private watchdog groups and concerned citizens that right or wrong in their assessment will always scrutinize the police and their efforts. This is the normal way of society; we already have practices in place that are codified and need no additional government intervention. We are the sovereigns of this city; we need less government, not more.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that? 

JC: We need to work with our community partners to protect our local home affordability while at the same time promoting economic development which, sometimes unfortunately, may cause some prices to rise.

AB: No. That is not a function of government. The private sector can handle it. They can start by teaching financial responsibility to those who would help themselves reach their financial and property owning goals. Life, liberty and property starts with you. You are sovereign.

8.  To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

JC: I  support this measure. While I have sympathy for people who have genuinely struggled with homelessness, we need a healthy system that protects our residents, businesses, and those who are less fortunate.

AB: The proposed ordinance is too ambiguous. It doesn’t classify what types of individuals will be subject to fines and arrests, only what those individuals are doing in the right of way. If the ordinance could be written to classify those specifically without lawful dwellings in the city of Tulsa, I would support that.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

JC. No. I feel like citizens know what happened, they know how to handle the situation, and I trust Tulsans to do what needs to be done.

AB: Hell, no! Because it violates our Constitutional rights and infringes on our right to due process. The city is not responsible for my health; I am. And each of my fellow sovereigns are responsible for their health and safety and that of their families’ well-being.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

JC: Well, I feel fire, police, and working in neighborhoods all have needs. Today animal welfare is one of my top concerns. We have an outdated facility, unstaffed, needed equipment, need to decrease euthanization, and better sanitation.

AB: I do not believe the city should receive any additional funding to any of its departments from the taxpayers’ pockets without a complete overhaul of the budget and an explanation of every red cent that went into the enormous $945 million budget the City Council just passed.

11. And finally, Where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

JC: Work on increasing livable wages.

AB: Give tax breaks and incentivize businesses to relocate to Tulsa and prioritize local economic growth. The Ironman and the PGA tour coming to Tulsa frequently are good examples. We need more events that resonate with our citizens and drive local participation and to invest in ourselves and our city. 

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Incumbent Crista Patrick faces challenger Daniel Grove in her bid for a third term. Patrick, 48, was the longtime costume shop manager at the University of Tulsa. She is also a massage therapist, fiber artist and business owner. Grove, 22, is a roofing contractor.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Daniel Grove: District 3 has been neglected since I was a child. This has been greatly amplified by the pandemic, and it seems as if the district has been forgotten. I, my neighbors, and my community, all see that the current administration does almost nothing to improve the quality of life in Tulsa's more vulnerable areas. Being that I come from the same roots, I believe that it would be advantageous for the community to have a representative with the same life experiences in order to truly represent our district in the city government.

Crista Patrick: To make our city a better place for my daughter and all of the future generations.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

DG: There is a large economic disparity between the north and south sides of Tulsa, and this is fueled greatly by a large funding disparity by district. We need to assign funding throughout the city by need, and not by want, so the entirety of Tulsa grows.

CP: Polarity caused by not focusing more on our sameness. Providing more opportunities for everyone to come together and recognize our common  struggles.  

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

DG: The two largest challenges to District 3 are a lack of economic opportunities, as well as increasing rent payments. Economic opportunities are created when businesses are in an environment to thrive. If the city government reduces its control on land usage, then more economic opportunities will be gained by new businesses starting all around Tulsa. The same solution can be applied to the skyrocketing rents of the citizens of Tulsa — if we allocate more land to build homes, the influx of new housing availability will reduce the cost of housing, thus reducing housing costs for the individual. 

CP: Poverty and frustration. People of District 3 are largely proud and hard working but are not high income earners, and as inflation rises living is getting tougher. You pair that with feeling helpless to make any changes, it is a dangerous combination.

As far as what the City Council can do about it, sadly little. We have raised the city employee minimum to $16 an hour but have no control over non-city employment.

I concentrate on the quality of life things. Connecting people to resources, making sure their water and sewer problems are getting addressed. Fighting for more access to public resources and opportunities to come together so that we don't forget to celebrate life and our achievements, regardless of how small they seem. I am trying to advocate for more diversity of opportunities in District 3, whether it be in places to work, live or just get a cup of coffee.  

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

DG: I believe that I am the best candidate to represent District 3 because I am capable of understanding, intimately, the struggles of the district. It is necessary for the citizens of District 3 to have a proper representative to speak clearly on issues and take proper, effective action against them. District 3, currently, does not seem to be getting its proper representation in the city government.

CP: I work very hard and love all the people of  District 3 with my whole heart. I have started getting some real traction and would like the opportunity to see some things through. 

5. Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

DG: With the growing gas prices, as well as the skyrocketing price of vehicles, it would be in everyone's best interest to expand bus routes to make the city a better place to commute. This would not only lessen traffic, but also save individuals money because they would no longer have to pay their car payments, car insurance, maintenance costs, and gasoline costs if they were to make the decision to use the bus routes as their form of transit.

CP: I would like to continue the sewer improvements started. A large part of District 3 is very old and our sewers were not well maintained for many of the early years.  There are many areas that storm water and sewers are directly impacted by each other and the rains that fall. 

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

DG: Absolutely. The role of the police force is to act as the enforcing arm of legislation, with justice being the goal of the courts in regards to the legislation. If law enforcement is not held to ethical guidelines, then justice cannot be gained. A corrupt police force, or even a (corrupt) single officer, removes the possibility for all affected to gain justice, which is a foundational block in the American philosophy. 

CP: I believe checks and balance is what our government is founded on. I do think that some of that is in place but the need for more transparency and direct  two-way communication is needed within our whole city government, not just the Police Department. 

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

DG: Unfortunately, "affordable housing" is unsustainable and actually increases the cost of housing for those who do not qualify for affordable housing. There are two solutions to this problem which will work in the long term — increase home ownership (because a mortgage payment is less than a rent payment), and build more houses in Tulsa, because that will drive down the cost of houses in the area due to supply and demand.

CP: I think it is a human responsibility, so in part, yes, but in part no. I do think the government should be helpful and not a hindrance in the process. We are looking at some of our zoning laws and building permits to see how we can be better. 

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why? (Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

DG: This proposal is outright evil. The homeless are "obstructing a public right of way" because being viewed by foot-traffic at a higher frequency allows them to gain more money, helping to ease the burden of homelessness. Throwing these people in jail is absolutely counterproductive to a goal which every American, Tulsans especially, want — to get these people back on their feet and back into society. Treating people as criminals for existing in an inconvenient space is the absolute worst kind of governing philosophy possible, and a resignation from Bynum should be received immediately.

CP: First, it doesn't give the right to arrest anyone in my understanding . It is only citation based. But also, I don't think it is an effective solution to the problems we are having in regards to homelessness. I just think it would only be effective against companies whose signs or equipment are blocking rights of way, not the homeless who don’t have the means to pay fines.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

DG: I would not support a mask mandate. This is not because COVID-19 is not dangerous, but because masks did not prove to be as effective as intended and provided a false sense of security. The solution to any pandemic is a collective improvement to hygiene, which is not something that a government can provide nor mandate.

CP: If the Health Department recommended it because of a danger to the health system again, I would. But I doubt it will come to that again. 

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

DG: Tulsa Transit should receive more funding in order to expand bus routes so that all Tulsans have access to transportation throughout the entirety of the city. Currently, Tulsa is a car-centered city and expanding bus routes will help low-income individuals take on better opportunities to better their situation. More buses, more fuel, and more operators should be the majority of this budget increase.

CP: Working in Neighborhoods, which includes Animal Welfare. The ability to have enough staff to be proactive about education and violations would make a world of difference to the daily lives of citizens.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

DG: The city is lagging in a plethora of different ways, all with different solutions. However, all of these solutions revolve around either putting more money in the pockets of the working class, or saving them money, as citizens spend money more effectively on behalf of themselves than the government does. A few examples would be to relax zoning regulations to allow businesses to start and thrive, allow abandoned buildings to be bought and repurposed, and to spend the city budget equitably in order for everyone to have a fairer shot at the American dream.

CP: It's time to re-energize and diversify the older parts of the city. For too long, the city has focused similar kinds of business in one area instead of diversifying all areas. It is especially prevalent in District 3, where we have many car-related industries and manufacturing, but not one coffee shop or brew pub, or even a "date-style restaurant.” 

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Five candidates are running to succeed Councilor Kara Joy McKee, who is not seeking reelection. They are Laura Bellis, 33; Michael Birkes, 72; Michael Feamster, 39; Matthew Fransein, 34; and Bobby Dean Orcutt, 40.

Two people who filed to run, Scott Carter and Weydan Flax, withdrew from the race.

Bellis is executive director of Take Control Initiative. Birkes is an architect and planner. Feamster is president of the southwest region for Nabholz Construction Corp. Fransein is director of development and project manager at Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, and Orcutt is co-owner of Mercury Lounge.

The questionnaires were meant to provide insight on where these candidates stand on the issues, while the attached videos were meant to provide a little about them as people. 

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Laura Bellis: I’ve committed my life to service and removing barriers to resources and opportunities for Tulsans. I served our city's youth as a middle school teacher for five years. In the six years since leaving the classroom, I've worked every day as a nonprofit leader to ensure Tulsans have access to reproductive healthcare.

As a twice-appointed member of the city’s Human Rights Commission, I served to make Tulsa a better place for everyone as the committee's vice chair for a year and chair for two years. This, combined with an overall seven years of experience working on municipal policy, gives me a deep understanding of how local-level government can make a difference in the lives of Tulsans.

In my work as a teacher, a nonprofit leader and a community advocate, I have seen first-hand how barriers to all the amazing resources our city has to offer limit opportunities for our kids and families. I will work every day as a city councilor to make decisions that remove those barriers and ensure we are building a city that truly works for everyone.

Michael Birkes: I am a lifelong Tulsan and have seen the city grow, decline, and emerge again into the dynamic city it is today. Several years ago, I considered running for council, but decided not to do so, because I was an owner and managing a major architectural firm. Also, my children were still living at home. With those professional and family obligations I felt I could not commit sufficient time to fulfill the requirements of a city councilor.

I am now retired and can devote full time to effectively representing the residents and businesses of District 4.

Birkes said he is especially grateful for the support of his wife of 30 years, Dana, and his two daughters and son.

Michael Feamster: I am passionate about Tulsa and want to be closer to its heartbeat. No one approached me to run and I do not view this position as a stepping stone, but rather an opportunity to be closer to the city I love and serve our greatest asset — our people.

As a fourth generation Tulsan, I desire to see a more unified Tulsa that works cohesively together within a culture of respect, honesty, integrity, and hard work no matter our personal nor political backgrounds. Being a city of resilience and renaissance, we are uniquely positioned to do this and look forward to providing a voice for all District 4 residents and businesses and pushing our Tulsa brand forward.

Additionally, I believe I am uniquely aligned with District 4’s DNA as an eclectic District. I am an Osage Nation citizen, bilingual in Spanish, an artist, a coffee roaster, train in mixed martial arts, a successful businessman, and serve on multiple nonprofit boards including Arts Alliance Tulsa, Philbrook Museum and Gardens, Tulsa Regional Tourism, and Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

The role of a Tulsa city councilor was birthed in 1989 within the Tulsa amended charter and is outlined by our city as the legislative branch of the Mayor’s Office that also approves our city’s annual budget and overall represents our district.

My plan is to do this job as prescribed whilst bringing a passion for vibrant and safe neighborhoods, economic development and job growth, and public safety especially with regards to our first responders and homelessness.

Matthew Fransein: It’s been a rough few years, I think we can all agree on that. But now’s the time for us to move from the mindset of ‘what’s wrong’ with things versus, How can we support?

I’m running because I’d like to see changes that lead to housing and businesses that reflect our current community needs; services that are both supported and held accountable; and a council that prioritizes compromise, research-based decision-making, and shared success.

I'm not looking toward the next big thing — I'm looking to support our city's plans and prioritize the small changes that can have a bigger impact for our core systems and future plans.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: I have been lucky in my life. I have overcome extreme poverty to become a business owner and contributing member of my community. I would like to invest in Tulsa and the neighborhoods of District 4 using the same ideas and principles that have helped guide me through those hard times.

I want to work towards innovative solutions that meet at the crossroads of compassion and practicality. I want to see my neighbors thrive, and believe that working together in a collaborative manner that is solutions-focused is the only way to meet that goal. I’d like to continue to see Tulsa grow into a place we can all proudly call home.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Laura Bellis: Affordable, high-quality housing is a significant need for our city. Thousands of Tulsans are on wait lists to access shelter, but with our housing infrastructure is almost at capacity, we lack the units needed to ensure everyone has a place to call home.

As Tulsa grows, we need leadership that’s ready and able to find innovative, long-term solutions. We must invest in and enact the community-developed “A Way Home for Tulsa” plan to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring.

There are numerous vacant properties in disrepair all across Tulsa. Those owned by the city should be donated to qualified nonprofits for repair. We should also ensure private property owners have access to greater resources to revitalize their homes and neighborhoods.

Our city also has an escalating number of out-of-state buyers and property managers. We must consider more regulation and oversight to ensure properties are safe and well maintained, while ensuring prospective homebuyers in Tulsa are not pushed out of the market.

Finally, it's critical we look at efforts in other cities to address the housing crisis. Tulsa should learn from and partner with other municipalities to find solutions that work. Our council has the power and opportunity to make all of this happen.

Michael Birkes: Affordable Housing. First, we need to find ways and more revenue to assist residents in repairing their homes, keeping them viable and affordable. Secondly, housing in several older neighborhoods have deteriorated or been removed due to speculator neglect, thus reducing the housing stock and property values of those remaining homeowners. It also has an adverse effect on neighborhood safety and individual health. 

