On the Issues: Would you support a countywide sales tax to build a new juvenile justice center and additional pods at the Tulsa Jail? Please explain why.
By Staff Reports on Sep 9, 2013, at 2:22 AM Updated on 9/09/13 at 2:54 AM
Every Monday through Nov. 4, the Tulsa World will publish answers from Tulsa mayoral candidates on questions about major issues leading up to the Nov. 12 election. Today's question:
Dewey Bartlett
Current mayor (elected 2009)
While I understand the need for an upgrade at the Tulsa Jail, I am also hesitant to ever support a tax package without thoroughly vetting the proposal. Recently, Tulsa County approached the city about such a proposal, and I am very proud of the great level of collaboration between all the involved parties. We were able to strike a deal to reduce taxes in Tulsa and leave room for the county to put together a package of their own. We have restored our relationship with the county, and both entities can work towards providing what's best for the taxpayers.
Kathy Taylor
Former Tulsa mayor (2006-2009)
This should be a collective decision after citizens and area mayors are given detailed information about needs, alternatives and costs. We should look at how other cities have approached these issues and use best practices. We need a juvenile justice facility located with the best interest of the juveniles we serve and must also consider approaches that safely reduce jail population, as we did with the veterans' treatment court my first term. We should explore other funding alternatives as well. I would support a thoroughly vetted, back-to-basics solution that helps our youth and makes our city safer.
