tulsa city council district 4 candidates

} font-size: 1.25em; Together, we can make sure nothing holds back our residents from living out their dreams and building their home right here. I have also been a father, a community leader, a self-taught entrepreneur. padding-left: 8px; Many of our city resources and services should be easily accessible online and via text, rather than requiring travel to City Hall or long wait times on the phone. Michael Birkes: Yes. } } z-index:1; border-bottom: 1px solid grey; position: relative; Many other cities act on this responsibility to ensure basic needs, like housing, are met. Finally, toward the second challenge, I, as a member of the nonprofit services sector, see that our private sector must work toward more direct collaboration with city services to ultimately increase capacity, funding availability and direct support to the individuals. Matthew Fransein: I absolutely believe that our citys shortage in affordable housing is related to our focus on rapid growth into the next destination city, restrictive development processes for homebuilders and developers, as well as being third in the nation for highest percentage of out-of-state landlords. Below, the Tulsa World is posting candidates responses to its questionnaire. 2022 Oklahoma State House - District 14 Republican Primary Results. } .votebox-covid-disclaimer { It may also be required to provide more enforcement language to their official duties. Im uniquely qualified and ready to hit the ground running. Matthew Fransein: The Community Engagement Unit of the Tulsa Police Department. Together, our city leaders, first responders, community organizations and all Tulsans can actively work to resolve issues of houselessness, mental health, crime and wellbeing. DISTRICT FINDER. Tulsa is the county seat for Tulsa County. This amendment would add a 365-day City of Tulsa residency requirement to run for Mayor or City Auditor and increase a Council candidates Council district residency requirement from 90 days to 365 days. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). font-weight: bold; Bobby Dean Orcutt: While I dont believe it is the city's job to provide housing, I do believe it is the city's job to make innovative and practical development of affordable housing easier for the folks that are working towards solutions. Another was charged with aggravated assault on a public servant. Our firefighters sacrifice for us on a daily basis, and our city must support them. How to vote | clearInterval(nTimer); } (Tulsa Police Annual Report 2021, page 57). This can also provide housing for the homeless, providing a place where service providers, such as health, mental health, and employment agencies can reach them and provide them needed services. Clardy apparently ran unopposed in 2020, after handily winning his initial election in 2016. } The Tulsa World sent 11 identical questions to candidates in the nine council races. .votebox-results-metadata { Laura Bellis, who won the District 4 City Council seat Tuesday, talks with a friend at her watch party. margin-bottom: 0px; Thats why I will work with my colleagues and non-profit leaders to develop first-time homebuyer assistance programs for Tulsans whove devoted their career to public service. } Instead, in any circumstance, we must always work to pass policies that are data-driven, clear and common sense. } a[aria-expanded=true] .fa-chevron-right { display: none; } Public health and safety are a top priority. The 2009 elections for elected officials in Los Angeles took place on March 3, 2009, with run-off elections on May 19, 2009. The 2013 Los Angeles election was held on March 5, 2013 in the city of Los Angeles, California. Phone: 918-581-8313. What our Police Department needs is direct service support through a coalition of providers, city officials, and community leaders dedicated to enhancing the overall capacity to support the safety of our community and citizens and ensure our police can be held accountable while also being directly supported. Michael Birkes: I am a lifelong Tulsan and have seen the city grow, decline, and emerge again into the dynamic city it is today. } Some may be anxious to embrace digitization of information and resources after the ransomware attack, but this effort will also only solidify Tulsas place as a hub for cyber-security opportunities. $(".expand-all").on('click', () => { You can also call the Election Board at 918-596-5780. Three years working on a stabilization program in Afghanistan taught me one thing youll fail without the knowledge and support of the community. In a moment where the cost of living is rising dramatically, our city must do everything within its power to enhance the opportunity for Tulsans to build businesses, purchase a home and build generational wealth for themselves and their