Michael Feamster: Homelessness. Homelessness is a complex challenge that jointly requires compassion and accountability subject to the individual situation usually due to the lack of affordable housing, a need for more mental health services, a need for more substance and drug abuse counseling, situational hardships, and individuals who choose to be homeless.

Potential strategies to address the problem include:

1. A comprehensive plan that unifies city/county stakeholders, service providers, and public safety to implement affordable housing, increase mental health, increase substance abuse counseling, etc.

3. Public-private partnerships, city incentives, and policy levers for developers to develop affordable housing projects.

4. Support local service providers efforts, especially for needs across the city and county of Tulsa and not just limited to our downtown service providers.

5. Assess all options for individuals who have been sent to Tulsa from other cities.

6. Assess all financial options to support the aforementioned items within and outside of our current, annual budget.

Matthew Fransein: I have difficulties with ultimatums, especially in regard to prioritization of community challenges. There are numerous hurdles our community faces and they vary according to our own lived experience and circumstances. Therefore, I’d consider that many of the common issues our city regularly identifies fall into a generalized grouped challenge: inequity stemming from a lack of support toward enhancing the efficiency and capacity of core community services.

Current budgetary and project priorities overlook the basics such as data management systems, enhancing existing infrastructure to be adaptable to city plans and community needs, and the value of public/private partnerships. This leads toward underfunded units that seek to support those affected by homelessness and mental health challenges, road plans that forego traffic density concerns and sidewalks remaining impossibly narrow in favor of big city concepts that aren’t always an adaptable fit for Tulsa’s realities.

Finally, toward the second challenge, I, as a member of the nonprofit services sector, see that our private sector must work toward more direct collaboration with city services to ultimately increase capacity, funding availability and direct support to the individuals.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: Access to affordable housing is a growing issue that has an event horizon, and that will leave more and more Tulsans displaced. This contributes to nearly every issue we face as a city.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

Laura Bellis: DEVELOPMENT. Future development in District 4 must be responsible, sustainable and honor the culture of our community. We’re experiencing such rapid growth that it can imperil what makes District 4’s vibrant neighborhoods so special. We must focus on responsible development that happens in collaboration with neighborhoods, rather than in opposition.

We also need to put resources into building up the entrepreneurs and small businesses that make Tulsa incredible. We should streamline the process of starting a business and ensure red-tape and bureaucratic barriers are removed so entrepreneurs can engage with the city with minimal friction. We should invest in scaling phenomenal business incubators (like Mother Road Market) that create pipelines of opportunity for rising talent. HOUSING: As development occurs, we must actively address the affordable housing shortage in District 4 and make sure homeownership is within reach for every Tulsan. That’s why I will work with my colleagues and non-profit leaders to develop first-time homebuyer assistance programs for Tulsans who’ve devoted their career to public service. The civic workers who sacrificed for us during the pandemic should know we have their back — and we should ensure they have a permanent place in Tulsa to call home.

Michael Birkes: Same housing challenges as noted in Question 2 and homelessness. See response to question 8.

Michael Feamster: Homelessness and economic development that is impacted due to this, as well as our need to improve our public education rates.

Matthew Fransein: District 4 is one of the most diverse amongst the demographic strata in the city of Tulsa. With the recent redistricting in west Tulsa to join District 4, I believe we must address critical challenges that west Tulsans have faced most of their lives. West Tulsa is often treated as forgotten lands and faces wage disparity, poverty, land devaluation, flooding risk, public safety (challenges), and food deserts, requiring a critical need for investment and infrastructure rehabilitation and enhancement.

Areas such as the Historic Crosbie Heights are faced with a vacancy/condemned rate of nearly 25% of their homes and businesses. Compounded with restricted access to main Tulsa, decreasing home values, and few job opportunities, west Tulsa faces constant public safety concerns that leave residents at risk and investors unwilling to take risks under the Planning Commission’s Master Planned Development (MPD) process versus the more developer-friendly Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.

Many of these issues are prevalent throughout much of District 4, but not on the macro level our west side residents face. As a resident off of 11th and Harvard, I feel petty in complaining about our traffic issues compared to what my fellow constituents face in their neighborhoods and community.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: District 4 runs nearly the entirety of midtown, downtown and all the way to Charles Page (Boulevard). Every neighborhood is different, and every neighborhood requires a specific approach. But, every neighborhood in District 4 is impacted by an increased presence of folks living without shelter, and a failing or neglected infrastructure.

Safe neighborhoods are built through investment. In the roads, streetlights, sidewalks and in each other. Knowing your neighbor's name. Knowing that your city will make sure the lights stay on. And by providing accessibility to public use facilities like restrooms, shaded areas and water fountains in our parks — all of our parks — with the budget to maintain them.

It is not QuikTrip's or any other private business' responsibility to provide a vital and required resource. The city must do that.

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Laura Bellis: City councilors serve short, two-year terms. Our district deserves and needs a councilor who is ready to get to work on day one.

I’ve been civically engaged on the city level for over seven years. I’ve spent significant time in my leadership roles on the Human Rights Commission, my time as a community advocate, and throughout the pandemic working on public health and safety policies alongside the council, the Mayor’s Office, and various other city agencies.

I frequent City Council meetings and I’ve helped facilitate multiple town halls with our current city councilor. I’ve been part of proposing, developing and advocating for policies and charter amendments that are now in action in order to advance equity and accessibility in our city.

It is worth asking the other candidates what their participation with the council has looked like over the past several years and if they have previously voted in municipal elections. Tulsa has been through so much and is facing significant challenges in the months and years ahead. With so much work to do, there is no time to waste. I’m uniquely qualified and ready to hit the ground running.

Michael Birkes: Experience and some say wisdom. Over the past 50 years of working and collaborating with diverse project teams including developers, governments, and residents to achieve successful outcomes.

Significant local projects include QuikTrip, Warehouse Market, multiple apartment projects throughout the city, Tulsa Expo Square and Fairgrounds renovations, restoration of the Pavilion, and expansion of facilities that have a major economic impact for Tulsa.

I’ve worked for the city, both as an employee and as a consultant. This has given me knowledge of many of the departments and individuals that l will interact with as a councilor. These are relationships that already exist and won’t have to be developed upon arriving at City Hall, freeing me to immediately address the issues related to District 4.

Worked as planner, community development department, city of Tulsa, and on historic preservation ordinance and Downtown Master Plan

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Oklahoma State University; Master of Urban Studies, University of Tulsa

Professor of Practice, University of Oklahoma, Community Health and Environmental Design, Urban Design Studio. Projects and research into the impact the built environment has on health, with emphasis on neighborhoods.

Michael Feamster: Tulsan that puts Tulsans first. I am a 4th generation Tulsan that is truly people driven that will work on behalf of all Tulsans and for Tulsa’s future. This includes both residents and businesses. I desire and aim to see our Tulsa City Council united from a cultural aspect, as well as all that have chosen Tulsa as their home.

• Strong family: Husband of 10 years and 4 beautiful children. I will advocate for safe and thriving neighborhoods and quality of life for our families. My parents taught me to listen and learn from all people and communities. This has laid a foundation for me to be able to be a coalition builder that truly desires respect, integrity, transparency, honesty, and overall thorough communication.

• Business Resume: Extensive resume that includes large budgets and portfolio, leadership of large teams, and international experience. There have been various opportunities to speak and present to many of our local constituents including school boards, nonprofit boards, committees, and various associations.

• Community Experience: I serve on the boards of Arts Alliance Tulsa, Philbrook Museum and Gardens, Tulsa Regional Tourism, and Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

• Represent my District well: Spanish speaking, nonprofit volunteer, coffee roaster, Osage Native citizen, artist, and a business person.

Matthew Fransein: I’m treating this election as a job interview rather than a competition. Given the intended nonpartisan role of city council, I have actively focused on avoiding personal bias and opinions in favor of core challenges and areas of opportunity.

While I may not have the history of partaking in council meetings or city commissions, I am a quick study and doubt it’ll take me “a full year to learn the job.” My curiosity has provided me with varied experiences that have allowed me to be adaptable, inquisitive, and willing to seek out experts. This has proven beneficial throughout this race by increasing my understanding of the council's scope of work and what key priorities exceed the limits of their jurisdiction.

With over a decade of project management experience, I seek to work through the foundational components of our City Council’s roles and responsibilities to ensure we stay on track, discourage leveraging City Council as a personal platform, and utilize community members and experts to ensure decisions are well-informed and transparent.

Three years working on a stabilization program in Afghanistan taught me one thing — you’ll fail without the knowledge and support of the community.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: I don’t believe I’d say best or even most qualified, but I will say I believe I might be the most experienced. In my life I have been a poor kid from a trailer park on north Mingo, a homeless teenager, a high school dropout with no direction or future. I have also been a father, a community leader, a self-taught entrepreneur.

I’ve made hard choices that kept me up at night but kept people employed. I have brought divergent communities together and shown commonality and kinship through my work in the music business, then used those lessons to publicly address and confront injustices.

I’ve lived a lot of life. I believe I can use hard-earned experience, coupled with my ability to relate and build bridges, to make actual progress within the varied communities of District 4.

5. Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Laura Bellis: We need to significantly improve our infrastructure in order to bring our city into the modern era.

Tulsa has a phenomenal opportunity to enhance its digital infrastructure. Many of our city resources and services should be easily accessible online and via text, rather than requiring travel to City Hall or long wait times on the phone. Our city workers do an amazing job at serving the needs of Tulsans. Enhanced technology to improve access to the city’s services will improve both the lives of Tulsans and the workload of our city employees.

With more of these items occurring digitally our city can also better track data related to service access and use that information to streamline and improve utilization of resources. Ensuring that all city resources are easily accessed via computers or mobile devices will allow Tulsans to engage more with city departments, elected officials and employment opportunities.

Some may be anxious to embrace digitization of information and resources after the ransomware attack, but this effort will also only solidify Tulsa’s place as a hub for cyber-security opportunities.

Enhancing our digital infrastructure is a critical step in making Tulsa the world class city we are meant to be.

Michael Birkes: I believe a project that could have significant impact on District 4 is the removal of the north leg of the IDL, (Inner Disposal Loop/244/412). The elimination of highways around the downtown areas have been proposed and implemented in several cities across the nation and has recently been proposed here.

Michael Feamster: Downtown Master Plan and Route 66. As Tulsa continues to thrive, it is imperative that we continue to invest within our IDL, public education, and tourism. The vibrancy and thriving culture of our neighborhoods and businesses are dependent upon such projects. I look forward to being part of a wider team that assists with our next city of Tulsa Vision Projects for this purpose. We also need to continue to finish the goals and priorities we established with our Small Area Plans.

Matthew Fransein: Quoting Tulsa’s City Plan of 2010, “[T]he city should encourage constructing a variety of housing types and costs for both renters and owners. Some areas have suffered from decline or neglect, though, and the City will work to revitalize those neighborhoods.” Small Area Plans tend to address causations rather than root causes and are often left in limbo. Examples such as west Tulsa, along with certain areas north of 15th Street, prove this point.

Our city has relied upon large-scale investments to support neighborhoods in revitalization efforts, but when looking at Small Area Plans from as late as 2021, many of the smaller goals the community had identified with the planning committees were left uninitiated or remaining in progress.

To start, reduce the percentages of vacant housing, equitable access to basic services, and adequate public safety measures. Micro efforts can address a community’s perceived value and safety, making it a more palatable opportunity for private investors. Once those basic needs are met, larger investments provide more tangible output on the macroscale and increase equity from neighborhood to neighborhood. There is no single project that will address neighborhood needs — it will take continued investments in the absolute basics of community infrastructure. 

Bobby Dean Orcutt: Some studies show that street lighting represents as much as 3.8% of the world's electricity consumption.

As a city and as a society, we have to cut waste at every corner. Investing in smart lighting for our traffic and street lights will better help traffic flow to meet the demands of population growth, allow for easier maneuverability for first responders, and they are shown to reduce carbon emissions.

They will save money after the initial expense, which, hate to say it, we will have to deal with sooner or later anyway as this becomes more and more the standard in modern cities. We should get in front of this now before we lose that “15 minutes from everything” charm that we’ve enjoyed for so long.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Laura Bellis: It’s unfortunate that this issue has become so polarizing, when in reality it is a common-sense, data-driven measure to support both our officers and community as a whole.

Independent oversight provides layers of trust and transparency that our community needs, while decreasing costly litigation for our city. If we’re really serious about improving community trust and recruiting and retaining officers, this is a means to do so while improving the overall climate in our community around policing.

The data on this is clear: enhanced oversight makes everyone safer. Our city has taken some good first steps to realize community policing, including more investment in our Community Response Teams and some of the efforts advanced around the DOJ’s 2015 final report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

We can rise above the fray of divisive rhetoric and move forward toward healing as a community by implementing evidence-based best practices, including independent oversight, to keep us all safer.

Michael Birkes: Oversight is a key part of government checks and balances and I believe the Police Department should have some form of independent oversight. Public safety is also a vital service provided by the Police Department, and I strongly disagree with the “Defund the Police” movement. However, I do believe some form of independent oversight is appropriate.

I am aware the council rejected the charter amendment in March, needing more time to review. If this issue of oversight has not been resolved prior to taking office I will make this a high priority to understand the proposed language and implications of such an amendment.

Michael Feamster: No. I have spoken with various leaders of TPD to better understand their culture, as well as statistics that involve them. I have met with many leadership individuals from TPD, the FOP, and other community stakeholders. According the Internal Affairs, 292 complaints were made out of 275,923 calls for service and a total of 11,445 arrests. (Tulsa Police Annual Report 2021, page 57).

Their accountability with misconduct is extraordinary within the nation and the fact that TPD requires a degree helps reduce a culture of insensitivity to our people.

