Race for District 4

I ask for your vote this Tuesday, April 1, 2008, to improve what I believe is the heart of Tulsa. As your City Councilor for District 4, I will work to improve neighborhoods, personal and commercial property values, city services and overall livability for residents from the Arkansas River east to Sheridan Road, from I-244 south to 25th Street. This is Midtown Tulsa, and we have been poorly served for many years.

Our current city councilor is a nice human being, but manically obsessed with special interests. When appearing before official boards and commissions, she identifies herself as president of just one of our neighborhoods, Kendall-Whittier, which advantages the one over many others--an obvious discrimination. She supports one selected developer over all the rest. She is not well-studied on public issues, and her current promotion of what is called "Neighborhood Conservation Districts" is a misnomer as the lack of specifics within the proposal could significantly harm all neighborhoods. The devil is always in the details and details are something my opponent fails to disclose or often comprehend.

In stark contrast, I believe District 4 is the tipping point between success and failure of the City of Tulsa and, together, we can work to solve the issues of greatest importance to our future. A vibrant, successful, livable midtown is critically important to the entire city.

Code Enforcement: City code enforcement personnel are ignoring current law as absentee landlords ignore obvious threats to the health and safety of our citizens. This must change and enforcement must be implemented immediately. We cannot allow rat infested open abandoned properties to pose health and safety risks. There are many examples of such properties throughout District 4. If we do not enforce nuisance ordinances to clean up the blighted properties in our neighborhoods, what "Neighborhood Conservation" can there be? District 4 deserves better. Our children may be sickened, hurt or killed as a result of this neglect.

Street Repair: The City of Tulsa has prioritized street money for growth areas while ignoring District 4. This must change. Our older streets are in horrible shape. This is an issue in every city within Oklahoma, and I support the proposal of the Oklahoma Municipal League to redirect a half cent of the current State of Oklahoma Sales Tax for municipal transportation needs. I will also immediately work to implement a comprehensive long-term street maintenance and repair policy with dedicated funding that is fair to all.

Economic Development: Development that works with the neighborhoods to enhance livability should be welcomed and encouraged throughout District 4. Common sense is the key. Revitalization of neighborhoods must be done for Tulsa to continue to prosper.

My background is modest as the son of career military parents. I began my professional career working for Sam's Wholesale Club. I selected Midtown Tulsa and District 4 as the place to raise my children because I believe this area can and will, if we work at it, be the best neighborhood of any within the metropolitan area. I have spent over a decade building a real estate services company and holding a license at Keller Williams Realty in mid-town. My construction company specializes in mid-town restoration and remodeling. I believe in public service. I have been involved with the Renaissance Neighborhood Association, served on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds Residential Impact Committee, was a member of the Steering Committee for Tulsa International Mayfest and still found time to serve on the Steering Committee for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This is my home and our city and I ask for your vote Tuesday, April 1, 2008 and your continuing commitment to work together to build a better future--not just for the few, but also for the many.