Jim Mautino



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. The police and fire department budget is exactly as described, unsustainable.

    The misdirected revenue source is a factor that is magnified by the lack of efficient city management. The non-sworn employees of the city are hit the hardest by forced leave and stagnant wages. Instead of raising utility rates and taxes, the city would fair much better by looking at past practices that served the city so well. Tulsa in the pre-90’s had an in house city work force that was effective and dedicated. We now have a city that contracts out most all its services, abuses have brought about investigations and indictments that has tainted city management and contractors alike. To address this situation, I again propose a Quality Assurance Review of all city departments. This would give a reorganization based on efficiency.

    Sales tax collection is being left up to the state, which incurs a fee. The state database is not as accurate as it could be. An accurate database is possible for Tulsa that would enhance our revenue without increasing taxes.
  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 cannot support a city manager form of government without the council having control of manager selection.

    Non-partisan elections are designed to concentrate control and disenfranchise voters. An option I cannot support.
  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 believe that public transportation can be improved along with the Comprehensive Plan improvements but until Tulsa gets control of it’s priorities and concentrates on running an efficient government, a four million dollar a mile light rail, and an expanded bus system is just a dream.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. 1. A full scale Quality Assurance Review for all city departments. (Implementing a reorganization based on efficiency.)

      Quality Assurance Review incorporates the following.
    a.     Safeguarding of assets.
    b.     Compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.
    c.      Accomplishment of goals and obligations.
    d.     Reliability and integrity of information.
    e.     Economy and efficient

    2. Until there is a balance between city In house employees and contract work, competitive bidding is a myth.

      3. Rethinking of how we do zoning, planning and economic development, so there is again a balance between business needs and property rights and economic development strategy that is pro Tulsa.