Matthew Fransein: I have reservations regarding the efficacy of oversight committees and how they contribute toward actionable and realistic outcomes and therefore would suggest a more actionable approach.

Rather than an independent oversight committee, I believe TPD requires further integration into collaborative models that pull from existing public and private support services and experts.

Rather than a continuation of “what’s wrong with,” I’d prefer a shift toward “what we can do.”

As a member of the private services sector, private agencies and specialized service providers must work together with our Police Department to address the many needs of our most vulnerable community members.

With millions of dollars in private funding each year, I seek to find ways to utilize our numerous specialized agencies to provide on-the-ground and supplementary support through a committee structure that ensures the safety of individuals through expert-informed methodology.

What our Police Department needs is direct service support through a coalition of providers, city officials, and community leaders dedicated to enhancing the overall capacity to support the safety of our community and citizens and ensure our police can be held accountable while also being directly supported.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: Yes, I do. While implementation might not be easy or popular with some, the fact is oversight is a good thing. It creates accountability and transparency, which is vital in any public facing industry or department. Private businesses are subject to oversight agencies and so far I haven’t heard one viable reason to not apply that same standard to our Police Department.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Laura Bellis: Yes. Many other cities act on this responsibility to ensure basic needs, like housing, are met. It’s important that we do not abdicate that responsibility by leaving this important work to the private and nonprofit sectors alone. Local government must play a leadership role. As mentioned in previous answers, we need to work to incentivize both development and revitalization of properties in disrepair.

Working to designate tax increment financing (TIF) districts can play a key role in incentivizing affordable housing development. Studies have found that it’s essential for a city to play a strong collaborative role to ensure private investment thrives. Creating and administering TIF districts increases taxable value while supporting affordable housing.

At the same time, we must also ensure that we are tackling the economic issues at the root of our housing crisis. As a city, we must ensure Tulsans have access to economic opportunity, which requires a strong education system paired with a concerted effort to attract high-paying jobs for every resident. Our city must respond to this issue on multiple fronts and collaborate across sectors and governing bodies to ensure everyone that calls our city home has a physical home and can thrive.

Michael Birkes: As discussed above in questions 2 and 3, the city should implement regulations and ordinances that limit the speculation on housing/properties without maintaining them in livable condition. Vacant lots and deteriorated houses exacerbate the decline of neighborhoods, property values and affordable housing.

I also believe vacant properties such as hotels/motels may provide affordable housing for individuals and couples that cannot afford market rate apartments. This can also provide housing for the homeless, providing a place where service providers, such as health, mental health, and employment agencies can reach them and provide them needed services. This may also require changes to the zoning designation and code to allow these properties to become this type of housing.

Michael Feamster: While I do not think it is the responsibility of the City of Tulsa, the City of Tulsa should be a leader in creating opportunities within the public and private sectors for implementation. This may include, but not be limited to, policy levers and public-private partnerships.

Matthew Fransein: I absolutely believe that our city’s shortage in affordable housing is related to our focus on rapid growth into the next destination city, restrictive development processes for homebuilders and developers, as well as being third in the nation for highest percentage of out-of-state landlords.

The city government must work to identify additional tools to address housing and development opportunities and incentives. While I have my own personal experiences, District 4 constituents have shared their stories of decreasing land values due to proximity devaluation metrics (abandoned houses, food deserts, lack of infrastructure, etc) as well as drastic land value increases from homes that go for two to four times the price of neighboring residences.

As of the last available statistics, around 40% of downtown remains unoccupied due to the focus on high-end developments in favor of those weighted against community salary averages. Beyond the critical need of housing for those at or below the poverty level, even those who felt as though they’ve “done everything right” face constant financial strain maintaining rent that sometimes exceeds 30% of their take-home pay and the reality they may never own a home. While Tulsa has grown, we should not be facing this issue yet.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: While I don’t believe it is the city's job to provide housing, I do believe it is the city's job to make innovative and practical development of affordable housing easier for the folks that are working towards solutions.

We need to change our understanding of manufactured housing to allow for tiny home communities, we need to look at how we approach mixed-use zoning and we need to remove the barriers that are stopping development of these communities in underserved neighborhoods.

I also believe our mayor could do more to encourage inclusion of affordable housing in new development, mirroring efforts we see in places like Denver.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Laura Bellis: I am against this policy. It’s important to listen to the experts. Frontline organizations like Housing Solutions have strongly voiced that this is not a viable or compassionate solution.

We cannot “fine and fee” our way to prosperity. Criminalizing unhoused Tulsans who may be struggling with mental health and other challenges creates a perpetuating cycle of incarceration and instability. Doing so is both cruel and expensive to our community. We have to address root causes related to mental health, housing shortages and economic turmoil to disrupt this ongoing issue. City policies that act as a hammer at the end of a line of system failures will only exacerbate this problem.

I understand that people who live and work downtown are frustrated and have concerns for public safety and their businesses. I work downtown, live right next door and encounter these challenges on a daily basis. Our city must further invest in proactive public safety efforts that address mental health instead of primarily relying on emergency or punitive responses when people are in crisis.

Michael Birkes: As noted above, homelessness has become a significant challenge and there needs to be a compassionate solution. However, business owners should not have their business disrupted by individuals blocking sidewalks, panhandling, and doing other offensive things in the front, sides, and rear yards of their business.

At this time, I would vote against the ordinance as proposed specifically because of the fines and possible jail time. This does not solve the problem and probably exacerbates the problem.

Michael Feamster: Yes. Given the culture and leadership under Chief Franklin, as well as his designated divisional leaders and data that supports misconduct, I would vote in favor of this. From my current understanding, they do not want to imprison the homeless, but to treat each individual on a case-by-case basis and use this ordinance’s teeth as a last resort.

Matthew Fransein: While our community speaks of compassionate and supportive care for these individuals, we also seek an immediate solution and are unhappy with most options put forth. If approved, this should be a temporary stopgap and not outlive its immediate function as a step toward equitable care and public safety. I would vote yes and advocate heavily for additional steps to address the root causes.

After a month of ride-alongs with the Community Engagement Unit of TPD, I promise you one thing — most officers would prefer not to circumstantially punish the homeless population.

The TPD Bike & River Patrol unit under CEU is a full-service unit composed of only three officers and their supervisor, Sergeant Luke Flanagan. They collaborate with the community to outreach, educate, investigate and enforce city regulations. They provide individuals affected by homelessness with fresh drinking water, initiate site clean-ups, coordinate communication between individuals and case workers, and de-escalating situations between TPD officers and individuals they’ve known for years.

They themselves would prefer not to see these individuals in jail but rather given adequate access to the services they require. However, the CEU can only do so much and actively seek out experts to jump in such as Family & Children’s Services with more to come in time.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: I would, with caveats. I want to make sure we are also always looking for as many solutions as possible to contributing factors like the fact that there aren't public restrooms downtown, the fact that accessibility to mental health resources is limited. They contribute to the overall issue. We cannot expect our Police Department to be the only solution for these challenges.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Laura Bellis: Absolutely. We need to listen to the experts on the frontlines of public health. It is our government’s duty to protect lives and livelihoods, and public health measures are a critical tool to protect our city.

Refusing to act in the midst of a health crisis would be reckless and would endanger people’s lives and jobs.

We must have our first responders’, educators’, and business owners’ backs, and that means not passing the buck on decision-making. Instead, in any circumstance, we must always work to pass policies that are data-driven, clear and common sense.

Throughout the pandemic, I worked to ensure thousands of Oklahomans knew the latest information about the pandemic, and collaborated with people in cities across the state to get logical, bipartisan public health measures passed. My job leading a public health nonprofit involves working closely with more than 22 health center sites, including one of our local hospital systems. I know how difficult the past few years have been for them. I never want our health care workers to be abandoned to fight for us alone. We must do all we can to support them if we want to have the healthy, thriving community we all deserve. 

Michael Birkes: Yes. COVID-19 and its variants have clearly been shown to be a formidable disease and impact on public health. If wearing a mask can limit the spread, I would support such a mandate. A mask mandate is much more preferable to a shutdown as experienced early in the pandemic.

Michael Feamster: It depends upon the data supported at the time of the specific variant. I lean to favor a libertarian approach so our citizens may choose for themselves, their families, or businesses, but certainly will collaborate with our Tulsa County Health Department and local hospital administrators to listen, learn, and respond. Public health and safety are a top priority. For instance, 2020 was a time when the City of Tulsa did not have much data, so we should be gracious in decision-making and investigation. In August 2021, there was a vote to re-implement a mask mandate, and I was not in favor of it given various data and statistics.

Matthew Fransein: I am metaphorically at a loss for words that politics have devolved at such an incredible rate that public health became a politically motivated topic. If you had told me three years ago this and some questions below would even be asked, I would have assumed it to be a joke.

I believe that mask mandates at the peaks we faced over the past 18 months were necessary, regardless of how tired I was of wearing a mask. Having lived in Japan and Cambodia, I always appreciated the normalization of medical masks when one was sick or had immune issues. It was never a political or personal statement, simply a consideration for the community.

With immunization rates increasing, unless something changes drastically, I do not foresee mandates ever becoming enforceable due to the public health sector being twisted into a political topic and are therefore not beneficial for community cohesion, unfortunately.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: Without question, I would. As a city with a significant events-based economy, lack of leadership in this conversation will cost us jobs and credibility at best, and lives at worst.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Laura Bellis: Our Fire Department needs and deserves more funding. Our firefighters deserve long-awaited raises and the department as a whole deserves adequate funds to address the long-term needs like ordering safety equipment and completing repairs expeditiously.

During the Great Recession, the Tulsa Fire Department willingly took a funding cut and firefighters took a pay cut. While funding has increased subsequently, it has never been fully restored to the level it should be, and more is needed to meet the current economic moment.

In June, reporting came out that 15 of the department's 42 trucks lacked air conditioning, while three others had inconsistent A/C. Those conditions are unfathomable and inexcusable.

While new trucks have been ordered, it can take two years to build them and get them operational. Considering ongoing manufacturing supply chain issues, we must provide our Fire Department with adequate resources so they can proactively plan, invest, and order equipment to prevent this issue from arising year after year.

Our firefighters sacrifice for us on a daily basis, and our city must support them. Our city’s budget is a moral document, and if we value their service, we must show it with investment.

(Editor’s note: On Aug. 9, the city reported that there were two engine and ladder vehicles with inoperative or unsatisfactory air conditioning.)

Michael Birkes: Based upon identification of housing and homelessness as major challenges, Working In Neighborhoods will definitely need additional funding to address these challenges. The additional funding will be needed to acquire, renovate, and as a last resort, remove the structures. It may also be required to provide more enforcement language to their official duties.

One of my first orders of business will be to fully understand the budgets of all departments, their responsibilities, rules and mandates before identifying other city departments that should receive more funding.

Michael Feamster: Public safety and infrastructure. We could always do more for a vibrant, thriving, and sustainable Tulsa. We need to include maintenance within our budgets as we know our roads will need to be maintained, but should be analyzing life-cycle costs and not simply initial costs. For instance, concrete costs more but will last longer than asphalt.

Matthew Fransein: The Community Engagement Unit of the Tulsa Police Department.

Amongst every sector, neighborhood, and individual I’ve spoken with, they all bring up three issues: policing, homelessness, and mental/physical health.

As the first responders, this unit engages directly with individuals during the most critical times of their lives. With low visibility, they are not currently seen as a priority, but I can very much attest to the fact that they are. This unit, led by Capt. Shellie Seibert, provides specialized service for our city in the absence of others.

I would like to see an influx of private, state, and federal dollars going toward supplementing the “soft side” of policing and engaging with specialized service agencies to work alongside one another to address the unique needs of the individuals this unit and their squads come in contact with.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: The Fire Department is at every call. They show up for everything yet are consistently overlooked. We have fire trucks without air conditioning. Their recruitment levels are suffering because they don’t get the support they need to invest in future first responders. We need to make sure we are balancing a budget that covers all the required bases and the Fire Department is high on that list.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Laura Bellis: Our city has made many strides when it comes to economic development, and there is palpable energy around building a thriving, modern economy. Still, a moral imperative remains to address historic and long-standing economic and wealth inequities in our city.

The Tulsa Planning Office’s Destination Districts effort is a great start, as evidenced by the success of Kendall Whittier Main Street and the vibrant growth of Historic Greenwood Main Street, Route 66 Main Street and Tulsa Global District.

We need to scale these successes and ensure their long-term impact with more robust and intentional work grounded in the leadership of Tulsans whose communities have historically been disenfranchised. It’s important that we collaborate across sectors to invest resources as directed by those communities.

Michael Birkes: I do believe we need to have a progressive business and government environment, particularly in attracting and retaining young people. Also, I believe we need to have a very diverse population that in turn will produce a diverse economy.

I remember when Shell Oil moved their operations from Tulsa to Houston, marking the beginning of the end of Tulsa being the Oil Capital of the World.

We need to improve our development and attracting of high tech-industries. I hear that cities need to create new businesses from within, but I don’t see us doing this with great intensity. Also, I would like to get updates on how we are implementing the good practices discovered on trips to other cities, or do these also get put on the shelf and not implemented?

Michael Feamster: Streamlining the processes and procedures of permitting within the city of Tulsa to speed up its revenue stream, as well as attract and retain businesses and residents alike. Current building and IDP permitting is taking much longer than competitive cities.

We need a boost with our public educational rates and decrease homelessness in order to continue to attract and retain new businesses.

Matthew Fransein: Affordable housing and wage equity affects community members of all income levels.

When individuals are spending upward of 30% of their monthly take-home on rent or mortgages alone, there is little to no flexibility in cash spending, especially during times of heightened inflation.

