1. For the first time in 30 years, Tulsa will be creating a new Comprehensive Plan. What do you think are the key issues that need to be addressed in the Comp Plan?

A comprehensive plan is simply a collection of ideas from city leaders, a wish list of where they would like to see the city be in the next few years. The major issue will be how to fund city street repair estimated to cost $1.6 billion, and it is not a wish—it is a mandate from the people of Tulsa. That total is nearly four time the city’s annual budget for all city services. All other considerations for the new Comprehensive Plan will be made against this formidable backdrop.

2. What kind of downtown do you envision for Tulsa? What kind of downtown do you think we need in order to compete effectively with other cities?

I’d like to see a mixed-use development plan including business, the return of retail shopping, great dining and entertainment, residential units and sports venues. With the completion of the extensive remodeling of the convention center already under way, and the addition of a convention center hotel on the site of the current city hall, Tulsa could become a major convention stop. A well-structured event calendar of events at the new BOK Center would further enhance the convention scene.

3. What steps can Tulsa take to stop the sales tax drain from the city to suburban municipalities?

More retail and commerce (See answer #2)

4. 30% of Tulsans don’t drive (the young, the elderly, the disabled, those who can’t afford a car, and those who prefer to walk or bike). What can we, as a city, do to make Tulsa more walkable? What role should mass transit play in Tulsa’s future?

A vibrant downtown with the kind of activity described in answer #2 would necessarily include a mass transit system that serves all quadrants of the city. Light rail and/or monorail trains in concert with strategically placed park & ride facilities throughout the city would make downtown accessible once again without the hassle of finding parking. Downtown, smaller “people-movers” could circulate between downtown attractions to complete the transformation.

5. The current city council passed a resolution requiring police officers to check the immigration status of “all suspected illegal aliens.” Do you support or oppose this resolution and why?

First of all, a “resolution” is nothing more than a position statement—it is not law. I support resolution requiring police officers to check the immigration status of all suspected illegal aliens. If they are here illegally, they have already broken the law. Secondly, they are more likely than legal aliens to break other laws. Crime statistics support that.

6. What should the City of Tulsa do to help support historic preservation efforts, both in neighborhood and downtown? Do you think “old” buildings are important to our future? Why/why not?

The City should encourage the preservation of historic buildings, homes, neighborhoods and public facilities. The destruction of marvelous historic structures under the guise of Urban Renewal during the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s robbed Tulsa of a rich architectural heritage. “Old” buildings are important because of their beauty and historic value to future generations.

7. If an anonymous donor wanted to give each council district $5 million to be spent in any way, how would you spend it?

A $5 million donation to District 6 could enhance public facilities in the area, and help provide beautification projects as part of the historic Route 66 plan.