Tulsa World: Mayoral Smashup throws unorthodox questions at candidates

MAKE US YOUR HOMEPAGE | Saturday, November 21, 2009 | WIRELESS

Home > News > Article

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Mayoral Smashup throws unorthodox questions at candidates
One topic handled by the three men deals with whether to accept pay as Tulsa's next mayor.

Tulsa mayoral candidates Tom Adelson (from left) and Mark Perkins listen as Dewey Bartlett Jr. makes a remark during the Mayoral Smashup forum at Jewel, a Brookside nightclub, on Tuesday evening. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World

By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Published: 11/4/2009 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 11/4/2009 3:41 AM

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

Democrat Tom Adelson revealed at a Tuesday night forum that, if elected, he won't accept the mayor's $105,000 salary. Republican Dewey Bartlett Jr. and independent Mark Perkins said they'd want to be paid.

"I will be taking it for nothing, but I know some of you may say I will be overpaid at that level of compensation," quipped Adelson, a state senator, at the Mayoral Smashup at the Brookside club Jewel.

Perkins, an attorney, said that doing the job for free, as Mayor Kathy Taylor has done, "would be a terrible financial move on my part."

Bartlett, the president of Keener Oil & Gas and a former city councilor, said it's fortunate when people have the financial means to be able to do that.

"But in my view, this is an extremely serious job," he said. "Why would someone want to take an extremely serious job that's going to consume my entire four years and my family's and not get paid for it?

"This is not meant to be disparaging to the current mayor, because she's a good mayor," he said. "But if people do not work for money, they might have the opportunity to say, 'Well, I'm not going to get up early this morning. I'm going to sleep in because I'm not getting paid.' I think getting paid is representative of the seriousness of one's commitment to a job."

The

Mayoral Smashup was hosted by KRMG AM 740 and FM 102.3 and was broadcast live, with listeners Twittering, texting, e-mailing and phoning in questions. It was co-sponsored by Tulsa's Young Professionals and Leadership Tulsa.

Hundreds of people packed into the nightclub to watch the event unfold and were encouraged to cheer and boo for the candidates.

Taylor got to pose the first question of the night, asking the men by phone why they want to be the mayor.

Bartlett said he thinks it's important for business leaders to get involved in city government.

Adelson said he wants to replicate the success he's had in the state Legislature in city government.

Perkins said he comes from a civic-minded family and wants to find solutions to the problems Tulsa has faced for decades.

Perkins, a registered Republican, was put on the spot by KRMG News Director Dan Potter, who asked him whether he can win when polling data shows that his independent candidacy is siphoning votes from Bartlett, placing Adelson in the lead.

"I think I have all of the momentum, and I have for several weeks," Perkins said. "I think there are a lot of pragmatic, forward-thinking Tulsans who understand that I am exactly what we need."

Potter then said he's never witnessed such a "negative, down-in-the dirt" campaign as this one between Adelson and Bartlett, and he asked the two whether they are ashamed of themselves.

Bartlett said both of them have previous voting records "that are fair game."

"If there's anything that I have stated that someone might consider negative, it has been truthful, cited and it brings up an issue, something to think about," he said.

Adelson said he's happy to defend his record or any of his votes, "especially if they are portrayed accurately, which they have not been."

"I will say this: I have been spending the last weeks attacking problems and not people, and that's why I'm showing a near double-digit lead today," he said.

Perkins said the fact that he has stayed out of the mudslinging proves that he is the best mayoral candidate.

"I believe anyone who runs on the politics of fear, under the premise of scaring voters out of voting for their opponent, doesn't display the leadership and judgment we need," he said.

Police Chief Ron Palmer asked the candidates by phone whether they would support another revenue source for public safety.

Adelson said no one is going to raise taxes with the economy the way it is but that in a longer view, a dedicated revenue stream should be looked at to support police and fire services. He noted that Oklahoma City has such a funding mechanism.

"The thought that we don't have helicopters in the air — that is a matter of public safety that concerns me," he said, referring to the grounding of the police copters because of budget cuts.

Perkins said revenue must be diversified, adding, "Public safety is too important, and sales taxes are too volatile."

Bartlett again pledged no tax increases if he is elected and said the city must live within its means. He said that with an energy audit and the recently completed Public Works audit, money can be found.

All three said they would work to put more officers on the police force.

The candidates also were asked to weigh in with "true" or "false" about a series of statements, including:

Moving Tulsa's City Hall into One Technology Center was a good idea: All said true.