Not only does this compound debt build-up, it creates cyclical poverty even for those once considered middle class. The reason so many of us “boomerang Tulsans” moved back was the promise of a lower cost of living, the opportunity to purchase a home, and to save for an ever-increasingly uncertain future.

While we can continue to incentivize large companies to relocate or open additional operations in our city, we must ensure there is adequate, available and affordable housing for current citizens and those we seek to attract. While we’re still “cheaper than D.C.,” we’re not as far behind as you’d think, and we should not even be close.

Bobby Dean Orcutt: While we see job growth in many sectors of our economy, manufacturing has not been able to keep up with those trends.

We need to invest in the innovation happening right now in our own backyard.

Industry-changing technologies like Standard Panel at Pine & Garnett could revolutionize affordable housing. We could be industry leaders and we could put people to work by focusing on growing the folks we have here, instead of just courting the companies we would like to bring.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

Four candidates are challenging incumbent Mykey Arthrell, 37, who is seeking a second term. The challengers are Latasha Jim, 29; Adil Khan, 38; Grant Miller, 35; and Ty Walker, 56.

Arthrell is an education specialist at Urban Strategies Inc. Khan is an independent consultant, Walker is a small business owner and Jim is an entrepreneur.

Miller did not complete the questionnaire.

The questionnaires were meant to provide insight on where these candidates stand on the issues, while the attached videos were meant to provide a little about them as people.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Mykey Arthrell: I love Tulsa and see the opportunities we have to become the greatest city in the world and want to make sure we are taking the right steps to get there. 

Tulsa is full of people who want the same for our city, and it would be an honor to be selected as your voice on the council again. The last two years I have been able to make a huge impact with how much more we give to nonprofits with HUD money and advocating for increased ARPA dollars to be spent in District 5,  and I have found others very responsive to change and solutions that will make our city the best. 

LaTasha Jim: To be the change I want to see in the world.

Adil Khan: Our founding fathers envisioned the American Dream for all peoples to coexist in harmony with each other irrespective of origin. They thus ensured a world where socio-economic equality fostered unalienable rights, thereby consolidating joy, respect and happiness for all. 

The time has come to take ownership for our responsibilities to this greatest land on earth. My duty to my country beckons me to assume ownership and strive to inculcate the inherent values of our honor system to the next generation. This can be attained by setting examples of humanitarianism in neighborhoods, communities and towns which can be evaluated by social indicators of happiness, health, entrepreneurial opportunity and economic adequacy for all.

Ty Walker:  I am running for city council to bring life and business experience to the council, and to work to create a better future for citizens of Tulsa.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Mykey Arthrell: Our city is growing, and our infrastructure needs to grow as well. We need more housing, expanded police and fire, better streets and higher capacity for wastewater in under-developed neighborhoods. We need a vision project that will be able to fund the infrastructure we need in our city to meet the increased demand. A vision package would give us the funding needed to add streets, sidewalks, and extend the capacity and range for fresh and waste water.

LaTasha Jim: 1. Homeless Population. 2. Public Safety. We as a community must come together to love and care for one another. Be more for others than for self.

Adil Khan: There are multiple challenges, housing, crime and unemployment which impact everyday life. The solution is to have a multi-pronged approach involving city departments.

Ty Walker: Retaining young professionals. I think we encourage them to stay or move back after college by improving the quality of life for them. We need to start developing Tulsa for the future generations, not just for what we want as older residents.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

Mykey Arthrell: We in District 5 are home to a police unit called the David Squad, which receives the highest volume of calls in the city and it can be difficult to keep up with the call volume and respond in a timely manner when our police force is at reduced capacity. We need to stand up the Real Time Information Center to help coordinate responses to calls and increase resources to dispatch and 911 to be more efficient.

District 5 is mainly residential, and with that means a higher likelihood of houses being neglected and often forgotten, which can lead to blight and possible dangers created by people living in homes without water and electricity. We need our homes taken care of, and when they aren’t, we need to remove them. We create unsafe situations when homes and businesses are neglected. We need to increase the working in neighborhoods (WIN) budget specifically for removal of nuisance properties and hold neglectful property owners accountable.

LaTasha Jim: Street repair and public safety.

Adil Khan: Same as answer to question 2.

Ty Walker: The two biggest issues I see facing District 5 are sales tax revenue and quality of life. We can fix both by focusing on economic development in the area. By working with current property owners to redevelop commercial sites and encourage more diverse businesses to come to the district. 

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Mykey Arthrell: In 2020, I believe, District 5 elected me because I am a responsible, honest person who considers all options and makes informed decisions. I will continue to be thoughtful and respectful as I conduct myself and will continue to advocate for District 5.

LaTasha Jim: Because I am a strong independent woman, capable of assessing and implementing structure, in a world full of chaos.

Adil Khan: I have lived in this district for more than 20 years, I went to the University of Phoenix at Eastgate. I shop here, I volunteer here and I have work here. I enjoy the ambiance of diversity here. That is why I can see the future potential in this district.

Ty Walker: I am the best candidate because I have real life and business experience. I have had to make tough decisions that would affect others. I have had to work with a variety of people to solve problems. And I have lived a life of service.

5.  Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Mykey Arthrell: I believe we need more restrooms in parks as well as trails through green spaces. Not having restrooms limits what you can do at a park and how long you can be there. Trails through green spaces will help connect people to nature and give pedestrians and cyclists more routes to get around the city.

Adil Khan: I would pay attention to river beds, lakes, and swamps, which cause health issues, soil erosion and property depreciation.

LaTasha Jim: TBD

Ty Walker:  I would like to work on improving our lighting in neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are where community is built. Those areas need to be safe spaces for all that live in them. This starts with having well-lit streets.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Mykey Arthrell: I believe the public needs more transparency and information in regards to police activities and processes. I believe the Tulsa Police Department needs to have mechanisms that both support and hold officers accountable for their actions.

Oversight of the biggest expenditure of tax dollars in the city budget needs to come from everyone, but it is most important that those tasked with the safety of our city are given all the support they need, and every effort is made to include the public in their process. That is why I am working with the mayor to establish an independent liaison for the people of Tulsa that wish to be more involved and contribute to the safety of our city.

LaTasha Jim: Yes

Adil Khan: Any monitoring entity should be impartial, morally sound, unbiased and professionally sound. They should have well-honed knowledge of police procedures. They should be elected from Main Street and have a diverse makeup. Transparency is essential to the process within the jurisdiction of the law.

Ty Walker: No. An independent oversight does not solve the root problem. We need to reevaluate our policies and update them to ensure that people are held accountable for their actions, from top to bottom.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Mykey Arthrell: Yes! That is why the city created the Tulsa Housing Authority, A Way Home for Tulsa, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Housing Solutions, Partner Tulsa and expanded overlays for the missing middle and expanded infrastructure so that more developers can build without having to increase their prices to afford the development.

LaTasha Jim: TBD

Adil Khan: Yes, the city must ensure housing and rehabilitation services for all to allow the people to become productive citizens and empowered citizens.

Ty Walker: It is the city’s responsibility to work with our state legislators to create policies and laws that encourage housing development as well as encourage families to stay together where they can have a solid support system.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Mykey Arthrell: First, it is important to look at the objectives that Tulsa Police Department has with this change, then you look at the laws currently on the books and find out how TPD uses those laws when on the job. The proposed change will impose possible jail time and fines.

TPD already does a good job of warning residents and asking them to make room for pedestrians, so I see this as a tool TPD wants (to be able) to have more options when there is someone refusing to make room and deliberately obstructing the sidewalk.

Based on body cam footage I have seen and ride-alongs I have participated in, I believe TPD will continue to use discretion and only use this change when absolutely necessary, and because they have made the changes I have requested I support the proposal.

LaTasha Jim: Homelessness is not a crime. Those that happen to be less fortunate than others need to be treated with kindness and need to be helped not hurt. Together we can find an alternative solution without the Infringement of human rights.

Adil Khan: That is a short-term ineffective solution, the trespassers should be given paid community work, clean streets, plant trees and paintings supervised by city officials and churches. Offer them mental health services where necessary.

Ty Walker: Oppose it. It doesn’t actually solve the problem of homelessness. I am currently researching and looking at how other cities, who are successful in curving homelessness, are doing it.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Mykey Arthrell: Yes, I would support a recommended mask mandate for the city of Tulsa if the experts and professionals we hire are providing the evidence of the need. I am not an expert and need to rely on the experts and professionals that also have oversight to make policy decisions. 

LaTasha Jim: TBD

Adil Khan: Focus on awareness raising, comprehensive health information on variants and available resources. Be cognizant that the individuals have freedom of choices and the choice of freedoms.

Ty Walker: No. It has been proven that masks do not stop the spread.

(Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health care officials say proper masks, worn properly, do help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne viruses.)

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Mykey Arthrell: I am working on a project that will require both Working in Neighborhoods and Tulsa Fire Department to receive more funding for inspectors. We have a reactive system for responding to issues. We need proactive inspections in Tulsa so that we can make real progress on problematic properties.

LaTasha Jim: Animal shelters.

Adil Khan: The Tulsa Fire Department are gallant first responders who put their lives on the line everyday. They surely deserve higher compensation, better equipment, flame retardant uniforms, and fire trucks that are heavy duty. They also deserve better health services to reduce job stress.

Ty Walker: Before any department receives more funding, I would want to audit our finances and all departments.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Mykey Arthrell: We need to activate infill for District 5. Much of our retail and business spaces have remained vacant and no-interest financing or zoning changes could help us reactivate those spaces. Specifically, places like Alameda Shopping Center and Promenade Mall will benefit from these designations.

LaTasha Jim: More support for those less fortunate than others is needed.

Adil Khan: The need to focus on struggling small businesses and minority businesses.

Ty Walker: We are lagging in Districts 1, 2, 3, and 6. We should be working together to push economic development in those areas.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Two candidates, Chrisitan Bengel and Lewana Harris, are looking to unseat longtime Councilor Connie Dodson. Dodson, 55, is seeking her fifth term. Bengel, 54, also challenged Dodson two years ago.

Bengel is an implementation specialist for International Technology Corporation. Harris, 45, is a senior consultant for Korn Ferry.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Christian Bengel: East Tulsa needs and deserves leadership versus just representation. Since 2019, my platform has consistently worked to elevate the district’s public safety issues, economic development disparity, and representative engagement to the arena as areas needing significant improvement. The take-it-or-leave-it approach to town halls without using technology or scheduling one on Valentine’s Day needs no further explanation of intent to marginally engage the District. 

Tulsa ranks No. 8 in most dangerous cities according to sites like www.roadsnacks.net/most-dangerous-cities/.  This should give Tulsans  serious pause about how our city is viewed nationally, and perhaps why we miss out on business opportunities.  This is where my background becomes helpful.

Since the failure of Eastland Mall, east Tulsa has failed to regain its financial foothold. The Tulsa World itself has written articles that echo some of the sentiments I’ve written prior to their articles.

I believe my military and law enforcement background has prepared me to take on these tough challenges and overcome obstacles. I believe any organization that endorses this district’s incumbent, does so with absolute disdain for the citizens of east Tulsa and intent to keep this district in decline. I’m running for east Tulsa.

Connie Dodson: District 6 is starting to see the results of my previous years fighting for investment, but there is much more to do, and I believe my experience makes me the best candidate.

Lewana Harris: Through my professional experience and years of volunteer civic involvement and service, I have noticed the lack of resources and basic needs of community members. I am running to serve and to make an impact at a greater capacity. 

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Christian Bengel: Crime has steadily increased since the start of COVID. Sadly, many sites list Tulsa as an unsafe city. Many issues have become intertwined with this problem. Homelessness, social views, political, mental health, and the economy to name a few, but all have arguably been significant contributors to the problem. 

What most folks fail to consider at some level, is the brazen behaviors some of these folks have exhibited in the commission of crimes.  We’ve even seen our most vulnerable citizens fall prey, which is unconscionable.  We must aggressively pursue and prosecute those with nefarious intent.  Public safety is a fundamental function of government.   

We should consider retention, and service merit bonuses to recruit, retain, and reward these men and women for the courageous and dangerous work they do to keep our community safe. 

Next, we must continue to increase the number of officers until Tulsa is on par with the Oklahoma average of officers per population. Invest in continued training of our officers for the myriad of new challenges, whether it be drug addiction and interdiction, mental health issues, domestic abuse, or sex trafficking.  

Unfortunately, TPDs reporting of crime on the city’s page stops at March 2021.

Connie Dodson: The biggest  challenge facing the city right now is a lack of affordable housing. This affects our ability to attract additional major employers and industry when there are no homes for the staff they bring with them. It stresses family living situations when relatives have to share accommodations, increasing mental health issues, domestic violence and child abuse, leading to even further strain on our Police Department and support services. It keeps our most vulnerable residents struggling on a daily basis to avoid falling into the statistics of homelessness.

Our ability to impact the problem is limited. We are looking at ways to open up additional housing types like tiny homes, and multiple-unit infill opportunities. We are looking at policy options that reward multi-unit, multi-property owners who provide safe, affordable housing, and penalize those that fail to maintain the property or use resident intimidation to avoid responsibility. 

Lewana Harris: One of the major challenges facing the city is attracting and retaining great talent. We have to invest in and develop the great talent already here by skilling/reskilling for the future. We need to look at how we are branding Tulsa and driving a culture of internal growth. Additionally, there needs to be a quality talent pipeline that creates a continuous succession plan and opportunity for growth. Lastly, people are always drawn to a workplace where they feel a sense of belonging and creating that environment is crucial. 

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

Christian Bengel: Economics and public safety. East Tulsa has space to develop, and the city would do well to find ways to reinvigorate both north and east Tulsa. Entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged, and development streamlined with less obstructions of overburdening regulation. 

