Objectives for the Day: Mayor Bill LaFortune

“As mayor of the City of Tulsa, I believe there are three critical areas that I must excel in,” Mayor Bill LaFortune said as he opened his Vision Summit. “First, minding the store; that is, delivering the basic services. Second, growing the Tulsa economy by retaining and expanding our existing businesses, and bringing new ones to Tulsa. And third, bringing together business leaders, political leaders and all interested citizens for the purpose creating a shared vision for our future. Then, communicating that vision with enthusiasm and clarity and implementing it. This vision summit is about the beginning of the creation of a vision for the future of Tulsa and our metropolitan area.”

LaFortune quoted Summit speaker and former mayor of Indianapolis William Hudnut, from his book entitled, Cities On The Rebound, A Vision for Urban America . . .

‘There can be no vision without imagination. This is the first step. Think creatively. Stay open to a wide spectrum of possibilities. And keep it relevant. A vision cannot be put together carelessly. To succeed, it will demand thoughtful consideration and care. Then, it has to be painstakingly cultivated, with courage, and perseverance, for it will not be easy to realize.’

“I wholeheartedly agree with those words of Mayor Hudnut. I would add, however, that in engaging in this creative, imaginative thought process, please focus on common areas, those areas on which most of us agree rather than those areas on which we disagree. I can assure you that we will agree on many more issues than those which will lack consensus. In coming here today, we have already shown that we share common ground, that we here today believe that moving our city forward with a shared vision is critical to a successful future.

“Much has been said about this being my 100th day in office. That is true. However, this day marks another anniversary. Exactly one year ago, July 9, 2001, at the Tulsa Press Club, I announced formally my candidacy for the office of mayor of the City of Tulsa. At that time, on that day, I stated, ‘I have a vision of a united Tulsa. Not a Tulsa referred to as South, East, North, or West, but one Tulsa, one family. As we engage in this process today, let’s view ourselves as just that, one family.’ Let’s think about what is good for our city and region as a whole, not just our small areas of interest. We have a duty toward posterity. As Abraham Lincoln said, ‘We cannot escape history.’ We will be remembered by later generations in spite of ourselves. We hold the power and bear the responsibility.

“Mayor Randle and I, and our support staff, believe that we would have a successful vision summit with an attendance in the 300-person range. We are near the 1,000-person mark. That has caused some inconvenience and some minor problems as the numbers rolled toward the 1,000 mark all day yesterday.

“But more importantly it speaks about the thirst Tulsans have to make Tulsa and the region the best that it can be. And . . . we are unique, we have great arts, great architecture, great neighborhoods, great people . . . we even have our own river.

“We are who we are and we must be the best at who we are. We are poised on the cusp of greatness, but we need the rank and file citizenry of Tulsa to help us get the ball rolling in a positive direction. The information we will receive this morning will lay the foundation. The small group discussions we will have this afternoon will build on that foundation.

“Look at the diversity in this room. We’ve crossed every line here today. You should be so proud of yourselves — your love for Tulsa, your love for this county, your love for this region.

“These small groups this afternoon will bring this diversity together. Everyone will have a voice. Work hard. Share honestly. Listen respectfully. Find common ground. Establish trust. Build relationships . . . so, let’s get to work on creating that vision . . . .”

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Contents

Introduction

The Mayor’s Objectives «

Small Group Discussions & Questions

Glen Heimstra
The Shape of Things to Come

William Hudnut III
A Vision for Urban America

Q&A: Hudnut and Heimstra

Clayton Vaughn
You Said We Couldn’t Do It, But...

Rodger Randle
The Demographics of Today’s Tulsa

The Branding of Tulsa

Robert LaFortune
Investing in the future generations of our city

Mollie Williford
Volunteerism and the Arts

James Goodwin
Leaving No One Behind

Kathy LaFortune
Continuing the Vision

Credits