“We need stronger leaders who are bold, innovative and do things the right way.” “Tulsa is a wonderful place to live … Pretty much anywhere you see large private investment and public/private partnerships is doing well.” “Tulsa does really good at the arts.”

“Oklahoma’s new motto: I. Can’t. Even.”

Those were just a few of the comments from the meeting of the Tulsa World’s Community Advisory Board held in January. Each year, about half of the board cycles off to make room for new voices.

These gatherings are inspiring for seeing how people of different opinions can sit down and have engaging discussions. It’s a sharing of information and insight into what issues are on the minds of community leaders. There is no repeating of talking points or playing to an audience.

The board is composed from a cross-section of the city. The political affiliations are split between Republicans and Democrats, along with a couple of independents. But their political views don’t crop up much in conversation. It’s their lived experience that informs their perspectives.

These are experts in their fields with frontline knowledge of their professions and advocacy passions. They are not shy about their opinions, and we appreciate their service on the board.

The board meets twice a year: before the legislative session begins and in late summer. The discussions focus on city and state priorities and critiques on our news coverage.

Those unable to attend the meetings email their thoughts about community priorities and challenges.

It’s an election year, and that’s on the minds of board members. Specifically, they are tired of the political theater and divisive rhetoric.

One member said the “adherence to the Democratic or Republican party platforms at the cost of objective evaluations of fact regarding issues and solutions” is a top challenge for Oklahoma and the nation.

“I have lost tolerance for those who seek to perpetuate the United States of Republican or Democratic America. The propensity of Oklahomans to group themselves tribally provides cover for elected officials to pander to those tribally held views instead of acting in the best interests of their constituents.”

Many are worried about the lack of civic engagement and Oklahoma’s last national ranking in voting. They are interested in election reform possibilities and want voters to understand that elections have consequences.

Among other top concerns and thoughts:

Poverty — Income inequities touch on nearly every aspect of public life, and strategic investments are needed for interventions. Tax cuts must bolster lower-income families.

Chronic homelessness — Tulsa joins other major U.S. cities in experiencing increases in people with significant mental health and substance abuse disorders living on the streets. Many of these people are violent and struggle with treatment.

Public education — Unequal opportunities between districts and schools within Tulsa Public Schools is a problem. Chronic absenteeism is affecting districts across the state regardless of family income. Schools are challenged by a lack of a qualified potential workforce, lack of classroom resources, and abundance of children bringing mental health needs and trauma into schools. Critics would like to see higher standards set for students.

Workforce — Employers are having trouble finding qualified workers. CareerTech has 7,500 people on waiting lists to get into job training programs. At least half a million Oklahoma residents lack just a few college credits to obtain a degree.

City of Tulsa bureaucracy — Red tape is bogging down progress. For example, permitting for items ranging from backyard sheds to parking lots to major projects are frustrating residents. Lack of sidewalks continues to be a problem, stopping Tulsa from being a truly walkable city.

Tribal relationships — Oklahomans don’t have an understanding of sovereignty and the history of Indigenous nations. The McGirt U.S. Supreme Court decision continues complicating law enforcement.

There was a sense of frustration in the room, from tax benefits that largely target high-income individuals and companies to the use of Tulsa Public Schools children and staff as a cultural wedge issues.

The future appears daunting. They know Oklahomans and Tulsans can do — and deserve — better and are part of finding those solutions.

Board members each will write two op-eds a year. Please check the Sunday Opinion pages to read more from these varied perspectives.

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