It is our responsibility to create opportunities in the community where residents live, by making sure young people don’t have to traverse Tulsa in search of opportunities. Partnering with the newly formed Global District and my intent on creating a multi-cultural board, I’m confident the District’s voice will become more significant.

I find east Tulsa has one of the most unique issues — sporadic and arbitrary gunfire  Not only is it a dangerous hazard, but there are too many questions that surround its continued existence. TPD’s helicopter frequents the area of 31^st and 129^th E Avenue.   

My neighbor directly across the street has had a bullet come through his roof. We also have folks who intimidate and threaten those who feel compelled to report crime. Perhaps this wild west mentality is why we need change. I have and will always be a relentless advocate for the needs of our law enforcement, with my motivation being the safety of my neighbors, not pandering for election. 

Connie Dodson: First, my district is lacking basic infrastructure in many areas as it relates to water and sewer lines that pave the way for future development. Recent investment is helping, but there is more to do.  

Second, we need to start looking at the growing need for additional police and fire personnel. As our city grows to the east there will be an increasing strain on our first responders if we don’t look ahead and plan for the additional needs to cover the demand. 

Lewana Harris: Public Safety and economic development are challenges District 6 face. Continuing to build trust between the community and officers could enhance public relations. Additionally, Tulsa could provide the resources needed for local businesses to thrive and grow. 

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Christian Bengel: Citizens deserve leadership that genuinely cares about the issues that face their community. I confidently believe that I am the only candidate who publicly recognizes, has articulated, and has presented workable and thoughtful solutions for this district. 

Most of what needs to be done is going to be hard, and will ruffle some feathers, but if the collective is invested in reversing the fortunes of this district, and Tulsa is committed to reversing its national reputation, it must have leaders who will work toward solutions, not bury their head in the sand and hope they fix themselves.  

Social media is a community-based platform and needs to be used by our representative.  My opponent disagrees.  According to that individual, Facebook isn’t the place for their constituents to air or state issues with the city.  Their intent is that you call 311 for everything and just leave them out of it.  If there’s no record of you saying anything, you can deny ever having said anything!  Just “going for it” and running is not enough.  My background and experience are what Tulsa, and our district, needs right now. 

Connie Dodson: I provide a voice for my community. That is not always as easy as it sounds. There is a balance to making decisions for a district and the city. On one hand, you want to help address the concerns of the neighborhoods within the district, and on the other hand address the needs of the larger community, both the district and the city. 

Some of those decisions have been difficult to make. The most difficult decisions are often governed less by my personal wishes and more by the will of the constituents I represent. There have also been times I’ve had to vote for the larger community instead of a loud contingent. That is the job. 

The experience I’ve gained during my service on the council has also facilitated the infusion of millions of dollars of investment in the district. That investment is beginning to attract developers to District 6, and I have the experience to guide that development in a way that enhances the area and provides for the needs of east Tulsa and the city of Tulsa.

Lewana Harris: Change is needed in order for a situation to go from good to great. I believe this can happen when community members and leaders are working collaboratively, not for personal gain, but to impact, positively, the individuals they are looking to serve.

With my diverse background, board and community leadership, I possess the character, knowledge and skills to influence change. My expertise in the areas of organizational development, diversity and inclusion, and human relations provide me the skills of managing and maintaining relationships of diverse backgrounds.

My team building and communication certifications provide me the ability to understand differences and communicate effectively, while leading successfully with a team of qualified people.

5.  Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Christian Bengel: 1. Streets, of course, are always an easy issue to advocate for, but what east Tulsa lacks is development that creates a unique identity in the same way the Gathering Place has for that community. A district citizen who has served the citizens faithfully, identified a once relevant plan that would have done that. I would like to resurrect and engage planning to revisit this conversation and come up with a new plan with meaningful development that’s significant.

We can become so focused on developing certain areas that we neglect and relegate those who have done without for too long to obscurity.  I think if folks take an objective look at where taxpayer funds are spent, they’ll find little to point to in the way of improvement to east Tulsa.

Connie Dodson: As our city grows east, there will be an increased need to address the lack of sewer services in the district. We already have many residents in the district that are still on septic systems, but we need to invest in the sewer system to allow for the necessary connections to pave the way for the future development that is coming.

Lewana Harris: I am truly excited about the development of the Tulsa Global District (21^st and Garnett area). This project will bring revitalization and enhancement to the community. 

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Christian Bengel: I support Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin and his appointed structure. I unswervingly support our officers. Our Police Department has built-in oversight. The OSBI is the state’s oversight, and the Department of Justice is the federal oversight. The chief is subject to appointment and dismissal at the discretion of the mayor.  

While the mayor was the initial proponent of this idea, its adoption would have generated significant questions of his decision making. First, if the mayor has a “no confidence” opinion of the chief, he can correct this.  Second, it was pushed as an agenda by specific individuals on the council who wanted to use it as a political tool.  

As a retired law enforcement officer, I genuinely am the only candidate with the understanding and experience of the structures and what these men and women do daily.  

This idea of removing personal responsibility and placing officers under the microscope has created some of our police shortages, and emboldened defiance of the laws.  With current department oversights at multiple levels and accountability to the city government, officers who act egregiously would be identified and removed. The short answer is NO, I would never support this idea in any form.

Connie Dodson: The police, both the department and individual officers, already have independent oversight. There is the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA®), the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), and Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office and the Tulsa Mayor’s Office.

Lewana Harris: Based on research, independent oversights can be beneficial and effective based on how well community leaders communicate and work together, and on the model being implemented. If the model is designed to be more divisive, then it will cause more harm than good.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Christian Bengel: Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, I grew up in government subsidized housing, was on food stamps, and just about any other type of public assistance available. Affordable housing can be a hot-button issue for many communities. Section 8, vouchers and other subsidies carry stigmas and questions of issues associated with poverty

There are citizens who do need that helping hand to get to their next level of success, and I think the Tulsa Housing Authority is the appropriate solution source to tackle this. But we need to continue to support their mission in the tools and resources to advocate for those less fortunate Tulsans.  

We must, however, ensure equality in service and be cognizant of underserved areas.  

Additionally, we also must actively oversee those who provide substandard housing that take advantage of our less fortunate and pursue their compliance through whatever venues the law allows. Equally, we must also ensure that those receiving this assistance are responsible neighbors to their communities, and not allow areas to become hotbeds for criminal activity. Safe communities are vibrant communities.

Connie Dodson: No. The city does not have the financial resources to provide the number of units to meet the need. However, it is our responsibility to provide a pathway for developers to navigate the necessary zoning and permitting required to build additional units to fill the void.

We have made changes to make that process easier, but it will take time for the supply to meet the demand. We should also continue our discussions on policy changes both locally and with state legislators to address both in state and out of state neglectful property owners. We should also look at the impact of Airbnbs on the shortage of available housing.

Lewana Harris: Affordable housing is not totally the government’s responsibility. Working with additional agencies, private and public, could assist with the affordable housing issues.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Christian Bengel: The mayor’s proposal has solution-based thinking, which is commendable. We must enforce already existing laws pertaining to public right of ways, along with business or residential crimes associated with it, and, of course, crimes on persons.  

It’s obvious Tulsans have compassion, and want a solution, but individual freedoms can limit what is Constitutionally appropriate, or legal. I think I would vote against the mayor’s proposal.

I was involuntarily homeless for a year as a teenager at 17. It is a challenging existence. A better solution would be to aggressively work towards a centralized location for nonprofits and publicly funded resources to get to thes folks.  

Using an identification of need and treatment-first approach should give that leverage to move folks to a more appropriate surrounding. I strongly believe that this is an issue that demands more focused research of success and immediate solution for all parties. I’m not convinced that criminalization is the best path.

Connie Dodson: Yes. We have to protect ingress, egress and access to and from our businesses and public buildings. It is a public health and safety issue if those areas are blocked and pedestrians, patrons, or emergency responders can not safely navigate those areas.

Lewana Harris: I would not vote for this proposal. Jail and prisons are already over capacity with inmates with nonviolent offenses. Increasing the jail population with minor offenses would cause safety issues for the correctional officers. Alternatives to jail could be rehabilitative services, probation or community service.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Christian Bengel: No. My mother who was fully vaccinated and boosted died from COVID in April 2022 after she contracted it while recovering from a surgery she received in December at the same hospital. 

I cared for her in my home up to her death. The problem we as Americans can’t seem to determine universally is, who is giving us truth about data?  We’re left to our own devices about who is actually creating credible information, and then even this becomes argumentative. 

As government property in the military, I was subject to and today deal with the physical consequences of decisions that didn’t give full disclosures. Nor did I have a choice. I believe in Americans deciding what is in their best interests individually.

One glaring point of disinformation is that those wearing masks, or those vaccinated, can’t get, or can’t spread it. Since these “vaccines” don’t eradicate, or create full immunity, organizations who once enjoyed implied credibility, have changed the definition of the term vaccine to fit their agenda.  The simple litmus has always been that if mandates were Constitutional, the president would write an executive order imposing this nationally. We must respect the rights of individuals and business to self-govern.

Connie Dodson: No. I would not support another mask mandate. The initial mandate was during a time when there were limited options to slow the spread of the virus and the city and the state were in a state of emergency. There is now a vaccine, more knowledge of transmission, and we are moving toward the endemic phase. Additionally, we are not an isolated city. A mask mandate in the city of Tulsa will not stop transmission rates when we in the middle of a larger metro and neighboring communities contribute to the spread and the strain on our area hospitals and medical services.

Lewana Harris: Health care officials have the expertise in the field of health and science. I would not be against the mask mandate for the safety of those around me.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Christian Bengel: The city hires department heads to oversee and create annual budget requests based upon the needs of their mission(s). I wouldn’t be willing to create any sort of speculation about any department’s need for funding more than the other.  

I believe these folks can make their cases before the council adequately, or when submitting annual budgets for approval. I trust that those who’ve been appointed into these positions of authority have expertise that far exceeds mine, and I would be hesitant to express a flawed view.  

I do, however, think that transfers of unencumbered funds need to be looked at based on what I’ve seen. I would hope that with some of the amounts being transferred, there’s not requests made for funds under one heading, just to earmark it for later transfer to its intra-departmental genuine intent. This kind of accounting sometimes looks questionable to me, but of course without full understanding, it’s just responsible oversight of public funds to question it. Grants must also be reviewed for purpose and distribution.

Connie Dodson: The Animal Welfare department has an immediate need for additional funding. We must address the continued need for a new facility and the rising cost to build one that is out pacing the funds dedicated thus far. The current facility is outdated and is ill-equipped to handle the demands of this public service, and is a disservice to the city of Tulsa.

Lewana Harris: Tulsa city firefighters should receive more funding for wages and improvement of the department as a whole in order to serve the community to the best of their ability.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Christian Bengel: I think Districts 6 and 1 need to see more attention from planning. I indicated in a previous question that folks who have been neglected exclusively, need to see that the city hasn’t abandoned them, or sees them as marginal taxpayers to only support downtown developments or other cross-city ventures. 

Since Tulsa has invested significantly in downtown, I would like to see a consultative analysis and discussion of partnership to create a direct connect rail transport between OKC and Tulsa. I think this could benefit both cities significantly. While it certainly must be affordable versus a luxury, both cities have great venues for entertainment — perhaps to see the Thunder, or OU games. A leisurely trip removing the drive just might be the ticket to boosting the economies of both cities.

Connie Dodson: Economic development can be impacted by many things, but I believe our biggest problems affecting economic development is the state of our education, the lack of affordable housing, and our economic stability tied to sales tax revenue.

Lewana Harris: Tulsa could elevate east Tulsa by creating an environment where small businesses are receiving the resources they need to thrive in the local community.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 8 ¦ District 9

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, have been posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Incumbent Lori Decter Wright is being challenged by Dr. Jerry Griffin and Ken Reddick. Wright, 47, is executive director of Kendall Whittier Inc. Griffin, 77, is a college professor and a member of the Tulsa Public Schools board. Reddick, 39, has run against Wright before. He is a certified project manager.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Jerry Griffin: To be a servant-leader to the citizens of Tulsa and the citizens of District 7. I have lived a life of service as a United States Marine, a Tulsa Police Officer, and a United States Peace Corps volunteer. I want to use my educational experience – Doctor of Education, Executive Juris Doctorate, Masters of Business Administration, and Masters of Criminal Justice to work with other councilors and the mayor to find creative solutions to tomorrow's issues.

Ken Reddick: I am running for Tulsa City Council to give this district knowledgeable representation. District 7 produces a large share of the revenue generated for our city. A healthy and efficient District 7 means a more robust budget for Tulsa, capable of addressing Tulsa’s needs in a timelier manner. Such as better faster street repairs, staffing a proper amount of police and firemen and making sure they have the best equipment necessary to serve our city.

Lori Decter Wright: I am seeking a third term to serve on City Council for District 7 to build upon the successes and momentum gained since I was first elected in November 2018.

I want to continue to tackle the eviction, housing and unsheltered homelessness crisis that is negatively impacting District 7 and the entire city of Tulsa. I want to ensure we continue to recover from all the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and become an even stronger and more resilient city. 

I currently serve on several key committees, working groups, and task forces that are making tremendous strides in developing important policies and programs that will be transformational for our city, and I am excited to finally be in a position to bring them from the planning phase to implementation. 

There are several issues specifically in District 7 that I have been working to address and want to see through including revitalization of the East 71st Street retail corridor, two major upcoming road widening projects in District 7, as well as improving overall neighborhood safety and beautification. 

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Jerry Griffin: There are multiple challenges facing Tulsa. In no particular order: (1) Improving police relations with the community. This is an age-old problem that must be addressed and refined by each generation. We should begin with a scientific police/community relations survey comparing the results to previous surveys. (2) Finding a solution to the homeless/transient population. I have proposed a network of transient villages funded and operated by community leaders. The purpose of these villages is to train those served to enter the workforce where practical or find appropriate social services for those unable to work.

