Tulsa World: Perkins out to help others, test himself

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Perkins out to help others, test himself

Mayoral candidates Dewey Bartlett Jr. (from left), Mark Perkins and Tom Adelson model their T-town T-shirts last week. MIKE SIMONS / Tulsa World

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Published: 11/1/2009 2:23 AM
Last Modified: 11/1/2009 3:45 AM

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Left alone in the wilderness for three days with a source of fresh water plus crackers, peanuts and raisins to ration, Mark Perkins learned at age 18 about survival and himself.

It was part of a monthlong program through the Colorado Outward Bound School that taught young people about mountain climbing, whitewater rafting, rappelling and other pursuits.

Perkins, an outdoors enthusiast, wanted to go so badly that he persuaded his parents to let him skip his high school graduation ceremony so he could participate.

"I really wanted to do something unique, something that would challenge me with a diverse group of experiences," he said.

Now at 30, Perkins has found a new way to challenge himself: running for Tulsa mayor as an underdog, independent candidate.

Although the

two situations are both inherently about overcoming the odds, Perkins said, the motivation for his campaign is coming from a different part of his personality.

"I want to be mayor because of my upbringing," he said. "I come from a family that always has been involved with the community and attuned to what's going on. We have a mentality of being caring and committed people."

Perkins, a lawyer, is the youngest of Lindsay and Diane Perkins' five grown children.

His father is a prominent residential developer, and his mother, from the philanthropic Siegfried family, was the executive director of Neighbor for Neighbor.

While attending the University of Oklahoma for his undergraduate degree and then his law degree, Mark Perkins assumed leadership roles. He was the president of his law class and the chairman of the graduate student senate.

"I'm a passionate person, and sometimes I'm moved to try to effect change when I am dissatisfied with the status quo," he said.

Although Perkins is a registered Republican, he launched his mayoral campaign last summer as an independent.

He is a staunch supporter of a proposal that Tulsa switch to nonpartisan city elections.

Politics often holds the city back, he said.

"We need to change our playbook," he said. "As a city, we have so many common interests: good schools, smooth roads, economic opportunities, safe neighborhoods — the classics we've been talking about for years. Everyone wants those things.

"But a lot of people who are attracted to politics are attracted to the power side of the equation. They run for office based on fear, scaring people out of electing someone rather than focusing on the positive side."

Perkins said he definitely was not interested in pursuing a political career. He once had a summer internship in the office of U.S. Rep. John Sullivan and found that it wasn't for him.

"I didn't do that at all to get my foot in a political door," he said. "I wanted to see how the Washington process works. Even if your heart is in the right place, I learned it is a hard life.

"I have an intellectual curiosity in politics, but I'm not attracted to it."

Mayor of Tulsa is really the only elected office he would be interested in holding, Perkins said.

"The difference is, I will be able to see the results as mayor," he said. "I want to impact the community where I live and where my family and friends are."

At his relatively young age, Perkins said, he has a vested interest in Tulsa's future. It's where he wants to raise a family after he is married.

An active participant in Tulsa's Young Professionals, he enjoys listening to live music, reading and traveling. His law practice is busy.

Perkins jokes about being a romantic who doesn't have a first lady to offer if he becomes Tulsa's leader.

"I don't have a girlfriend," he said with a laugh. "I haven't found the one yet. Things have been so busy that I don't really have much time for anything. My focus right now is on the city."

