Nathaniel Booth



Q&A

  1. A recent presentation by a city councilor showed Tulsa's overall police and fire budget has grown more than three times above the rate of inflation over the last 40 years without adding manpower in at least the last decade. It has been described as "unsustainable growth" with the city's current level of revenue. How would you propose to address this situation?
  2. With the current budget shortfall, immediate action needs to be taken to insure the most important services the city provides are able to function with a balanced budget. As mayor, my first priority is to make sure our police and fire department are able to handle the various issues around the city.

    My primary goal, however, is to work on increasing our tax base by attracting new businesses to keep and create jobs so that Tulsa’s tax base is increasing and important services will not be compromised.
  3. Over the last several years, controversy between the City Council and mayor's administration has triggered discussions about changing from the current strong mayor- council form of government to a city manager-council form of government and about having Tulsa's elected offices be non-partisan. Would you support either of these ideas? Why or why not?
  4. I do not believe that the elections should be non-partisan. Partisan elections help voters to first decide which candidate in the primary best represents their values and how that should effect the city. This causes the candidates to have a better awareness of the concerns of the people.

    I do not believe we should hire a city manager because that could possibly empower someone who is not accountable to the people to make important decisions. I do, however, believe the mayor needs to have more checks and balances. Considering city councilors are also chosen by the people, I believe they should be given more power keep the mayor in check on things like contracting.
  5. Improving mass transit (i.e. additional bus service, rail lines, etc.) has been a major topic of discussion through the city's ongoing PlaniTulsa comprehensive planning process. Do you believe Tulsa's public transportation system needs improvement? Please explain.
  6. Earlier this week I drove someone who lived at 31st and Memorial all the way to 71st and Lewis just so he could get to work on time without going through our currently complex and inefficient mass transit system. I believe we need to make the system more efficient to ensure that the citizens of Tulsa have a means of transportation.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. Improving public safety, pursuing economic development, and overseeing the appropriate completion of roads and bridges are the most important pursuits of my agenda.

    As mayor, I will make public safety my top priority. Working with the police and fire departments to make sure they have the appropriate resources to keep Tulsans safe, I will lead the way towards a much safer city.

    From the high unemployment rate in North Tulsa to the young professionals and creative class leaving the city, I will make sure opportunity icreases on all levels by focusing on making Tulsa a business-friendly environment to keep the jobs we have and attract small businesses and corporations.

    As mayor, I will insure that the most cost-effective and long lasting materials will be used to repair and complete our roads and bridges for a safer, more timely, and longer lasting effect.