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William L. Christiansen
Office sought: Tulsa City Council District 8
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 60
Web site: Click here to view web site
Occupation: Christiansen Aviation Inc.
Marital status: Married, two grown children
Civic organizations: Southside Rotary
Resided in district: 10 years
Previous political races: City Council, 3 terms.
Education: University of Oklahoma, BBA, 1970
How do you think the city should finance the estimated $1.6 billion in street improvements necessary to bring them to an average grade?
We should continue to work with the Oklahoma Municipal League to lobby the state legislature to allow Tulsa to keep one half penny of current state sales tax. This would raise $30 million per year and would only be used for street improvements.
The third penny sales tax program should be limited to infrastructure improvements with the majority of that money going to streets. A small portion of the two cents the city gets out of sales tax should be dedicated to only street maintenance.
A performance review of the Public Works department should be done as soon as possible. Money should be set aside in next years budget to perform this review. I believe this would save millions of dollars that would be dedicated to street improvements.
What do you think the city should do to further development along the Arkansas River and how should it be funded?
The first and most important thing is to get federal money to build low water dams that will fill the river with water.
Once water is in the river the private sector will step forward and develop the river. As in the past, I believe, private donations will be available to provede needed improvements along the river.
A small amount of city money would be used to provide infrastructure. This city money would come from our existing budget. No tax increase. The river is our best physical asset and, once improved, will be a great recreational area for all Tulsans.
Would you support/not support public financial assistance to further downtown commercial development that could include a baseball stadium for the Drillers team? Please explain your position.
I would support public funding of a ball park downtown. The citizens should vote on an increase in the hotel-motel tax which would be temporary. Private donations should also be sought to help build the park.
What would be three goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected?
1. I continue my goal of saving taxpayers money by finding and stopping wasteful spending in city government. Create new programs to get the most bang for the taxpayer bucks.
2. Continue to fight for infrastructure dollars for District 8. This would include stormwater improvements, sewer installation and widening of major arterial streets.
3. Continue to provide needed money to improve public safety. Police and Fire need to have additional money to increase service as the city grows.
What do you see as personal strengths that you would bring to the position?
I feel I have learned a tremendous amount about city government in the past six years as a City Councilor. As a city councilor I feel I am able to get along well with other elected officials and because of that I am able to provide better representation to citizens that live in District 8. I feel a deep obligation to them, to do the best job possible to represent there interests and to make sure they are given the service they deserve from their city. As a fellow homeowner, I realize how important your home and neighborhood quality of life is. I have a strong record of fighting for homeowners rights.
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