Mario Choice



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. Undoubtedly this issue should be addressed immediately. First, we would have to look at how we got in this situation so we will not repeat it. Secondly, look at every revenue stream we have coming into the City of Tulsa to offset the unsustainable growth. Lastly, put a hiring freeze on those departments until this issue is resolved or when the unsustainable growth looks sustainable. I know we could use more police officers and fireman and I am all for it. However, if we don’t get a “handle” of this issue, we could lose the officers and fireman we have currently to furloughs and at worst lay-offs.
  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 have not reached a point where I see a need to change the current form of government. Most major cities in America use the strong Mayor-council form of government. Research shows the council-manager form of government is used by nearly half of all cities and towns with a population of at least 2,500 residents. I don’t think Taxpayers want to pay whopping salaries for both a Mayor and a City Manager. We don’t need a Mayor who does little more than attend ribbon cuttings and give opinions. Which studies indicate giving the council all the power reduces the amount of controversy? There will always be controversy in government.
  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. I do believe Tulsa’s transportation system needs improvement. I also believe Tulsans need to change the way they view using the transit system. It’s not transportation for the poor. When you visit most major cities you will see people from all walks of life getting around town in cabs, the subways and buses. Men and women in suits and ties choose to take the train rather than drive to work or meetings downtown. It’s often more economical, less stressful and easier on the environment. We need a system that will easily connect with the suburbs or even further like Muskogee and Oklahoma City. A number of people drive a long distance daily to work in Tulsa. As the city grows and more job opportunities open up I predict we’ll see more long distance commuters. A good state of the art transit system is also a good recruiting tool when companies are looking to relocate or expand. Employers feel good knowing their workers can depend on more than their personal vehicles to get to the job especially in inclement weather. I believe whether you’re going to a doctor’s appointment, a dinner date downtown or the department of human services, our transit system should be able to get you there with ease.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. Addressing Crime & Crime Prevention

    Unification of District 6

    Economic and Job Development
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