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G.T. Bynum
Office sought: City Council District 9
Political affiliation: Republican
Age: 30
Web site: Click here to view web site
Occupation: Williams & Williams Worldwide Real Estate Auction/Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Marital status: Married, one child
Civic organizations: Leadership Tulsa (Board), Tulsa Historical Society (Board), Tulsa County Republican Party (Executive Committee), Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa Press Club, Tulsa Committee on Foreign Relations.
Resided in district: More than 20 years
Education: Villanova University -- BA Political Science with concentration in ethics -- 2001
How do you think the city should finance the estimated $1.6 billion in street improvements necessary to bring them to an average grade?
The Complete Our Streets finance committee estimated that $1.1 billion is needed for repair, while $500 million is needed for new construction. There are a number of areas where we can make inroads for the broader issue of funding: special assessment districts, a reduced county sales tax rate to allow for increased city taxes without an overall tax hit to the citizens, and a better share of state funds are all efforts I support. These will help, but at this point the question isn't whether or not we need a bond issue but rather how much and for what purposes. I am inclined to support an initial bond issue focused solely on arterial streets, but would not do so without mechanisms in place to fund adequate future maintenance. The amount of this issue and its sale con and should be regulated to keep ad valorem tax increases at a modest level.
What do you think the city should do to further development along the Arkansas River and how should it be funded?
Most importantly, we need to keep working for it. The city needs to lead this effort. It needs to offer citizens a concrete plan, and it needs to develop that plan through the appropriate existing processes. The River Parks Authority would be an ideal venue for vetting city and county thinking and plans. I am confident both sides in the previous vote want development, and I plan to work with both to develop a consensus-oriented plan. The city should aggressively pursue private development. I support the use of TIF districts and private development incentives such as infrastructure development assistance.
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 am not inclined to support any new spending until the streets issue has been addressed and we know the tax hit that endeavor will require. That has to be our priority. Downtown revitalization is important for our future and our tax base, but we need to know the cost of the city's basic obligations first.
What would be three goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected?
One: Work with fellow councilors and the administration to develop a comprehensive streets improvement plan. Two: Develop a consensus-backed river development plan. Three: Successfully mediate a conflict resolution between neighborhood groups and developers on the issue of infill requirements.
What do you see as personal strengths that you would bring to the position?
I have a knowledge of how to get things done in a legislative body. I have a young family and am working to develop two local businesses -- my stake in Tulsa is for the long term. I have experience in a variety of crisis management situations. I have an understanding of how to implement oversight of government operations. I also have a demonstrated ability to build consensus on public issues. I have worked for and with great leaders, and learned from them the deliberation and judgement required to make important public decisions.
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