Barack Obama has been an exceptional president: Adelson said true. Perkins and Bartlett said false.

We need more religion in public office: All said false.

Tulsa municipal elections, including for mayor, should be nonpartisan: Perkins and Adelson said true. Bartlett said false.

Kathy Taylor has been an exceptional mayor. Bartlett and Adelson said true. Perkins did not answer fast enough.

Both Bartlett and Adelson were asked to say something nice about one another.

Adelson said, "He comes from a good family," while Bartlett said, "He's a good man."

Perkins said of his opponents, "I appreciate their past service," putting a noted emphasis on "past," which drew cheers from his supporters.

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

Newspaper View Print this story

Comment

RSS

Bookmark

Reader Comments

Show: Most Recent Comment First

Add your comment

41 comments have been made on this story so far. Tell us what you think below!

Reporting Comments

If you see a comment that violates our terms and conditions, please help us by clicking the "Report this Comment" link next to a comment. That will alert the web staff to review the comment. Thank you. -- Web Editor Jason Collington

Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Hundreds pack nightclub for Typros' Mayoral Smashup ," which was published on 11/3/2009.

	Report Comment Ryanoceros, Tulsa (11/3/2009 11:04:22 PM) Should be a somewhat interesting race, get out and vote this time people!
	Report Comment Kilgore.Trout, Tulsa (11/3/2009 11:32:29 PM) Ever notice the TW always has Bartlett in focus in the pictures while Perkins & Adelson are out of focus. I wish they would have asked "if George W. Bush" was a good forward thinking President who left a good legacy?" That has more to do than a President that has nothing to do with Tulsa and one year of service under his belt. It might have been better if they were asked if developers should pay for the cost of widening streets as is done in other cities. It is done before a development is finished.
	Report Comment soonerguy, Tulsa (11/4/2009 12:06:17 AM) I'll admit I have not done my research yet, but I do like Perkins response to why he wants to be mayor: Bartlett said he is a business person and should be involved in city politics - whatever that means. Adelson said he wants to replicate the success he’s had in the state Legislature in city government. - he enjoys sucess and fame? or what? egotistical much? Perkins said he comes from a civic-minded family and wants to finally find solutions to the problems Tulsa has faced for decades. Find solutions to the problems Tulsa faces(which others in city government have not). THAT is an excellent reason to run for mayor. Like I said, I have much research to do. I just thought these responses were interesting.
	Report Comment aint missbehavin, .. (11/4/2009 12:33:40 AM) I guess someone did spring for some water.
	Report Comment truth fairy, (11/4/2009 1:23:49 AM) Bartlett remarked that not recieving a salary for the mayor's position would effect a person's commitment. Pretty revealing of his personal motivations. Will he show up at work at the mayor gig if he can score more bucks on a GRDA or drilling deal? I think he was trying to imply that Adelson would not take his responsibilities seriously without taking a salary, but instead it was just telling of Bartletts own values.
	Report Comment focuses, (11/4/2009 1:52:51 AM) Perhaps Bartlett was not paying attention to the results of the Public Works audit -- lack of funding is the #1 issue. An energy audit and a public works audit will fund one billion dollars of road maintenance so says Bartlett.
	Report Comment comparative , (11/4/2009 2:10:08 AM) Bartlett is of the mindset people are motivated only by money. Obviously he paid little attention to the rate of pay for many employees at the City of Tulsa while a city councilor. A crew worker that "cleans sewer or water lines and checks for leaks" is paid $10.42 per hour. Pride in a job well done motivates a person to wake up at 4AM each day and go to a job cleaning sewers. Bankers must envy Bartlett's work day.
	Report Comment The A Team, (11/4/2009 3:03:38 AM) "Perkins, who is a registered REPUBLICAN, was put on the spot by KRMG News Director Dan Potter, who asked him whether he can win when polling data shows that his independent candidacy is siphoning votes from Bartlett, placing Adelson in the lead." Ha! That's hillarious! LOL! I would like to see this polling data, though.
	Report Comment PhoenixIX, Jenks (11/4/2009 3:27:54 AM) If Bartlett wins I'm moving out of Tulsa ! Wait a minute-I already did when Bill LaFortune was elected.
