On the Issues: What is the first specific issue you would address in the new mayoral term and how?
By Staff Reports on Jun 3, 2013, at 2:24 AM Updated on 6/03/13 at 7:09 AM
Every Monday, the Tulsa World has published answers from Tulsa mayoral candidates on questions about major issues.
Dewey Bartlett
Current mayor (elected 2009)
Public safety is my first priority and I will rapidly expand police and fire personnel with dedicated safety funding. When I took office, the previous administration canceled several police and fire academies and my first priority as mayor was stabling the city's spending so that we could get more boots on the ground. Since then we've held consistent academies and public safety is improving, but there's still work to be done. My public safety plan would provide a dedicated source of funding for police and fire academies and further strengthen our great city and would do it without raising taxes.
Every Monday, the Tulsa World has published answers from Tulsa mayoral candidates on questions about major issues. Today's question: What is the first specific issue you would address in the new mayoral term and how?
Bill Christiansen
Former city councilor (2002-11)
The day I take office I will introduce a leaner and more cost-efficient mayoral staff. This will represent a significant savings to taxpayers and set an example for every city department. The past two mayors have grown the size of their offices and paid an alarming number of six figure salaries. Some are being paid twice what they were earning in the private sector. Ending the profligate spending in the Mayor's Office will be a big first step in bringing efficiency to city government. The resultant savings will better position us to successfully meet the many challenges we face.
Kathy Taylor
Former Tulsa mayor (2006-2009)
Immediate priorities include expanding progress made in my first term in mentoring, transparency and public safety. Mentoring to the Max has been successful, but should grow to ensure all children are proficient readers and have a better chance at success. Financial transparency is essential - we need complete spending information online to show citizens exactly where and how their money is spent. And with Tulsa facing a record homicide rate, we must crack down on crime and bring back anti-gang prevention and intervention programs we started that have been languishing. Check our website for more details on my plans.