Ken Reddick: Door to door this answer varies, but the two most common issues voters in District 7 agree on are inadequate street repairs that take too long, and retail theft. 

I am the only qualified candidate with the ability to address the issues Tulsa has with road construction and other infrastructure projects. We need to reform our system and make it more competitive for contractors to bid on jobs. It’s not uncommon for city projects to receive a single bidder. That’s due to the fact that it is incredibly difficult to bid on Tulsa projects.

The second issue is a problem many communities are experiencing across the nation. We should adopt ideas that have proven results. I would like to see Tulsa implement the same community policing policies practiced by the Ten Point Coalition in Indianapolis. Their approach to specific crimes in particular neighborhoods has turned the tide in some of the most crime-stricken communities in their city.   

Lori Decter Wright: The city faces a housing crisis that is negatively impacting Tulsans from every walk of life. Not only do we have more neighbors experiencing unsheltered homelessness but we also have citizens who are renting housing units but are in substandard living conditions. Many of those who do have quality, safe housing are often rent burdened, paying more than 30% of their income for rent.

There are local residents wishing to become homeowners but they are not able to competitively bid in this market when corporations and out-of-state investors are making cash offers above and beyond the seller’s asking price. 

Last summer, after we had to evacuate Vista Shadow Mountain Apartments and rehouse 120 households, I formed the Residential Habitability Working Group to investigate policies we might implement to help  mitigate substandard housing conditions.

That working group is bringing forward proposed ordinances this summer that, if passed, will put policies and protections in place for landlords and tenants. We need to continue to identify vacant and abandoned hotels and commercial buildings that could be rezoned and redeveloped into affordable and workforce housing. 

We need to incentivize developers to build neighborhoods in our growing districts and improve housing options in existing neighborhoods.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

Jerry Griffin: First, district members must reach a consensus on who we as a district want to be and why; this means more than the traditional neighborhood — but an expanded outreach to businesses of all sizes and an outreach to all district members.

Secondly, working to improve Tulsa Public Schools as a whole and specifically focusing on schools in the district.

Ken Reddick: Shadow Mountain Apartments and closed/boarded up retail stores.

My immediate connections with local companies, small business owners and veterans organizations gives me special insight to this issue and plans that have had success around the country to address these specific issues.

The Shadow Mountain Apartments debacle was not the city of Tulsa’s fault. That being said, our city councilor has done absolutely nothing to address this issue and that’s a real shame.

There is a tremendous housing crisis in our nation and hundreds of apartments sit empty in the middle of our city. Empty strip malls are not a problem unique to Tulsa, but they are a major problem in this district. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet sitting empty and unused in our city.

This creates a derelict problem when it reaches a tipping point. Tulsa has seen an enormous boom in construction in its downtown district. Other parts of Tulsa are not having the same luck. Promenade Mall is practically empty, the entire west end of Woodland Hills Mall is vacant. Tulsa’s District 7 needs a city councilor that has a serious passion for serving the stakeholders of this district and addressing their specific needs.

Lori Decter Wright: District 7 generates significant retail sales tax revenues that fund the City’s core services so it’s essential to keep it thriving. Through rezoning and redevelopment efforts, my work during these last three years has been to reimagine and re-energize the E. 71st Street Corridor. We have brought several new restaurants, businesses and major retail stores into places and spaces that have been empty for several years. We have made major infrastructure improvements in the area and will be creating an Area Plan in collaboration with area businesses and residents to create a more cohesive built environment including streetscaping, signage, lighting, and placemaking.

The second concern for District 7 is overall security and safety. This encompasses everything from housing and homelessness, crime reduction, traffic calming and code enforcement. In collaboration with our City’s various departments, I will continue to empower business owners and residents to work together to report suspicious activity, notify us of code violations, and take action to reduce crime. I will continue to ensure we have the resources and coalitions needed by prioritizing funding of police, 911, fire and Working In Neighborhoods (WIN). And I will continue to support community programs and propose initiatives that improve public safety.

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Jerry Griffin: I bring decades of experience in service to Tulsa, and I have a broader understanding of the Tulsa political history than any of the other candidates for District 7. If one does not understand the past, it is impossible to work in the present and respond to the future.

Ken Reddick: My experience is uniquely beneficial for my district.

This is a small business owner and working middle-class family district. I know the hardships that my neighbors experience every day. I know what it’s like to worry about your kids being able to play in safe neighborhoods and parks. I know what it takes to run a small business in this city. I know what it’s like to serve on one of the largest HOA boards in Tulsa. I know what it’s like to wish the schools were performing better. I live here, I work here, I worship here, I was raised here.

I have seen these issues go unfixed and ignored my entire life and I, like everyone else, am tired of voting for the same old cookie-cutter candidate that brags about fixing a road while my local Walgreens is being robbed and half the kids in my children’s school cannot read at their grade level. My inability to tolerate low performing excuses is what makes me the best candidate in this race.

Lori Decter Wright: I am the best choice on the District 7 City Council ballot because I have a proven record of successful service to the citizens of District 7 as a city councilor during my first two terms.

In my 3.5 years on the City Council, I have secured $35 million for street repairs, reconstruction, and road widening projects; increased communications with constituents utilizing social media, email blasts, virtual and in-person meetings; passed balanced, responsible budgets every year; continued to fully fund public safety including expanded recruitment, training, pay raises and salary adjustments for police officers, firefighters and 911 operators as well as new equipment purchases and capital needs; expanded the Community Response Team to respond to mental health crisis calls; negotiated rezoning efforts on projects between constituents and developers across District 7; accelerated revitalization of commercial corridors and growth through redevelopment and rezoning; championed quality, affordable housing for families and seniors through direct action and policy work; supported funding for small businesses growth and sustainability; reformed the permitting process to help businesses launch, grow, and thrive; announced a public-private partnership to build a new 60-acre park in southeast Tulsa; and increased intergovernmental relations with county, state, federal and tribal officials.

5.  Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Jerry Griffin: Not just for District 7, but for all districts, the city must accelerate the replacement of lead service lines and develop a program to assist homeowners in replacing private service lines.

Ken Reddick: I would like to see a project across the entire city I call “Our Gathering Place.” I would like to see a small-scale park, unique to its community, built in every district with the intent of bringing neighbors closer together. I think this could unite communities with common goals. These would be outdoor small scale event centers that could facilitate whatever that community would be most interested in doing. Such as sporting activities, picnic venues, community gardening, etc.

Lori Decter Wright: We have acquired 60 acres of dedicated parkland along Highway 169 between E. 71st and E. 81st Streets that needs design work done in order to plan future infrastructure and capital improvements that will be needed to activate the space into a usable park benefitting the citizens of Tulsa. 

This will also enable the city to identify opportunities for public-private partnerships to not only build the park for today’s generation of Tulsans but also sustain it for future generations.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Jerry Griffin: No. The Police Department already has many outside monitors beginning with the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office and federal oversight by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Justice.

Ken Reddick: Absolutely not. I do not support any level of an O.I.M (Office of the Independent Monitor).

This idea has been used in other cities across our nation with the intent to undermine local police forces and cast doubt on their ability to serve and protect our community. I believe a call center, funded by the city but separate from the TPD, would be able to facilitate what people are really asking for here, and that’s someone who cares and will listen while also shining a light on misconduct and provide transparency.

We could offer some level of mediation and counsel that would actually work towards building bonds and bridges between law enforcement and the citizens of Tulsa.

Lori Decter Wright: There are best practices that other cities use when it comes to community policing in the 21st Century that we have yet to implement in Tulsa.

With the launch of the Real Time Information Center and more citizen surveillance, I do think we need to strengthen opportunities for accountability and transparency between the police department and citizens.

Many of our peer cities, especially those with Real Time Information Centers in place also have some sort of independent oversight entity.

What form this entity might take is ultimately up to Tulsans to decide. It is very clear to me that three years after Mayor G.T. Bynum’s proposed Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM), there is not any sort of clear consensus on this issue with citizens nor police officers, which is why the council doesn’t have a clear consensus either.

I have no doubt that the dialogue will continue throughout our community regardless of who is elected to serve at City Hall. It is my hope that the citizens of Tulsa along with the police chief, mayor and councilors can determine, together in a highly cooperative and collaborative effort, what will best work for the highest benefit of all Tulsans.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Jerry Griffin: The city government's responsibility is to assist the private sector in developing affordable housing – streamlining the approval process for new developments would be the first step. 

It is possible the city could offer financial incentives to help spur the growth of new projects and rehabilitation of current housing.

Ken Reddick: It is the city’s job to make sure that those in the market and industry of building and providing housing to the public are as efficient and free of burdens as possible.

I believe the city could step in with specific challenges such as the Shadow Mountain Apartments issue and offer quick solutions. The city can also do things to incentivize local builders and property owners to provide affordable housing. There are many things Tulsa can do to help with affordable housing, mostly getting out of the way of the professionals that know how.

Lori Decter Wright: I think the city of Tulsa must absolutely do its part to ensure residents have safe, quality, affordable housing units.

To accomplish this, we must be willing to learn best practices from other cities and states. Then, we must craft policies and programs that honor Oklahoma state statutes while also bringing in new approaches to be implemented. 

For example, rezoning existing properties to be redeveloped into housing as well as updating zoning on vacant land to accommodate new types of housing developments. We also have major sewer and water infrastructure installation and updates to make that will support new housing developments across our city, especially in less developed areas.

Finally, we can work with county, state, tribal and federal partners as well as private investors to unlock funding, grants and incentives to ensure we are able to efficiently build the thousands of housing units we need to meet the housing requirements of Tulsans today and in the future.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Jerry Griffin: Yes and no. Certainly, we can't allow anyone (homeless or not) to obstruct public access to businesses. But fining and arresting a person for being homeless is nonsense, and Tulsa has done that in one form or another for decades, and it is neither a good use of a police officer's or court personnel's time.

I have proposed a series of transient villages to disperse the transient population, provide training where appropriate, and move others to appropriate social service agencies. These villages would be funded and managed by various social-service agencies.

The first 'Veterans’ Village' will serve 50 veterans at a time and will be a 12-week program (mini boot camp), and when service veterans graduate from the program, they will have a new sense of belonging. Working with the business community and educators, they will have a job and become productive tax-paying citizens.

Ken Reddick: I would need to sit down and really discuss why this plan is the best way to move forward. I have an exceptional understanding of the homeless community and I don’t think that more fines and court dates would solve this problem for Tulsa. This is a mental health crisis and I would like to see Tulsa lead the way on fixing this issue for this community.  

Lori Decter Wright: I am offering an amendment to the proposed ROW ordinance to not include jail time. 

In addition, I am proposing a revised trespassing ordinance that increases penalties to be stronger for repeat offenders that trespass on private property. The current trespass ordinance penalty is a fine of up to $200. The proposed penalties will be up to $200 on the first offense, up to $500 on the second offense and up to 10 days in jail. 

Both amendments I am offering will also include a therapeutic court referral option for those who qualify for Municipal Court Special Services.  

I am proposing these ordinance amendments because the penalty provisions for trespassing on private property should be stronger than obstructing public rights of way. The vast majority of complaints I receive are regarding individuals who repeatedly trespass on private property.

We will not fine, arrest or jail our way out of the crisis of unsheltered homelessness. We need a balanced effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of all Tulsans housing status. These policy proposals strike that balance while providing a great deal of discretion for law enforcement and the municipal court to compassionately consider each incident on an individual basis.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Jerry Griffin: No. It is the individual's responsibility to determine their health care needs, and it is not the government's task to mandate a masking requirement.

Ken Reddick: Absolutely not. I believe this is an infringement of personal rights. I think a local government should concentrate more on educating the public and providing logistical expertise or needed materials in a crisis such as this. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution to this question. Forcing everyone to mask up isn’t so simple for some people.

Lori Decter Wright: Yes. I have been in a position to do so in 2020 and 2021, and did. My commitment has always been to uphold my oath of office to protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Tulsa.

During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and to this day we weigh the advice of health experts at the Tulsa Health Department and our area hospitals to provide guidance and recommendations for public policy. Should I continue in the council, I will continue in my commitment to do the best we can with the information we have and to make adjustments, as needed.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Jerry Griffin: All city departments need adequate funding. What is sufficient begins with zero-based budgeting.

Ken Reddick: Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Fire. I would use the funds to hire an adequate level of police and to have a more competitive compensation package. I would also like to see TFD provide transport in the emergencies they respond to. I believe if we were to invest in equipment needed to do this we would see the standard of care increase and would also benefit from available funds paid specifically to those who transport.

Lori Decter Wright: Tulsa Fire Department absolutely needs more budgeted funding for equipment, apparatus, staffing and employee salaries. The department is woefully behind in pay charts in comparison to our nearby municipalities and peer cities. I will continue to amplify these needs as I have for the last several budget cycles. I am hopeful that for fiscal year 24 we can finally give them the increase that has been lagging for more than a decade.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Jerry Griffin: Economic development is critical to all citizens, and we are fortunate to have an active and focused Chamber of Commerce. We must continue to work with the chamber and pursue opportunities that correlate with the citizens' needs and the community's aspirations.

Ken Reddick: The city has a huge problem with their level of participation in local education. I would like to see the city partner with Tulsa Public Schools on services. If Tulsa is going to employ a great parks department, let's see if we could help alleviate some of the burden for Tulsa Public Schools, allowing them to put more of their dollars in the classroom.

Lori Decter Wright: As a city we have fewer self-employed residents and sole proprietorships than our peer cities. As we think about municipally-funded entrepreneurial incubator programs, I would like to see self-employment and sole proprietorships become an additional area of focus for citizen training, coaching and business development. 