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

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	Report Comment Michael Phillips, Tulsa (11/1/2009 6:19:20 AM) I'll vote for him.
	Report Comment Ayo, T-Town (11/1/2009 7:03:44 AM) He sounds like a great candidate. I'm still undecided.
	Report Comment Eagle 4, Tulsa (11/1/2009 7:49:19 AM) If Bartlett and Adelson had been dropped into the wilderness with him we'd only have Perkins left to vote for! ;)
	Report Comment TinkinAround, Tulsa (11/1/2009 8:08:19 AM) Looks like our dark horse is poised to round that bend. Congratulations for taking this on, Mr. Perkins. Tulsa needs critical thinkers, a fresh perspective and a strong volunteer base to help you implement change. You've got my vote.
	Report Comment Daven, Tulsa (11/1/2009 8:09:05 AM) He has my vote. Bartlett and Adelson will change nothing about Tulsa IMO.
	Report Comment FIRE GUNDY, TULSA (11/1/2009 8:10:04 AM) Even though they all came from money, he appears to be the least self-serving of the bunch. He gets my vote.
	Report Comment WhereIsThought, Raleigh (11/1/2009 8:30:34 AM) When I saw that picture, I thought it was "More bars in more places...".
	Report Comment Barleybaby, Tulsa (11/1/2009 8:31:04 AM) Another vote for the non-establishment candidate here. Make that two.
	Report Comment Few Clothes, America (11/1/2009 9:01:10 AM) Sounds like wise decisions Michael Phillips and Barleybaby. If I still lived in Tulsa, he would get the nod from me.
	Report Comment spirit07, Tulsa (11/1/2009 9:17:38 AM) He interned for Sullivan. I won't vote for him. Kirkpatrick is the one. That will send a message.
	Report Comment Corvetteguy, Tulsa (11/1/2009 9:21:58 AM) I find him an interesting candidate. I vote for the person and his or her values, not the party affilation. Let's see how these next two debates go.
	Report Comment TulsaBorn, (11/1/2009 11:00:44 AM) I graduated law school with Mark and can attest that he is the real deal. Despite his voter registration (not aligned with my own, I might add) I do believe he will take a nonpartisan approach to solve problems in our city that are of common interest to us all. I was an Adelson supporter before Mark entered the race. He has now brought me over to his camp.
	Report Comment Moses, Jenks (11/1/2009 12:02:49 PM) Mr. Perkins sounds like a very bright, honest young man. It would be interesting to see how he would perform at the Mayor of a city the size of Tulsa! Everyone might be pleasantly surprised If Mr. Perkins won the election as an Independent it surely would get the attention of all the politicians in Oklahoma and maybe some in Washington!
	Report Comment spirit07, Tulsa (11/1/2009 1:38:06 PM) Not another Lawyer, jeez people wake up!
	Report Comment spirit07, Tulsa (11/1/2009 1:38:35 PM) Another blueblooded lawyer republican. This country has gone to the dawgs!
	Report Comment eglkeeper, Hooterville (11/1/2009 2:05:11 PM) Should spend 3 days under a bridge near Elwood exit for some real political insight. These homeless folks can do more with 3 sq. feet of cardboard than a monkey can do with 50 ft. of garden hose...
	Report Comment Hey, wait a minute..., (11/1/2009 2:15:26 PM) There's no quick fix or easy solution for Tulsa's general dilemma. Perkins's common sense, personal values, positive attitude, work ethics, and a focus on Tulsa's best interests are sorely needed tools for moving us forward. If his eyes are still wide open and he is willing to put on wading boots and roll up his shirt sleeves, I will help elect Perkins into the mayoral position on Nov. 10.
	Report Comment OkeyDokey, Anytown USA (11/1/2009 3:00:38 PM) Perkins is the man for me ! I am sick and tired of all the bickering between the Dem's and the Repub's, and the purely partisan politics, with total disregard for the will of "we the people". What we need all over this country, not just in T-town, is a fresh new start with more men (and women) with good moral values, honesty and integrity. And, even though I think part of America's problem is; we have too many slick lawyers in politics now, seems that is what it takes to be able to decipher the 2,000 page bills being written etc. Here again, vote for a man of good character, unquestionable solid background and with noticable concern for the less fortunate amongst us, like the homeless and the jobless. If something is not done soon to stop it Tulsa may well be the next city to experience a "riot" on the North side, like the one in the Watt's section of Los Angeles a few years ago, all over a relativly minor incident. Those homeless people without jobs, for want of food for themselves and their families will without doubt drastically increase the number of robberies, burglary and other crimes for want of money for drugs and food. We all need to thank GOd, Fox News, people like Glenn Beck,and, our military veterans and troops now fighting for our rights, liberties and freedoms.for utilizing and fortifying our rights of freedom of the press, free speech and last but not the least the right to bear arms. We may darned well need that right if the present trend continues folks. "I said it....you decide" !!
	Report Comment Charlie G., Tulsa (11/1/2009 3:04:22 PM) I vote for whoever doesn't tuck in their shirt.
	Report Comment Daven, Tulsa (11/1/2009 3:53:41 PM) Not all lawyers are bad. After all, if it were not for lawyers we would not be able to post on things like this openly. But like most things it takes a small minority to make the majority look bad.
	Report Comment dustyoutlaw, Tulsa (11/1/2009 3:58:34 PM) I'm voting for Perkins simply because Bartlett and Adelson are hogs of a different party but still insider party line hogs at the taxpayer trough.
	Report Comment Ayo, T-Town (11/1/2009 4:53:12 PM) I do like that Perkins didn't tuck in his shirt. It says more about him than what's on the surface. I still don't like the fact that he never responded to my email. It was a simple question, and succinct.
	Report Comment Elusive, the burbs (11/1/2009 4:58:17 PM) I would vote for Perkins if I could but I'm outside the city limits. My second choice would be Adelson.
	Report Comment dustyoutlaw, Tulsa (11/1/2009 6:12:49 PM) the mere idea of voting for an "energy executive" after what happened the past 8 years in this country when "energy" put GW Bush in the White house, says to me Bartlett should be put out to pasture.
	Report Comment Bullhead, - (11/1/2009 7:35:36 PM) Tulsa citizens, seems to us outsiders that this guy is your best bet. Uncorrupted as of yet. Go for it. Perkins, Mayor.

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