Robert Gwin Jr.



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. Police and Fire are two of Tulsa's most important areas. I disagree with this councilor's assessment of their budgets. In my administration, police and fire will have no furloughs. This doesn't mean however that it doesn't need to be looked at to lower wasteful spending, and it and other city departments should be made to run more efficient. As for the level of revenue I propose revitalizing north Tulsa, and lowering taxes, to add jobs and positive place for its young people to go, and work so crime will come down, and budgets and be made to reflect this change.
  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. No, I prefer the partisan mayor-city council format. The city council is a part time council made up of people who are there only to advise the mayor's administration, not to run the city like they think are doing currently. Tulsa needs a strong mayor, not afraid to stand up to the council and do things for the city, not serve the special interests of the council. I am such a candidate, I will look after the best interests of the people of Tulsa, and not bow to council pressures, I will listen to the council, yes, but in the end any decision I make as mayor, if elected, is mine and the council must live with it.
  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. Yes, mass transit is the best way to keep off the EPA'S dirty air list, but it must expand to serve all areas of Tulsa not just certain parts of it. Buses, rail, trolleys, etc must be used but at a cost that the people can afford, if its more expensive to take a bus then to drive people wont go for it. I as mayor would work on getting federal money to make such services more affordable to all and to expand them so all can take advantage.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. My top three priorities would be first, revitalize north Tulsa to increase jobs, lower taxes, and build shopping centers and centers for youth to stay out of trouble and off the streets. Second, have a solid look at the city budget, though my new eyes, I feel we can cut waste, improve city productivity so we no longer need furloughs in any departments, including fire and police. Third, be a champion of same sex couples who are too often ignored in Tulsa, by allowing any city worker of same sex orientation to add their partner to their benefits package. This as well as, pressure the Oklahoma legislature to finally make same sex marriage legal, this will have a massive economic impact for Tulsa and Oklahoma at large.