We also have to continue to offer training and certification programs so we can grow our skilled workforce as well as diversify Tulsa’s economy with expansion into a wider variety of industry sectors such as biomedical research, development and manufacturing; cybersecurity and high-tech; and business services, for example.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 9

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Lakin, 55, is CEO of Tulsa Community Foundation. He was first elected to the City Council in 2011. Houston, 67, is vice president of American Century Life Insurance Company.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Phil Lakin: I love this city and I’m wired to pour my heart and soul into what I love, which is what I do every day as CEO of Tulsa Community Foundation and as District 8 City Councilor.

Tulsa is not a thing to me; it’s literally a part of me. I can think of no better way to give back to Tulsa than by continuing to serve.

My values are part of everything I do: professionalism, perfection, integrity, civility, and humility. I expect these traits of myself and others, especially those at City Hall, who are always serving citizens.

Our work has advanced to be more efficient and customer-focused, equating to fiscal constraint and better services. But there’s much more work to do.

My best work as a councilor is engaging deeply in and leading our most complex issues, from building consensus among HOAs and city engineers to assembling multi-year, billion-dollar streets and visionary initiatives. And I’m very intentional about constantly communicating, particularly during the flood and about street projects that impact our lives, to provide quick, early and accurate information, before residents have questions or concerns.

I look forward to continuing to do this work and represent District 8.

Scott Houston: I believe it’s time for a new voice.

Also, as a businessman and political outsider, I have made it a big focus to knock doors in my district. Through this, I learned that there are a number of issues that are very important to my neighbors that I believe I am best suited to address.

Our district and city could use more business-minded problem-solvers who know their most important duty is representing their constituents’ wishes and finding solutions to challenges that have lingered in our city for too long. 

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Phil Lakin: Developing our economy in a balanced way; building affordable housing, tackling our homelessness situation, and providing adequate mental health services; and, breaking through the cycle of crime through police retention, recruitment, and tools and programs that allow police to more effectively respond.

Scott Houston: The single biggest issue to District 8 encompasses our safety and first responders.

Our law enforcement officers and firefighters do an incredible job, and they all feel a “call” to protect Tulsa citizens. We should do our best to work with their leaders to identify critical needs as budgets are approved.

Some steps have been taken, but after years of equipment aging, personnel retiring without immediate replacements among other factors, we should look at what can be done to help replace equipment and do what is necessary to make the positions attractive to qualified candidates. They deserve our respect and support.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them?

Phil Lakin: District 8 residents wanted wider roads. I promised I would deliver them, and I have. But getting widening funds is difficult. I had to lift the widening moratorium that was put in place in 2008 by another council and mayor. And I had to build a case for support so my colleagues could understand the urgency of our situation (for example, on Yale (81st to 91st), TPD recorded 177 accidents, 76 serious, one fatality - 300% more accidents than Harvard).

My efforts paid off: two widening projects are complete, with two more projects on Yale and 81st are in progress, with 15 new miles of sidewalk. I’ve purposefully involved homeowners in every aspect of planning: lane width, screening wall design, landscaping, and more all are shaped by neighbors.

District 8 wants better public safety. We are currently 151 officers short and are at full strength within the Fire Department. While a councilor, I have always supported the budgets for these critical departments.

The council created a dedicated funding stream for an additional 160 police officers and 65 firefighters and earmarked over $100 million for public safety equipment in Improve Our Tulsa 1 and 2, all necessary in delivering better, timely services.

Scott Houston: As I mentioned, safety and better supporting our first responders is very important. The other major challenge facing my district is educating the constituents on what issues our city leaders are considering. Communicating in advance of City Council votes to really understand how the district feels and considering the impact these decisions will have on residents. People feel uninformed and disenfranchised. I plan to create a business owners group and a residential leaders group to use as a sounding board. 

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Phil Lakin: No one has to guess whether or not I’m going to do the work for District 8 and our city because, for 11 years, I’ve proven to my constituents and to Tulsans that I have the resources, abilities, and deep interest in serving our city, setting a vision and priorities, and leading efforts to make our city better and more prosperous for all.

Roads are wider and being rehabilitated all across District 8 because of my efforts and consistent project oversight and review. I helped lead our city’s efforts with Improve Our Tulsa, Vision, and IOT2, drafting original plans and general allocations, facilitating planning sessions to achieve consensus among all councilors and the mayor, and actively promoting the packages’ approval through various town halls, speakers’ bureaus, and other campaigning efforts.

I was involved and engaged at every level, all the time, and am seeking the opportunity to continue to provide this type of leadership in the packages and projects that will continue to be vetted and put before our voters so we can continue to invest in items that will change Tulsa’s trajectory and improve our quality of life and safety.

Scott Houston: I will bring a fresh perspective and a strongly conservative voice to the council. I am not aspiring for a political career, so this position won’t be a first step toward other positions. I have listened to my neighbors and will be their voice on the council. I will draw upon my extensive business experience as I work to represent my district. I am not influenced by any person, group, or entity other than the residents of my district.

5. Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Phil Lakin: I will continue to advocate for the south Tulsa dam. Councilor Jeannie Cue and I advocated for the addition of this lake and pedestrian bridge in south Tulsa, which has been contemplated and needed for decades. Both Jenks and south Tulsa voters overwhelmingly supported the dam, lake, and pedestrian bridge in at least two public votes, to enhance the river’s beauty and attract multiple economic development opportunities for business and retailers that want to locate next to a full river, where recreational activities and opportunities are numerous.

Scott Houston: Many neighborhoods in my district have lighting and signage issues, which people feel are safety concerns.

The more people I talk to about their overall concerns, the more important this need becomes.  Entrances are not lit well enough and need upgrading. Some of these are HOA (Homeowners Association) issues, but some are not. I want to look at these to see where I may be able to get assistance. Safety is essential to all of us.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Phil Lakin: I continue to fully back TPD Chief Franklin and Tulsa Police Department’s leadership in making the changes that they know are important in continuing to improve policing, police accountability, and police relations among the public, including community policing and enhanced community engagement.

Scott Houston: No. I believe we have qualified leaders within the department capable of overseeing how and why our officers act in situations. I think it is counter productive to have oversight by individuals that don’t have the education, training, and on-the-job experience necessary to evaluate the department.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Phil Lakin: I’ve been deeply involved in allocating pandemic relief funds and making funding recommendations to the full council. My initial allocation proposal to the American Rescue Plan Act working group called for $10 million to be allocated for “(a)ffordable housing partnerships (TAEO, Housing Solutions, et al) to increase home ownership in underserved areas of COT.”

The city alone is not responsible for providing affordable housing, but the city is and should continue to be a major partner in all affordable housing efforts, whether they be sponsored by the philanthropic sector or tied to federal or state efforts.

The city’s emphasis on affordable housing has grown dramatically over the last five years because of the emphasis that the mayor and council have placed on ensuring quality and habitable housing for Tulsa citizens.

Scott Houston: I would have to gather the necessary information in order to answer this question. My questions would be: Define affordable housing and what constitutes our shortage?  Define how much affordable housing is enough, and who decides this? Who will be able to take advantage of the housing? Where will the housing be located, and who decided this? Who will own the properties?.

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Phil Lakin: The ordinance has not moved forward for council consideration yet because it still requires a bit of work.

I hear from so many residents and property owners who are very concerned about their own and their employees’ safety. Many business owners have lost significant income due to trespassing or obstruction, and many have been financially harmed from crime and theft as well.

There is a path that will allow Tulsa Police officers to humanely enforce laws with those who consistently obstruct rights-of-way or interfere with businesses. We need to spend a bit more time looking for this right path, though, so police and the public are not continuing to encounter the same people, and so those who are homeless are receiving the proper services, including permanent shelter.

Additionally, we have to allow for the free movement on our sidewalks and rights of way for those with ADA concerns, and for those who are walking, running, biking and using other alternative modes of transportation to get to/from neighborhoods, businesses, and schools.

Scott Houston: I would vote for it. Our public safety is most important. And I will do what I can to protect our local businesses. I am not unsympathetic of our city’s homeless, but I will always support and protect our homeowners and business owners.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Phil Lakin: Council supported a mask mandate when no vaccines were available and when all major hospitals, the Tulsa Health Department, and masses of physicians and nurses were petitioning the government to enact any kind of solution.

Retailers and restaurants were equal in their pleas, stating that they could not attract the necessary workforce to remain open without a mandate, given their employees’ close and constant interaction with the public. My primary focus was keeping businesses open.

The council chose not to implement a mask mandate action in August 2021, when the vaccine had been developed, infection and hospitalization rates were decreasing, and hospitals and the Health Department were not uniformly recommending masking.

I have not seen data that would make me believe that health officials will uniformly make the emergency public health recommendation like the one they had to make in 2020.

Scott Houston: No, I would not. I believe these mandates were a classic example of government overreach. And I believe my district shares the same thoughts. People should have the right to make their own decisions. So I would vote against mandates.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Phil Lakin: While the council adopted a budget that will allow the city to pay more competitive wages, which will help reduce staff shortages in 311 customer services, water billing, and other customer relation services, “Public Safety and Protection,” which includes Municipal Court, police, fire, EMSA, and TAEMA, is still my priority focus area.

This program received an allocation of $247 million in the budget the council approved recently, but citizens still want and deserve an increased level of public safety services.

While there are nationwide shortages of employees in all of these areas, particularly police and EMSA, we must continue to focus on closing the gap of 151 officers, so police can proactively patrol our neighborhoods and businesses and enhance their community engagement, crisis response team, and special service opportunities.

To municipal courts, the city has already invested $6.5 million in reforming our municipal court system, from simple goals like easier payment options and court date reminder texts, to the harder issues of extending court operating hours and special services dockets. Future budgets will need to cover the costs of these extended services, and the council will need to begin to prepare now for these programs’ success.

Scott Houston: I would support more funding for our public safety servants, primarily police officers and firefighters/paramedics. Better support for these departments is very important to District 8, as I’m sure they are to other districts as well. I would support funding for those things the leaders say will help their departments operate at their very best. Our police officers and firefighters love serving Tulsa, and I want them to have what they need to do that as safely, efficiently and successfully as possible.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Phil Lakin: We have many opportunities to attract and retain a more skilled workforce for our existing and potential corporate employers. We’ve done so well over the last 10 years, but we must do way more in this space.

Multiple efforts are in play right now that have changed who is working here and who is compelled to work here: Remote Tulsa, Build in Tulsa, incubators in north/central/east Tulsa, etc.

Intensive recruitment efforts like the ones staged for Tesla must continue. Before long, we will hook another major, international corporation that will call Tulsa home, and Tulsa’s trajectory will positively change as a result as more corporations become interested in all that Tulsa has to offer, from quality of life to low living costs to an incredibly eager and hardworking labor force.

Intentional efforts also MUST commence to retain our current corporations that have chosen to have their headquarters in Tulsa and which have provided so much to Tulsa and Tulsans for so long. If we aren’t paying attention to them, someone else is, and we can’t afford to lose any of them.

Scott Houston: I believe we can do more to develop our riverfront. I am learning there are many facets to this challenge, and people are passionate on all sides. But I believe we can solve them. I am confident that with the right plan, this could be a central part of our future growth.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 9 questions and answers

Read the questions and answers of other districts

District 1 ¦ District 2 ¦ District 3 ¦ District 4 ¦ District 5 ¦ District 6 ¦ District 7 ¦ District 8 

The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. Responses were limited to no more than 200 words.

The candidates’ responses, by district, will be posted online this week. To determine what City Council district you reside in, click here or call the Tulsa County Election Board at 918-596-5780. There also a map at the end of this story. 

City Council elections will be held Aug. 23. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held Nov. 8.

Jayme Fowler is seeking a second term on the council. Fowler, 63, is a wealth manager with Oak Creek Private Wealth. Chad Hotvedt, 38, is a special education instructor. Crosby, 38, mental health provider.

1. Why are you running for City Council?

Jayme Fowler: To serve the citizens of District 9 and city of Tulsa. I’m not a politician. I’m a native Tulsan and native of District 9, and I’d like to see both continue to prosper and flourish. I am the only  current councilor that is a business person.

Chad Hotvedt: I believe I am the best candidate because I work with our young people daily and see the struggles of everyday Tulsans.

I am a veteran, a special education teacher, and an adoptive father. I am a public servant who will step up in the same way I did when I served my country and later received an honorable discharge.

I believe in being a part of solving problems, not just talking about them. That’s when Carly and I saw that children that needed help, we fostered and then adopted. It’s why I knew after the teacher walkout that I had a responsibility to step up and serve my community as an educator. I did not take this commitment lightly. I joined our schools as a substitute and became a paraprofessional before getting certified to teach. 

We need leaders who know the struggles Tulsans face and actively work to make things better.

District 9 deserves a councilor who informs our community about what is happening around our city. Our councilors should be meeting with constituents in person regularly, posting regularly on social media, sending emails, or making phone calls about changes that pertain to Tulsa. We deserve a councilor who is engaged with all his constituents.

Lee Ann Crosby: I am not running for City Council for a title. I am running for the people of Tulsa, working to give Tulsans what they deserve. I have been working in the community for many years building relationships, learning the needs of Tulsan’s to better meet the needs of the citizens. I care about Tulsa!

2. What is the biggest challenge facing the city, and what do you think should be done to address it?

Jayme Fowler: Economic Growth. The city of Tulsa’s population has remained basically flat for the last decade. Tulsa cannot afford to ignore the energy industry, but the city needs to focus on additional areas of “core competency”. 

