What really eats at Elliot? Apathy.

“Recently I was at a bar talking to this guy who was all worked up about national politics,” says Elliot Nelson. “People are staying angry about stuff that doesn’t affect our daily lives. But when it comes to local issues, they just check out. Young people, especially, need to check back in and help Tulsa grow.”

When Elliot was growing up, the Tulsa World was always on the kitchen table. He went away to Notre Dame for college, and returned to Tulsa with the goal of making downtown a better place – especially for younger people. He opened 7 downtown restaurant and entertainment venues in just 7 years. And now he has two South Tulsa restaurants in the works.

“In 2003, when McNellie’s was under construction and we were in the Vision 2025 process, the Tulsa World became a daily habit for me,” he says. “It’s the stuff in the local paper that’s going to affect you tomorrow. You can’t call the President and get a response right away, but you can with your City Councilor.”

“When you’re my age demographic, just starting your career and a family, it’s easy to disengage. I think more young people should read the paper. And not just read it, but react to it. Make a phone call. Get involved. Have some civic pride. This is the way things get better.”