Dennis Troyer (incumbent)



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. I believe all you have to do is listen to the people. They want safety all around. That is most important to the citizens. You paid more for your car 20 years ago than you pay today. The price of maintaining that car has also gone up. We have not given money to these core groups just in wages but, in equipping them to do what they must do to keep our citizens SAFE.
  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 believe this supposed problem has an easy solution, but not by gossip or hear-say. In fact the answer is two-pronged. First, those elected must not succumb to their own press clippings and personal agendas—they/we’ve got to put all of the people of Tulsa first—what a concept! The second part of the answer lies in helping the voting public get smarter in researching, analyzing and knowing who to vote for based on merit and qualification. This isn’t, or shouldn’t be a popularity contest. If we can elect better people to public office, chosen by smarter, better-informed voter, the City of Tulsa will be light years ahead.

    Regarding the second part of your question, I do not support the proposition of non-partisan elections.
  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. Improved public transportation is critical for future City growth. I believe that is must include light rail, with service via circulators in outlying areas to train stations, the inclusion of park and ride facilities, and other innovative solutions to moving people efficiently from all areas of the city. In an economy that has citizens pinching pennies just to make ends meet, a well thought out system would be a boon to the entire city, as well as outlying communities.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. Public Safety is highest priority. Second are the essential services of water, sewer, and the education of our children. Economic development is absolutely critical along with the retention of businesses already functioning in District 6. Yet another priority is the establishment and/or reorganization of Neighborhood Associations. Social interaction and discussion always benefit a city.