Northeast Oklahoma has abundant water resources, very cheap, clean, and reliable energy. The chamber (of commerce)  has identified some potential areas of growth to focus on such as regional headquarters and/or national headquarters for companies. In addition, Tulsa is also driven by small, high tech, and closely held businesses.  

Out of nowhere, Tulsa has become a national leader in attracting “remote workers”. Through philanthropic vision and strategic planning this should remain a bright spot.

Last, the city/region has come very close to landing some “game changing” companies, Tesla and Panasonic. At some point in time, we’ll land one of these big companies. In the meantime, we’ll continue to grow through small businesses, organic growth, and remote learning.

Chad Hotvedt: Tulsans experiencing homelessness and lack of mental health care are the biggest challenges to our city.

While not all individuals who experience homelessness are also suffering from mental health challenges, it is absolutely crucial we work to address both issues head on and simultaneously.

I would love to take a hard look at what Houston has done to cut the number of citizens experiencing homelessness by 63% and reduce the time on the waitlist for housing to under 40 days. Tulsa should be looking at cities across the country to find examples of effective solutions that fit our local context.

Lee Ann Crosby: The challenge is to prepare Tulsa for future generations. This means safeguarding water and air quality, offering medical and mental health services, and matching Tulsans in need with available resources. 

The working families who move Tulsa forward deserve the best quality of life in a city they can be proud of.

3. What are the two biggest challenges your district is facing, and what do you believe should be done to address them? 

Jayme Fowler: 61^st Street and Peoria Avenue is one of the poorest neighborhoods in Tulsa. A dedicated group of stakeholders has worked behind the scenes with landlords to enhance security in the neighborhood. In addition, WIN (Working in Neighborhoods) has addressed  hundreds of cases in the neighborhoods adjacent to 61^st and Peoria. My wife is a TPS teacher at McClure, and we have endowed Marshall and McClure elementary schools.         

Community engagement with the surrounding neighborhoods, adjacent to Johnson Park, has begun to “reimagine” a new Johnson Park. City and community partners are now collaborating on a master plan for 61^st and Peoria for 2022-2023.

Our less fortunate/unhoused population is growing in Tulsa. Innovative solutions need to be explored. State leaders signed into law HB 1337. It’s my understanding, in layman’s terms, that a hospital or licensed psychiatric care facility can now be reimbursed for indigent care through Medicaid.

For the first time, health care and mental health care providers can now set up health care clinics in schools, community centers, or stand-alone clinics, and treat our less fortunate and unhoused in a much more proactive way.

Economic incentives to build more “affordable housing” is critical to a brighter Tulsa.

Chad Hotvedt: Housing and infrastructure improvements are the two biggest challenges in District 9.  

As Tulsans, we have seen what community involvement and investment can do for infrastructure. We should continue and enhance our investment in strategic ways to meet the needs of a growing city. 

We should also address the need for low barrier/low income housing opportunities. Some of the lower-income options in my district are going to stop accepting vouchers. This will create more demand for lower income housing that we currently do not have. Our citizens need somewhere to live. 

These are some of the challenges in District 9 that have been ignored for too long. 

Lee Ann Crosby: Communication is key, that's why it's my top priority to hold regular town hall meetings across our district so that I can stay in touch with the people I will be working for to give them the district that they deserve.  

Case in point, if City Hall was more in tune, we wouldn’t be seeing the outrageous increases in our water bills that we have over the last 5 years. In particular, we need to listen to Tulsa’s senior citizens and those on fixed incomes. 

There are many individuals experiencing homelessness in District 9. Addressing these challenges by going out into the community to teach life skills, which in turn increases self-sufficiency.

4. Why do you believe you are your district's best candidate for City Council?

Jayme Fowler: I was brought home from the hospital to Brookside, and I now live farther south in the same district. My wife and I have friends from all kinds of faiths, backgrounds, and political beliefs. To serve the citizens of D-9, a city councilor needs to be able to work with and respect people from all walks of life. I’ve strived to serve all the citizens of D-9 and Tulsa with balance and fairness. 

Chad Hotvedt: I believe that I am the best candidate because I work with our young people daily and see the struggles of everyday Tulsans. I am a veteran, a special education teacher, and an adoptive father. I am a public servant who will step up in the same way I did when I served my country and later received an honorable discharge.

I believe in being a part of solving problems, not just talking about them. That’s when Carly and I saw that children that needed help, we fostered and then adopted.

It’s why I knew after the teacher walkout that I had a responsibility to step up and serve my community as an educator. I did not take this commitment lightly. I joined our schools as a substitute and later became a paraprofessional before getting certified to teach through the Troops to Teachers Program. We need leaders who know the struggles Tulsans face and actively work to make things better.

District 9 also deserves a councilor who informs our community about what is happening around our city. Our councilors should be meeting with constituents in person regularly, posting regularly on social media, sending emails, or making phone calls about changes that pertain to Tulsa. 

We deserve a councilor who is engaged with all its constituents. If elected, I will do just that.

Lee Ann Crosby: It is up to the voters to decide who the best candidate is. Service is what gives us meaning, and that's why it would be a great honor for me to serve Tulsa in City Hall.

5.  Name one infrastructure project you would advocate for in your district that is not streets related? Briefly explain why?

Jayme Fowler: I have had private conversations with some city officials and a developer about a much larger and closer bus station/transportation hub to 61^st and Peoria. If a citizen has no or low access to transportation, among the essential services, then the cycle of poverty and despair will continue. 

My wife took 5th grade children from her school on a field trip, and children were shocked and amazed about the outside world just a mile from their school. Basic transportation, a bus or Uber, is one of the basic building blocks of  “Getting Ahead”. 61^st and Peoria desperately needs a “transportation hub”.

Chad Hotvedt: I think we should bury our power lines. They’re not only an eyesore, but they’re more susceptible to failing in extreme weather. Burying the power lines would improve our city’s aesthetic while protecting our electric supply and keeping us all safer.

Lee Ann Crosby: Tulsa is overdue for a once-in-a-generation infrastructure audit assessing current and future needs. Often overlooked but particularly important now is Tulsa’s power grid.

We must weigh the needs of the future against the demands of today to ensure that Tulsa’s next generation can maximize its future. We need a robust grid to do this. I want to be part of leading a once-in-a-generation infrastructure audit.

6. Do you believe the Police Department should have any kind of independent oversight? Please explain your answer.

Jayme Fowler: The Police Department already has an internal affairs department, the OSBI, the attorney general, and a citizen’s oversight board. Moreover, whenever a Tulsa police officer is involved in a shooting it is “automatically” sent to the district attorney for review. I feel there’s already enough “checks and balances in place” to not warrant independent oversight currently. However, situations and circumstances could change with the TPD.

Chad Hotvedt: Yes, there should be some independent oversight of the Police Department.  

Tulsa has one of the highest rates of officer involved shootings in the nation (Source: Police Scorecard). Increased resources and funding to the Police Department have not resolved this issue. 

Having a diverse group of citizens review complaints, determine when uses of force are excessive, incorporate community involvement, and highlight good outcomes and successes will go a long way toward addressing accountability and incorporating the recommendations from the Tulsa Equality Indicators plan.  

I would like to see a citizen representative from each council district on the committee. This would help our communities understand what our officers are experiencing, and it would help officers learn what our communities need. I think it is a win-win. 

Lee Ann Crosby: The buck stops at City Hall, and City Council has a major role to play in ensuring that the community is well represented when it comes to matters of public safety. We have to work together to make sure that the police have the resources they need to protect our great city and that the voices of our communities are heard and well represented.

7. The city is facing a shortage of affordable housing. Do you think it is the city government's responsibility to ensure that Tulsa has enough affordable housing units? If so, what should the city do to accomplish that?

Jayme Fowler: The city of Tulsa is facing a tremendous shortage of “affordable housing”. The “hand” of the city, through legislation, tax credits, city ordinances, and affiliated agencies like PartnerTulsa, should continue to shape and guide the marketplace to build more affordable housing. “Traditional” public housing has had poor results in Tulsa. River West (living wage mixed with subsidized tenants) in west Tulsa is a model to be possibly replicated in more areas in Tulsa. River West was financed with a variety of public and private funding sources.

Chad Hotvedt: Yes, I think it is the city government’s responsibility to ensure affordable housing. Tulsa is a “housing first city,” so I think we should act like one.

Finding creative solutions to ensure the housing we do have does not deteriorate incentivize people to invest in affordable housing, and help our housing owners who have a hard time filling out the paperwork for Section 8 vouchers.

Lee Ann Crosby: The current trickle-down housing policy isn’t well suited to meet the needs of hard-working Tulsans.

We need to bring together the best and brightest in our community to help alleviate the pressure of the housing crisis facing Tulsans which has been brewing for well over a decade.

We need an assessment of out-of-the-area property owners to best understand the current situation. 

8. To help address problems associated with the city's homeless population, Mayor G.T. Bynum has proposed a city ordinance that would give the police the authority, after first providing a warning, to arrest individuals who are obstructing a public right of way — including individuals blocking sidewalks in front of businesses — and potentially subject them to fines and possible jail time. If elected to the City Council, would you vote for or against the proposal? Why?

(Editor’s note: As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. If they failed to show up for their court date, a warrant could be issued for their arrest.)

Jayme Fowler: The way the law is currently proposed does not address the “real issues”. Not in favor. Let’s look at some other solutions that place a lesser burden on everyone involved. Let’s address the problems and not the symptoms.

Chad Hotvedt: No, I would not support this. This would essentially criminalize those experiencing homelessness. Putting them in jail doesn’t help.

As a city, we need to find a way to help these people become contributing members of our community. 

It costs up to $54 a day to hold a person in jail in Tulsa. That is $1620 a month for one person. That’s $19,440 a year for one person. By contrast, it costs an estimated $12,800 to provide someone with permanent, safe and stable shelter. 

I know our city can do better things with taxpayer dollars than spending them on more incarceration.

Lee Ann Crosby: Criminalizing people experiencing homeless is not going to solve the problem but will instead compound it. As a longtime advocate and volunteer working with people who are experiencing homelessness, I’ve observed that helping them acquire life skills is the most effective long term solution.

9. If local health care officials, such as hospital administrators or the Tulsa Health Department, recommended that the city implement a mask mandate to combat COVID-19, or a variant of the disease, would you support implementing a mask mandate? Why?

Jayme Fowler: If a local health care official, business owner, or Tulsa County Health Department “recommends” wearing a mask to combat Covid I have in the past and I will again, if we see our Covid numbers creep back up. I supported the mask “resolution” (encouraging, not mandating, Tulsans to follow CDC guidelines) which was unanimously approved by the City Council.

Chad Hotvedt: Yes, I prefer to take guidance from experts.

Lee Ann Crosby: Probably. By working in conjunction with county and state health o2fficials we have to keep in mind that there's only so much that can be done. We just experienced a once in a 100 year pandemic. 

As we learned in 2020, city mask mandates were essentially unenforceable and are properly under the purview of the Health Department. Individuals, businesses, places of work, etc., should follow the guidance of the Tulsa Health Department. 

That said, more should have been done for our seniors and those facing the end of life alone during the crisis instead of arguing over masks. It shouldn’t have been a fault line.

10. Name one city department you believe should receive more funding and describe how those funds should be spent?

Jayme Fowler: Permitting and inspections. The city has gotten better with permitting and inspections, but we need to have more automation, streamlining, and faster turnaround on permitting. In addition, our inspections need to be more “consistent”. Overall permitting and inspections have gotten better, but there’s still room for improvement.

Chad Hotvedt: Social and economic development. It is the lowest funded by about $10 million. I would focus on housing, animal welfare, and providing equitable economic opportunities for all Tulsans.

Lee Ann Crosby: Crafting a budget is one of the most important tasks put to the City Council.

We need to be mindful that the employees who are on the front lines, out in the middle of winter and repairing busted water mains aren’t overlooked. Or, for example, Animal Welfare is properly staffed and has the resources they need. We need to support salaries commensurate with hard work and years of dedication. 

Too many times, wants are put above needs. We need to recruit the best talent and retain the best and brightest.

11. And finally, where is the city lagging when it comes to economic development, and what should the city do about it?

Jayme Fowler: I spent time away from Tulsa and worked for asset management firms in New York, San Diego, and Los Angeles. I’ve lived in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Birmingham, and I have traveled to cities throughout the United States. All these cities have their “unique” signatures. 

For so long Tulsa’s unique signature was the oil and gas business. Tulsa needs one “big bang” to really take our growth from “plodding,” linear growth to “accelerating” growth. The mayor one day rattled off all the incredible things happening in Tulsa. The Gathering Place, Discovery Lab, Greenwood Rising, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Gilcrease, River Parks, OK Pop, Turkey Mountain, BMX. The citizens of Tulsa, government leaders, the universities, business leaders, philanthropists have all joined hands in crafting a bright future for Tulsa.

Let’s narrow our focus and messaging just a little tighter. We are on the right track.

Chad Hotvedt: I think our city is lagging in programs to educate its citizens in high demand jobs. I want to see programs in place that train our people and then help with job placement. I want to see programs that will help Tulsans start their own business by supporting them as they apply for loans and write a business plan. I want to work alongside our business community to help place new Tulsa entrepreneurs with mentors to help ensure they will succeed.

Lee Ann Crosby: Workforce training is crucial. Businesses are more likely to come to a place with an abundance of skilled labor. We have a world class vocational training system and we just need to ramp it up so that we don’t lose any more opportunities like Panasonic.

We need to take care of the Tulsans that are here by meeting their needs first and improving the quality of life attainable by citizens.

Related

Read the District 1 questions and answers

Read the District 2 questions and answers

Read the District 3 questions and answers

Read the District 4 questions and answers

Read the District 5 questions and answers

Read the District 6 questions and answers

Read the District 7 questions and answers

Read the District 8 questions and answers