The mayor recommends Dewey Bartlett Jr. for appointment to the Tulsa Airport Authority.

"I've known Dewey for a long time," Taylor said Tuesday. "I think he will be an intelligent, reasoned voice on the authority."

The nomination of Bartlett -- president of Keener Oil & Gas Co. -- will go before the City Council next week. His appointment would run until 2010.

Bartlett, a Republican, served on the council from 1990 to 1994 and on the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority for many years.

Bartlett also has experience as an airplane and helicopter pilot.

"I've very proud the mayor wants me to serve on this important authority," he said.

"I'm looking forward to answering all of the questions the council has. Hopefully, they'll think of me as a decent guy."

Turner, a retired Air National Guard brigadier general, withdrew his name from consideration for reappointment last month, saying he refused to subject himself to the council's "kangaroo court."

Some councilors said they had questions for Turner but would not detail their concerns to him until he came before the full council in their weekly meeting.

Councilor Roscoe Turner, who was part of a three-member council committee that investigated the city's airports, mentioned that he didn't like how he was treated by Ron Turner at Airport Authority meetings.

Taylor said she regrets that Ron Turner decided to withdraw.

"We needed his experience," she said, adding that Bartlett "is well-poised to add to the dialogue because of his background."

Taylor said she doesn't expect to face council opposition over Bartlett's nomination.

"I looked at a lot of applicants and really tried to find someone whose talents would be assets to the board," she said.

"I think Gen. Turner's would have been, and Dewey Bartlett's will be, as well. I'm going to stand by his nomination, and I think he will be well-received."

Councilors in their Tuesday committee meetings had the opportunity to question three more mayoral appointees.

Jim McCarthy, who volunteered as the mayor's spokesman during her first four months in office, is up for appointment to the Performing Arts Center Trust.

McCarthy, a former Citgo vice president, is SemGroup's merger and acquisition project manager.

Teresa Valero also is up for appointment to the Performing Arts Center Trust. She is the director of the University of Tulsa's art school.

Melvin Gilliam, MidFirst Bank's vice president and director of community reinvestment, is up for reappointment to the Tulsa Development Authority.

Brian Barber 581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com