	Report Comment Observer3, (11/4/2009 4:24:11 AM) It's very disheartening to hear all three candidates say moving into One Technology Center was "a good idea." It wasn't, it's been a major financial disaster for the taxpayers. First the cost, then not being able to rent out the space as promised, then not being able to sell the old City Hall as promised, and now it costing taxpayers over $1 million a year extra (not to mention the huge bill for moving employees into that building and the money spent to renovate what was billed as a "move-in ready" building). There's next to no parking for citizens or workers, and the majority of employees (except those on Kathy Taylor's floor) hate being there. I guess I missed the part about it being a good idea. But then again, Mr. Adelson thinks Obama is doing an exceptional job.
	Report Comment An Alternate Viewpont, (11/4/2009 4:37:37 AM) Amen to Observer3. Everything said above is absolutely true...and known to those on the inside.
	Report Comment gba, (11/4/2009 4:58:44 AM) with all the alcohol related crimes in this town,why in the world did they hold this forum in a bar ? makes no sense
	Report Comment Nuff, (11/4/2009 6:06:40 AM) I'm for whoever will clean house at the top. Starting with the Mayor's Aids and any Directors hired within the last three years by Mayor Taylor. Anyone making over $100,000 needs to be looked at closely. I agree with Bartlett, the mayor should be paid and take a salary.
	Report Comment Travelin Man, tulsa (11/4/2009 7:11:38 AM) I think we have had enough of a free Mayor,if you can do the job for free you have too much money and are willing to do the job for your ego.however I will vote for Mark Perkins,he is not are career polition.
	Report Comment oldrustytulsa, Tulsa (11/4/2009 7:14:37 AM) Who said Obama is doing a good job? He is Not doing anything but stirring the Pot of discontent.The economy is in the drink, and DC is just making everything worse.
	Report Comment born okay the 1st time, tulsa (11/4/2009 7:53:19 AM) I almost choked at the boxers or briefs answers. Hilarious.
	Report Comment Loophole, (11/4/2009 8:09:35 AM) There's only one agenda that matters in Tulsa and that's the agenda of it's citizens. We've had too many mayors who were only concerned for their own agenda with a total disregard of the will of the people.
	Report Comment Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/4/2009 8:12:14 AM) It was a great event. Bartlett thinks he's got it in the bag, which is amazing to me. Then again, Inhoffe has made a career out of scaring people, and Bartlett appears to have torn several pages from his playbook. I thought Perkins was impressive, I think he's actually got a shot if the people that support him truly get out and vote.
	Report Comment Ladydi987, (11/4/2009 8:35:58 AM) A protest vote for Perkins in is basically a vote for Adelson who is an Obama liberal and hasn't got a clue as to what he would do as mayor. You are not helping the city by throwing your vote away to Perkins, a wet-behind-the-ears boy. So save us from the negative pretense of beating your chest in opposition of Bartlett who would make a better mayor. If your truly care for Tulsa, make your vote count. Vote for Bartlett
	Report Comment the anti-rube, (11/4/2009 8:59:38 AM) Ladydi, What has Bartlett done to qualify him for being mayor other than lose a bunch of elections and do a mediocre job of managing the company he inherited? And saying Adelson is an "Obama liberal" is as dumb as saying Bartlett is an oil guy just like W.
	Report Comment Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/4/2009 9:01:38 AM) Ladydi987 say what you want, but a Perkins vote isn't a protest vote, maybe you need to take a peek at the actual issues? Keep in mind Adelson has beat Bartlett before, and a lot of Republicans (me included) voted for Adelson. This is a different election, it's a mayoral race and we have another good candidate in Perkins, who happens to be a republican running as an independent. A vote for someone just because of their party affiliation isn't a vote that counts, it's a wasted vote.
	Report Comment Ladydi987, (11/4/2009 9:46:44 AM) A vote for someone without a clue??? is a wasted vote. Wake up Adelson is a liberal Obama supporter and he looks and sounds like a deer caught in the headlights. Perkins is just trolling for some job some where. He knows he doesn't stand a chance at winning this election. Bartlett has the experience it will take to hit the ground running.
	Report Comment sweeper, (11/4/2009 10:10:40 AM) Perkins was clearly the best in the debate. Listen for yourself. You can find the whole thing at KRMG's website
	Report Comment Ladydi987, (11/4/2009 10:26:08 AM) Perkins winning the mayoral race being an effective mayor is as crazy as Obama winning a Nobel Peace Prize. What has he done??? Nothing!
	Report Comment Makeda, Tulsa (11/4/2009 10:26:33 AM) Adelson has my vote.

25 of 41 comments displayed. | View All

Add Your Comment
In order to post a comment on this article, you must sign in to Tulsaworld.com. If you do not have a site account, you can create an account for free.