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?

The new Comprehensive Plan should address a multitude of issues, including infill, funding, and zoning. Our current plan is more than 30 years old and focused on a very different Tulsa, one that still had much land to develop. We need a plan that will allow infill and redevelopment without causing an adverse effect on established neighborhoods. We need a zoning code that fits today’s Tulsa. We need to address the dwindling sales tax revenue while our needs continue to grow. As a member of the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan Update, I want to assure that each Tulsan is made aware of the process and has the opportunity to provide input and voice their thoughts. Ultimately, the key issues that will need to be addressed will be up to the people who participate in the process.

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?

Tulsa is unique, and our downtown must be unique as well. To be successful, we don’t need to compete with other cities or copy what they have done. Instead, we must meet our own wants and needs. I am pushing for the Drillers stadium downtown, not because Memphis has one, but because my constituents want one. Downtown should offer something for all Tulsans-- diverse restaurants and different activities. I am encouraged by the progress we have made so far. Soon, Tulsans will be able to watch the Ballet at the PAC or a concert at the BOK, go to a baseball game, shop for art in the Brady Arts district, or simply view our famous art deco buildings. We still need more residential development downtown, as well as amenities like grocery stores, so that people can live, work, and play in downtown. Finally, we must continue focusing on providing better policing downtown to ensure safety.

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

I frequently hear that development in Tulsa is difficult, but easy in the suburbs. There are many reasons for this, but one in particular is that our current zoning and comprehensive plan make infill development difficult. We must encourage good, compatible infill particularly in neighborhoods that are underserved while protecting the surrounding homes. We need to continue strengthening our neighborhoods, so that our current citizens stay and others choose to return to our great city. I also believe we need to scrutinize our permitting process to see what ways we can streamline that process for those who choose to build in Tulsa. While these are some steps, continuing to rely on sales tax will always put us at a disadvantage. I strongly support the request of our state government to return one cent of its sales tax to municipalities.

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?

Tulsa has long neglected the need for sidewalks in our city. As we repair our streets we need to make them accessible to more than just cars. We need to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians. A person should be able to walk to a nearby grocery store or books store without risking his life. We also need to be proactive in looking at mass transportation. INCOG is currently looking at different options for rail on existing tracks. If this proves feasible, we should begin taking steps right away. I expect that the comprehensive plan will address some of these issues, and provide us with an effective approach to addressing long-term transportation needs.

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?

I do not support people coming to our country illegally, and hope that our Congress soon addresses this issue. However, the role of maintaining our borders and deporting illegal aliens is for the Federal Government, not our local police. Unfortunately, instead of working in Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, Senator Inhofe chose to persuade some of our local councilors to pass an ill-advised resolution that portrays our great city as racist. The effect of the resolution is creating fear in the Hispanic Community that they will be targeted for racial profiling. It hinders the police’s ability to gain cooperation and information within the Hispanic community. Even without the resolution, I was assured that people who are placed in jail would have their legal status checked. Thus the resolution is both harmful and unnecessary.

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?

Our historic resources are assets that benefit the entire city. We need to educate Tulsans about the benefits of historic preservation, including the tremendous economic opportunities it provides for the city. I support the work of the Tulsa Preservation Commission, and believe that we should provide them with the resources they need to help preserve our historic structures. Our “old” buildings provide tangible connections to our past, provide opportunities for educating our children, and remind us of Tulsa’s remarkable past. We are known throughout the country for our incredible art deco buildings, and we need preserve these treasures for future generation. I am very excited that the National Trust chose Tulsa for its Historic Preservation Conference this year. This will provide an excellent opportunity for our city to showcase its beautiful historic houses, buildings, and gardens, and for us to look at what other cities are doing to preserve their history.

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

7. If I were given 5 million dollars, I would first address the streets in my district, and build sidewalks in areas without them. Provided I had money left over, I would divide the money between some key projects in my district. These include:
a. Funding the Swan Lake fountain repair,
b. Funding the planned trolley service that connects downtown to Cherry Street and Brookside,
c. Redoing Cherry Street to widen sidewalks and make it more pedestrian friendly,
d. Building a new stadium for the Drillers,
e. Providing funding to neighborhoods to meet their specific needs.
Unfortunately, I don’t think 5 million would be enough. Can I have more?