Dewey Bartlett 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. First of all, it will not be dealt with a tax increase under my administration. Secondly, it is a management issue of prioritizing our existing personnel, equipment, and public safety needs. I will ensure that we prioritize appropriately, so that we have great response to fire and emergency needs, and we crack down on crime hot spots. The present administration, City Council and appropriate unions have agreed to address the budgeting situation and have made “unsustainable growth” a targeted issue. It is an issue that cannot continue in today’s difficult economic climate.
  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. We need open, accountable and transparent government. That is what a strong mayor form of government provides our community. It is our responsibility as voters to elect good people, and I like having the person in charge of the city accountable to the citizens. That is why I’m running for mayor, because I am the leader, not an unelected bureaucrat, but the leader who can guide Tulsa out of these difficult economic times. The Tulsa City Council, by the terms of our city charter, is responsible for evaluating our charter and recommending any changes to it by scheduling an election regarding those recommendations. Non-partisan elections for municipal office would not be a priority.
  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, our transit system needs improvement. Improving our mass transit system will take more than just throwing money at the problem; it needs good management and a comprehensive plan. I propose an overarching Tulsa Transportation Authority that consolidates the Tulsa Transit Authority with the Tulsa Parking Authority and creates a financing-planning entity that includes representation from the key state and city transportation government entities. Its purpose would be to plan, finance and coordinate the transportation needs in conjunction with the economic development goals of the city of Tulsa. We need an overarching approach to coordinate our community’s transportation needs and better serve all Tulsans.
  7. What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?
  8. First, I will focus on the need to grow our economy. I will have a concentrated focus on economic development. We need to have more taxpayers living in Tulsa, and that will ultimately improve our budgetary problems and help our businesses to thrive. I will get government intrusion out of our businesses and personal lives, which will free the Tulsa community for revitalization and redevelopment. I will empower free enterprise to make Tulsa a place where businesses will desire to relocate. We have an economic problem in Tulsa, which I am best suited to address because I have spent the past three decade managing a business.

    Secondly, I will watch our budget closely and conservatively, like a family must watch their hard-earned money. I will institute external audits, to evaluate the way taxpayer money is being spent at city hall, and ensure that our money is not being wasted but used most effectively for Tulsans.

    Third, I will work with the City Council and Tulsa County government to ensure there is responsible and respectful interaction so that we do the best possible job of serving the city of Tulsa. The public bickering and legal actions simply cannot continue. It is akin to tackling one’s own quarterback. It is preposterous to the taxpayers for one local government entity to sue another. We are essentially suing ourselves, and it’s costing us taxpayer money and providing a negative atmosphere for Tulsans and also to those looking in from the outside. We are One Tulsa, and we cannot afford to waste our valued relationships. In the past, have missed opportunities to cooperate and save the citizens money.