family. } HOUSING: As development occurs, we must actively address the affordable housing shortage in District 4 and make sure homeownership is within reach for every Tulsan. Read the District 1 questions and answers, Read the District 2 questions and answers, Read the District 3 questions and answers, Read the District 5 questions and answers, Read the District 6 questions and answers, Read the District 7 questions and answers, Read the District 8 questions and answers, Read the District 9 questions and answers, I cover local government in Tulsa from the mayor to city council. FOX23 will . font-style: italic; top: 0px; Michael Birkes: Oversight is a key part of government checks and balances and I believe the Police Department should have some form of independent oversight. width: 100%; 91% Upvoted. } Here's a roundup of what happened Tuesday. [House Hearing, 117 Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] EXAMINING OKLAHOMA v. CASTRO-HUERTA: THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE SUPREME COURT'S RULING ON TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY ===== OVERSIGHT HEARING BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS SECOND SESSION . Laura Bellis: Our city has made many strides when it comes to economic development, and there is palpable energy around building a thriving, modern economy. margin-top: 16px; }) According to the New York Post, Trump goes on toincorrectlyassert that, despite his antipathy towards the onetime Republican presidential nominee, he granted him "the world's longest . Given the culture and leadership under Chief Franklin, as well as his designated divisional leaders and data that supports misconduct, I would vote in favor of this. Contributions and Expenditures Report - August 9 - September 30, 2022. 8 General Election will decide many statewide, federal and local races. font-weight: bold; Matthew Fransein: Its been a rough few years, I think we can all agree on that. As a twice-appointed member of the citys Human Rights Commission, I served to make Tulsa a better place for everyone as the committee's vice chair for a year and chair for two years. overflow-x: scroll; width: 350px; font-size: 2em; I frequent City Council meetings and Ive helped facilitate multiple town halls with our current city councilor. Ballot measures, Who represents me? Throughout the pandemic, I worked to ensure thousands of Oklahomans knew the latest information about the pandemic, and collaborated with people in cities across the state to get logical, bipartisan public health measures passed. Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. We cannot fine and fee our way to prosperity. They are Laura Bellis, 33; Michael Birkes, 72; Michael Feamster, 39; Matthew Fransein, 34; and Bobby Dean Orcutt, 40. font-weight: bold; Our city has taken some good first steps to realize community policing, including more investment in our Community Response Teams and some of the efforts advanced around the DOJs 2015 final report of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing. She was previously employed by the City of Tulsa at Tulsa Transit and is a current member of the bond committee for Tulsa Public Schools. The District 4 candidate answers some serious and not so serious questions from Kevin Canfield. S. They then refused to certify. .widget-row.value-only.black { font-weight: 200; Public safety is also a vital service provided by the Police Department, and I strongly disagree with the Defund the Police movement. font-size: 12px; Our city also has an escalating number of out-of-state buyers and property managers. 101 comments. font-style: italic; overflow-y: hidden; .contact_entity {font-size: 1.0em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 0.5em;} Tulsa City Council District 4 candidates Laura Bellis (from left), Michael Birkes, Michael Feamster, Matthew Fransein and Bobby Dean Orcutt. My job leading a public health nonprofit involves working closely with more than 22 health center sites, including one of our local hospital systems. Beyond attracting large employers from outside of our city, we must also invest in and unleash the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit already here in Tulsa. Together, our city leaders, first responders, community organizations and all Tulsans can actively work to resolve issues of houselessness, mental health, crime and wellbeing. background-color: #db0000; 128 votes, 101 comments. However, business owners should not have their business disrupted by individuals blocking sidewalks, panhandling, and doing other offensive things in the front, sides, and rear yards of their business. Thousands of Tulsans are on wait lists to access shelter, but with our housing infrastructure is almost at capacity, we lack the units needed to ensure everyone has a place to call home.

