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?
Most importantly, the Plan needs to show how the City is going to deliver on its basic obligations to the taxpayers – streets and infrastructure, public safety, and utilities. Beyond that, the key relevant issue we’re seeing in Council District 9 - and which will only become more important to other districts - is the issue of balanced infill development. There is common ground among all parties, and it is in the best interest of the City to address it now. Other issues I’d like to see addressed: river development, downtown residential growth, the cultivation of our urban forest, a return to usage of the trash-to-energy plant, increased recycling options, and the elimination of foul water treatment odors along the Arkansas River.
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 envision a downtown that offers an urban living environment. Downtown is an asset we hold with which no other city or town in the region can compete. We need to take advantage of that by making it as easy to access downtown as possible, and as safe and convenient to work and shop there as possible. In my mind, the key to long-term development downtown is residential growth. Any thriving commercial district needs a residential anchor it can count on for commerce. There is a definite demand for urban living. The City needs to do its part to make that lifestyle as convenient as possible.
3. What steps can Tulsa take to stop the sales tax drain from the city to suburban municipalities?
People shop where they live and where they work. We need to accentuate what we have to offer over other areas for residents – namely, great neighborhoods with unique architecture and plenty of trees. For businesses, the City needs to constantly work to help our existing businesses grow. Studies show most economic development comes from the growth of existing businesses rather than bringing in new ones. We also need to fix the taxation imbalance between the City and the County. Over the last 40 years, the County’s tax revenues have increased while municipalities within the county have grown and taken on more responsibility. I’d like to see a tax shift that reflects this reality – a reduction in county taxes that would allow for a corresponding boost to city taxes without an overall impact on taxpayers.
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?
Council District 9 is one of the more walkable parts of the city. It enjoys plenty of sidewalks, and shop space that is accessible to surrounding neighborhoods by pedestrian means. I’d like to see a more appealing pedestrian route between downtown and the River Parks. We need to continue providing a reliable mass transit system.
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?
The resolution passed by the City Council (which you can view here: http://www.tulsacouncil.org:8080/SuperContainer/RawData//PHPJSBOS518200794828/07-427-1.pdf?a=1 ) did not require police officers to check the immigration status of “all suspected illegal aliens”. I believe the terminology in your question comes from a letter sent to councilors by Congressman Sullivan and Senators Coburn and Inhofe. The resolution that was actually passed merely recommended to the Mayor that she utilize her Charter Authority to direct police officers to inquire into the immigration status of anyone arrested and, if that status is unlawful, to notify the appropriate federal agency. This isn’t just for “suspected illegal aliens”, which could arguably lead to racial profiling, but rather for all individuals arrested. It is also solely limited to individuals who have been arrested. Those are important distinctions. With them in mind, I support the resolution.
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?
Council District 9 enjoys some of Tulsa’s most historic neighborhoods. One of my top priorities as a councilor will be to mediate an agreement between neighborhood groups and builders on the issue of infill development. I don’t believe neighborhood groups are anti-development, nor do I believe builders don’t care about neighborhoods. There is common ground and it is important for the City to assist in resolving the current conflict. “Old” buildings are extremely important for our future. They differentiate Tulsa not just from suburban competitors but from competitor cities globally. I’ve given tours of Tulsa to national home preservation experts who were awed by our housing stock. We have been very fortunate in the diversity and quality of home construction the city has enjoyed, and need to work hard to maintain that advantage.
7. If an anonymous donor wanted to give each council district $5 million to be spent in any way, how would you spend it?
It isn’t very exciting, but I’d put it toward street repair in Council District 9. The City needs to take care of its basic obligations first.