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Maria Veliz Barnes
Office sought: City Council District 4.
Political affiliation: None listed.
Age: 47
Web site: Click here to view web site
Occupation: City of Tulsa
Marital status: Married, three children
Civic organizations: Human Rights Commission.
Resided in district: 23 years.
Previous political races: City Councilor
Education: Mesa Junior College
How do you think the city should finance the estimated $1.6 billion in street improvements necessary to bring them to an average grade?
Currently, we on the City Council are looking at a variety of means to fund streets without increasing the tax burden on our citizens. For example, we are lobbying the state to return one penny of sales tax to the cities to help us defray our enormous expenses. I also would like the city to take stronger steps in the review process of the work performed by contractors. Too often, roads are not repaired adequately, eventually costing us more.
What do you think the city should do to further development along the Arkansas River and how should it be funded?
River development. The river is one of our key assets that, like downtown, affect all Tulsans. River development should start with the INCOG plan that was adopted after much public participation. Given the past two attempts ad developing the river, it is clear that Tulsans would prefer a smaller scale approach to the river's development. We need to look at key areas that are positioned well for development, such as the 23rd street area, and look at TIFs to spur the development in that area. I also would like to see the river corridor adopt new zoning that would assure quality development, not gas stations.
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.
Drillers. The Mayor and I have worked very hard to persuade Chuck Lamson that Tulsa is where the Drillers need to be. Because Mr. Lamson has every intention of relocating the Drillers from their current location, it is critical that we do everything reasonably possible to keep them in Tulsa. City after city has shown that baseball fields downtown are catalysts for economic development. Now is the opportune time to work to bring them to Tulsa's downtown. There are a variety of avenues to pursue for funding opportunities, all of which could be accomplished without raising sales tax.
What would be three goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected?
First and foremost, I would like to continue working with my fellow Councilors on strategies for improving streets. This is a critical issue, and we are working diligently on new ideas and approaches. I would like to continue working with neighborhoods and protecting them from inappropriate infill. We need to follow the examples from other successful cities and adopt conservation districts. Finally, I am excited about continuing my work on the Comprehensive Plan, a guideline for how we envision our city, and how we will use our land and our resources now and in the future.
What do you see as personal strengths that you would bring to the position?
My hard work and advocacy on the part of neighborhoods provided me with invaluable experience for serving on the City Council, and these past two years have only increased that experience. While I am a strong advocate for my neighborhoods, I recognize the need to balance all sides. Therefore, I play a key role in bringing together diverse groups and helping to broker compromises. I am willing to listen to all sides of an issue, and to reach thoughtful, non-political conclusions.
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