float:right; 2023-04-23. Candidates and results Additional elections on the ballot text-align: center; display: inline-block; 0 Days Since. left: 0px; . I am now retired and can devote full time to effectively representing the residents and businesses of District 4. Elections 2022 See also: City elections in Tulsa, Oklahoma (2022) General election General election for Tulsa City Council District 4 City Councilors are assisted in their duties by Council Staff members and by various citizens' committees. } Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Michael Birkes: Affordable Housing. Professor of Practice, University of Oklahoma, Community Health and Environmental Design, Urban Design Studio. p.survey-response {white-space: pre-line;} Bellis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2022. Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) Classification: Board. No responses were received. Were experiencing such rapid growth that it can imperil what makes District 4s vibrant neighborhoods so special. Not only does this compound debt build-up, it creates cyclical poverty even for those once considered middle class. Information can be confirmed through the City of Nanaimo Fire Rescue . Correction: A July 28 story in the Tulsa Beacon on District 4 candidate Laura Bellis listed her as both a Republican and a Democrat. .key-messages li {margin-bottom: 10px;} COVID-19 and its variants have clearly been shown to be a formidable disease and impact on public health. Ive lived a lot of life. City of Broken Arrow: Council Member Ward 3 - 4 yr. term . City Council elections are on Aug. 23. Knowing your neighbor's name. } margin-top: 0px; background-color: #003388; We must do all we can to support them if we want to have the healthy, thriving community we all deserve. .votebox-scroll-container { .election_results_text { Future development in District 4 must be responsible, sustainable and honor the culture of our community. .results_row.winner { The civic workers who sacrificed for us during the pandemic should know we have their back and we should ensure they have a permanent place in Tulsa to call home. .race_header.green { display: table; Bobby Dean Orcutt: Yes, I do. width: 100% share. p.survey-question {font-weight:bold;} } New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. .inner_percentage.Democratic { Laura Bellis: Absolutely. This form of government has been in place since 1989, at which time Tulsa converted from a city commission form of government. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Once those basic needs are met, larger investments provide more tangible output on the macroscale and increase equity from neighborhood to neighborhood. letter-spacing: 0.03em; .widget-row.value-only.white { District 1District 2District 3District 5District 6District 7District 8District 9. }, 100); Bobby Dean Orcutt: The Fire Department is at every call. Matthew Fransein: District 4 is one of the most diverse amongst the demographic strata in the city of Tulsa. Eight were charged with rioting, resisting arrest and interference with public duty charges. The three-day filing period for the 2022 City of Tulsa election for City Council and City Auditor has concluded. color: black; overflow-y: auto; Council District 4. .contact_entity {font-size: 1.5em ;margin-top: 0.6em; margin-bottom: 0em;margin-right: 0.5em;} Also, I would like to get updates on how we are implementing the good practices discovered on trips to other cities, or do these also get put on the shelf and not implemented? } From my current understanding, they do not want to imprison the homeless, but to treat each individual on a case-by-case basis and use this ordinances teeth as a last resort. Many of these issues are prevalent throughout much of District 4, but not on the macro level our west side residents face. Michael Feamster: While I do not think it is the responsibility of the City of Tulsa, the City of Tulsa should be a leader in creating opportunities within the public and private sectors for implementation. For instance, 2020 was a time when the City of Tulsa did not have much data, so we should be gracious in decision-making and investigation. Its important that we collaborate across sectors to invest resources as directed by those communities. } Michael Feamster: It depends upon the data supported at the time of the specific variant. display: inline-block; In the race for District 4, real estate agent Anthony Johnson, Darius Ewing, a growth operations manager for an insurance company, and Don Gray, a computer network technician, are running to. On Monday, Emeka Nnaka announced his candidacy for Tulsa City Council, District 4. They contribute to the overall issue. Connie helps people with their webpages. }
} .inner_percentage.CrossFiled { font-size: 0.9em; .widget-row.Independent, .widget-row.Nonpartisan, .widget-row.Constitution { Questioning the Candidates: District 4 City Council contenders share their policies and plans for improving the city. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it. We must consider more regulation and oversight to ensure properties are safe and well maintained, while ensuring prospective homebuyers in Tulsa are not pushed out of the market. You can hear her interview here. When it comes to municipal policy work, Laura is passionate about economic opportunity, accessibility and public safety. } color: #888; The data on this is clear: enhanced oversight makes everyone safer. Matthew Fransein: I am metaphorically at a loss for words that politics have devolved at such an incredible rate that public health became a politically motivated topic. padding-top: 3px; Dodson grew up in west Tulsa but settled in east Tulsa in 1991 and has lived here 30 years. float: right; While I may not have the history of partaking in council meetings or city commissions, I am a quick study and doubt itll take me a full year to learn the job. My curiosity has provided me