Tulsa World: District 4 race is a rematch of 2008

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District 4 race is a rematch of 2008
The district includes midtown and downtown and has a majority of Democrats.

HOPEFULS
Eric Gomez and Maria Barnes: Gomez, a Republican, is a real estate consultant. Barnes, a Democrat, is a community activist.

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Published: 10/18/2009 2:20 AM
Last Modified: 10/18/2009 5:05 AM

Visit the Tulsa World’s city elections Web page for continuing coverage.

Councilor Eric Gomez will have a rematch with former Councilor Maria Barnes in Tulsa's District 4 general election Nov. 10.

Gomez, 40, a Republican, ousted Barnes, 49, a Democrat, from the seat in the 2008 election. He is a real estate consultant, while she has been a long-time neighborhood activist.

The district, which includes midtown and downtown, has 11,534 registered Democratic voters, compared to 9,307 Republicans and 3,239 independents.

One of his major accomplishments, Gomez said, is helping to secure the future of Oklahoma State University Medical Center, a teaching hospital that meets many of the region's indigent care needs.

At one point nearing closure, the hospital is now held by a city trust and receives more funding from the state.

"If a solution hadn't been found, it would have been devastating for the city, the region and the entire state," he said.

Gomez said he's also championed the revitalization of the city's central business district, including his efforts to pass the assessment fee that is partially funding the Drillers downtown ballpark project.

If re-elected, Gomez said, he wants to focus on improving the city's planning and zoning processes and implement policies that help the city economically.

"We need to look at our zoning code with a critical eye so that things like mixed-use development in the older parts of town are uses by right," he said. "There have been a lot of proposals for developments that haven't been able to move forward."

Gomez said allowing quality infill development is key for the aging city.

Barnes said she is trying to reclaim her seat because many people in the district have asked her to run.

In many ways, Barnes maintains, she acted as the de-facto councilor even after she lost the election because people kept turning to her.

"People know me and know I will help them," she said. "People in District 4 right now don't feel they have a voice."

For two decades, Barnes has worked for the revitalization of the Kendall-Whittier Neighborhood.

She remains closely involved in the ongoing PlaniTulsa process to create a new city comprehensive plan and wants to see that it is put into action.

Barnes also said she will work on making the city's zoning and planning processes more friendly to neighborhoods.

"For me, it's always been about getting everyone at the table and not having such a tug-of-war over development," she said.

Barnes also wants to foster closer relationships between police and neighborhoods to help reduce crime.

"People are concerned about break-ins, strangers in neighborhoods and they want to see police on the streets," she said. "It's all about letting them know where the trouble spots are."

Brian Barber 581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer

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	Report Comment Moses, Jenks (10/18/2009 12:35:51 PM) democrats_for_Eric Gomez, Mr. Gomez, did you make this comment?
	Report Comment veteran_TPD, Tulsa (10/18/2009 1:02:03 PM) I can tell you that Tulsa Police Officers offically, and the FOP are not endorsing local political candidates. As a private citizen, not in my position as an Officer, I do not approve of former councilor Barnes lack of support for House bill 1804. Councilor Barnes was on the wrong side of the law. I do not personally know of one member of the TPD that supports Barnes. Having said that, as stated, the FOP is not endorsing a candidate for city council.
	Report Comment Dist 4 Fan, (10/18/2009 2:52:10 PM) Interesting assertion that not one Cherry Street business owner supports Maria when she had her campaign kick-off at Joseph Giereck's Art Gallery on 15th and was invited to attend the opening of another locally owned small business on 15th street business last Friday evening. Yes, Gomez was supported by the "Loft Ladies" on 15th who just declared bankruptcy to the tune of 1-10 million dollars and left the taxpayers holding the bag on their unfinished projects. Has anyone counted lately how many "small businesses" still exist on Cherry Street. More and more are becoming national franchises that have no political affiliation. Specious argument, Democrats-for-Gomez.
	Report Comment Dist 4 Fan, (10/18/2009 6:19:37 PM) P.P.S. And Rocky Frisco is supporting Maria.
	Report Comment focuses, (10/18/2009 6:25:23 PM) Both are good people so I vote for both! And safe to say both will continue to be involved in the community regardles of the outcome.
	Report Comment akup, (10/18/2009 10:24:50 PM) democrat for gomez: Maria won every single precinct in district 4, and walked away with about 65% of democratic the vote. Gomez lost at least 4 precincts (tied in a 5th) and only got 55% of the republican vote. This to Rocky Frisco, who raised even less than Ms. Wright. Gomez knows he is about to lose his seat, which explains your need to attack Maria. Instead of attacking her, why don't you explain why your candidate thought it was appopriate to threaten to sue a constituent simply for voicing criticism? Is he really that afraid of a little criticism?

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