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Philip Morgan Kates
Office sought: City Council District 9
Political affiliation: Democrat
Age: 59
Web site: Click here to view web site
Occupation: Human Resources Executive, Chart Cooler Service Company.
Marital status: Married, two grown children
Civic organizations: None.
Resided in district: 44 years.
Previous political races: City Council Dist. 9, 2006, 30 percent of votes.
Education: Holland Hall, 1966, University of Tulsa, 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?
In business, you don't throw money at a problem you don't understand. This is Tulsa's "Dirty Little Secret." We are paying for the $1.6 Billion when we approved the 3rd penny sales tax-seven times! This tax has been 'cannibalized' by the city to solve their shrinking revenue problems as a result of 'flight' from the city to suburbs. Woodland Hills no longer provides that revenue and it will get worse. All those citizens who voted 'No' on the (River Tax) that would generate income should explain their plan for $1.6 Billion on depreciating asset that will continually need to be repaired.
What do you think the city should do to further development along the Arkansas River and how should it be funded?
The failure of the county to pass the 'River Tax' occurred on this City Council's watch. The City Council looked out for themselves. Our leaders lead (Mayor Taylor and Tulsa's best corporate and private citizens), provided the vision and the capital. They took difficult positions with courage. The citizens failed them. It is now the citizen's responsibility to recognize the 'Sense of Urgency' that businesses have felt in Tulsa for years, and create a grassroots movement to revive the River Project and get it done. Our leaders have done all they can.
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.
The city of Tulsa is dying a slow death. In my 44 years as a Tulsan, and the grandson of one of Tulsa's great pioneer citizens, it is painful to watch. Think not? Two investors come in, buy one-fourth of downtown property for $200 million. Now, one of the investors is suing the other because he is invested in worthless property. I am absolutely in favor of considering every option to downtown, especially keeping the Drillers. Another option to consider is what is going on in Atlanta, and other downtowns, where they are turning into retirement destinations in loft style housing.
What would be three goals you would like to accomplish if you are elected?
1. Provide the Mayor my leadership and support, and my recognized need for a 'Sense of Urgency,' in working with the City Council. 2. Do whatever it takes to remove 'the blight' in District 9. I have actually walked the entire district and seen areas that will break your heart. 31st and Yale has been destroyed by questionable landlord/housing; and using Quick Trip's investment at I-44 to springboard the recovery of one of Tulsa's best pieces of property, 51st to 61st and Peoria, and west to the river. 3. Using my experience to make decisions, and not take everything 'under advisement' or 'further study.'
What do you see as personal strengths that you would bring to the position?
My business acumen and background, experience and 'change agent' passion make me an ideal Council partner. The command skills I bring are leadership; taking unpopular stands if necessary; debating, but moving on; facing adversity head on; and I get energized in crisis situations. I am considered by peers to be a roadblock remover. I have no political ambition, other than to work with the Council on a bipartisan basis to mobilize human energy. My position is the city comes first; my district comes second; individuals come third; and I am here to offer my passion, humor and services, 'pro-bono.'
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