with varied experiences that have allowed me to be adaptable, inquisitive, and willing to seek out experts. City of Bixby: City Council Ward 3 - 4 yr. term. Strong family: Husband of 10 years and 4 beautiful children. .expand-all:hover, .collapse-all:hover {cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;} $('.pastResponses').hide(); a.communitylink { color:black; font-weight:bold; } The mayor is elected by the entire population and each of the 9 Councilors are elected from districts based on population. They provide individuals affected by homelessness with fresh drinking water, initiate site clean-ups, coordinate communication between individuals and case workers, and de-escalating situations between TPD officers and individuals theyve known for years. Michael Birkes: Based upon identification of housing and homelessness as major challenges, Working In Neighborhoods will definitely need additional funding to address these challenges. Compounded with restricted access to main Tulsa, decreasing home values, and few job opportunities, west Tulsa faces constant public safety concerns that leave residents at risk and investors unwilling to take risks under the Planning Commissions Master Planned Development (MPD) process versus the more developer-friendly Planned Unit Development (PUD) process. } Chad Hotvedt received 22.72 percent and Lee Ann Crosby with 18.44 percent. Ive worked for the city, both as an employee and as a consultant. We cant be effective without the facts. There are numerous vacant properties in disrepair all across Tulsa. The following candidates ran in the general election for Tulsa City Council District 4 on August 23, 2022. Michael Feamster: No. Working to designate tax increment financing (TIF) districts can play a key role in incentivizing affordable housing development. Previous 1 Next. } She understands the effectiveness of peer persuasion and the change that comes when friends talk to friends. State and local courts | We need to change our understanding of manufactured housing to allow for tiny home communities, we need to look at how we approach mixed-use zoning and we need to remove the barriers that are stopping development of these communities in underserved neighborhoods. I want to see my neighbors thrive, and believe that working together in a collaborative manner that is solutions-focused is the only way to meet that goal. We need to invest in the innovation happening right now in our own backyard. Cities | Michael Birkes: As noted above, homelessness has become a significant challenge and there needs to be a compassionate solution. According the Internal Affairs, 292 complaints were made out of 275,923 calls for service and a total of 11,445 arrests. We need to listen to the experts on the frontlines of public health. color: white; Jennings won his 2020 election with nearly 68% of the vote. Public policy. While new trucks have been ordered, it can take two years to build them and get them operational. color: #0645ad; } While implementation might not be easy or popular with some, the fact is oversight is a good thing. font-weight: bold; My parents taught me to listen and learn from all people and communities. With the recent redistricting in west Tulsa to join District 4, I believe we must address critical challenges that west Tulsans have faced most of their lives. (Editors note:As currently proposed, violators of the ordinance would not automatically be arrested but could be issued a citation to appear in court. Laura is running for Tulsa City Council, District 4 to work alongside everyone in our community. Laura Bellis won the open city council race in district four to succeed retiring City Councilor Kara Joy McKee. Showing 1 to 1 of 1 entries. The elimination of highways around the downtown areas have been proposed and implemented in several cities across the nation and has recently been proposed here. This, combined with an overall seven years of experience working on municipal policy, gives me a deep understanding of how local-level government can make a difference in the lives of Tulsans. } margin: 0px 10px; line-height: 1.5em; However, the CEU can only do so much and actively seek out experts to jump in such as Family & Childrens Services with more to come in time. It creates accountability and transparency, which is vital in any public facing industry or department. top: -1px; .race_header.democratic { There were no incumbents in this race. Laura served as a mayor-appointed member on the City of Tulsas Human Rights Commission from 2017 forward, and rose to vice chair in 2018. 5. width: 50%; Bellis ran for election to the Tulsa City Council to represent District 4 in Oklahoma. margin-bottom:0px; .infobox { } It is worth asking the other candidates what their participation with the council has looked like over the past several years and if they have previously voted in municipal elections. First, we need to find ways and more revenue to assist residents in repairing their homes, keeping them viable and affordable. But, every neighborhood in District 4 is impacted by an increased presence of folks living without shelter, and a failing or neglected infrastructure. We've created a page with all the city council candidates in one place where you can find links to learn more about them and find their responses to our animal welfare survey. } .results_row td { } Refusing to act in the midst of a health crisis would be reckless and would endanger peoples lives and jobs. border:1px solid #FFB81F; She is a registered Democrat. A series of short interviews with the candidates vying for Tulsa's City Council District 4 seat. Laura knows what it takes to bring people to consensus. I have spoken with various leaders of TPD to better understand their culture, as well as statistics that involve them. letter-spacing: .03em; } [7] On February 28, 2022, Nathan Dahm announced he had switched his campaign to the special election in the Class 2 seat.