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?

We need to remove TMAPC from INCOG and let Tulsans plan Tulsa. We need planning that balances growth throughout the city and planning that preserves history throughout our city and maintains the style that distinguishes Tulsa from any other city in the U.S.

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?

We have already torn down many of our artistic buildings-buildings that people come from around the world to see. We need to preserve those that remain and quit building to emulate other cities. Instead of a bunch a surface parking lots we need garages so can provide plenty of parking without littering the landscape with concrete and asphalt. I believe we can attract business best by being unique.

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

The school system is a government entity just like the city and there is nothing the city elected officials can do about decisions made by the school system. Until such time as the school system makes decisions that quit pushing people to the suburbs for better schools the main thing we can do as a city is work to secure more retail business inside the city limits.

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?

Building sidewalks in older communities and providing businesses with basic services like a grocery store or a pharmacy in communities within walking distance would create a more walkable city. We have to get a mass transit system that functions on a schedule that fits people who work. Mass transit is an important part of Tulsa’s future but until it works for those who work it will never see its full potential.

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?

As a current City Councilor I opposed this resolution because I oppose anything that creates the possibility of violating civil rights. Illegal immigration is a federal issue but our federal government has failed to effectively deal with it. I believe we have enough unfunded mandates handed down by the federal government to local governments there is no need for the city to take on additional responsibilities when we are already inadequately funded for the basic services we are required to provide.

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?

We need to get out of the mentality that everything old needs to be torn down. We need to build up that for which we are known, i.e. Rt. 66, our Native American culture, our arts-the ballet, opera, fine arts and contemporary/living arts-these are what will draw people to our city, not looking like any-other-town, USA.

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

Recruit a first-class grocery store, restore our parks, pools and recreation centers for our children and if there is anything left after this, a first-class restaurant and more medical services.