Meeting Summary
The Norman Transcript hosted a city council candidate debate for the upcoming elections, featuring candidates from Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Candidates discussed their platforms and views on various city issues, including public safety, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, economic development, and the use of CARES Act funding. Discussions also covered approaches to public health during the pandemic and strategies for collaborative governance.
Upcoming Community Events
Norman Transcript City Council Debate
Hosted by the Norman Transcript, moderated by Emma Keith and Reese Gorman, with coverage by Jesse Crittenden and Mindy Reagan Wood.
Early Voting for City Council Elections
8 AM - 6 PM at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.
City Council Election Day
At polling locations.
Financial Matters
City Budget Deficits (FY20 & FY21)
Ward 1 candidate Chris Lewis highlighted a $124 million deficit in FY20 and a projected $56 million deficit in FY21, advocating for fiscal responsibility.
Police Department Funding Restoration
Ward 1 candidate Chris Lewis proposed returning $865,000 to the police budget and over $300,000 to forfeiture and seizure funds. Ward 3 candidate Sam Talley also proposed restoring the $865,000 police budget reduction.
Public Transportation Operating Costs
Ward 1 candidate Chris Lewis noted that operating five bus routes for approximately 12 hours a day costs between $2 million and $6 million annually.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Infrastructure
Ward 1 candidate Brandy Studley and Ward 2 candidate Matt McGarry suggested using TIFs to fund infrastructure revitalization and improvements.
Potential Sales Tax Revenue from Costco
Ward 2 candidate Jay Wendorf mentioned that Costco was estimated to bring in $4 million a year in sales tax revenue.
Homeless Study Funding
Ward 3 candidate Sam Talley suggested reallocating $100,000 from a homeless study to support public safety and homeless coordination staff.
CARES Act Allocation for Senior Wellness Center
Ward 3 candidate Allison Patron stated that $4 million of CARES Act funding went towards the senior wellness center.
CARES Act Grants for Small Businesses
Ward 3 candidate Allison Patron noted that over $3 million in grants were provided to small businesses through CARES Act funding.
Police Department Budget and Sales Tax
Ward 7 candidate Stephen Tyler Holman stated that the public safety sales tax generates over $10 million annually for the police department, which has a budget exceeding $30 million, representing 27% of the city's overall expenditures.
Public Comments
Constituents submitted questions for the candidates, including one from Ward 1 voter David Atkins regarding the primary role of a council member and their powers. Candidates frequently referenced feedback gathered from 'hundreds of doors' and 'talking to people' in their wards, indicating broad public input on issues such as public safety, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, economic development, and the use of CARES Act funds.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- City council elections next week (February 9th)
Announcements
- Masks must be worn at all times to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
- No phones allowed on the dais.
- Candidates should not talk over each other; mics will be muted at the end of their minute.
- Personal attacks on opponents are prohibited; one warning will be given, followed by muting for the duration of the question.
- Each candidate will have a one-minute opening statement, one minute to respond to questions, and a 30-second rebuttal.
- Each ward debate will last 45 minutes, with five-minute intermissions between wards.
- Audience remarks and comments should be kept to a minimum to maintain quiet.
- Edward McGuire recently dropped out of the Ward 2 race but will still be on the ballot.
- Cali Lynn (Ward 3 candidate) chose to leave the debate due to the mask requirement, having not informed organizers of a medical condition beforehand.
- Lisa Meyer (Ward 5 candidate) was sick and unable to attend.
- Early voting for the city council elections starts tomorrow (February 4th) at 8 AM at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds until 6 PM, continues on Friday (February 5th), and in-person voting is on Tuesday (February 9th) at polling locations.
Agenda Summary
Opening Statements
Candidates introduced themselves and outlined their general platforms and reasons for running.
Specific Plan for Biggest Ward Issues and Funding
Candidates detailed their primary concerns for their respective wards, such as transportation, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and division, and proposed funding mechanisms.
Budget Priorities for Ward
Candidates outlined which budget areas they would prioritize for their ward during the council's budgeting process, including public safety, infrastructure, and community development.
Use of CARES Act Funding
Candidates shared their opinions on how previous CARES Act funds were spent and their proposals for future allocations, often prioritizing small businesses, family relief, or specific city projects.
Primary Role as Council Member and Charter Powers
Candidates discussed their understanding of a council member's responsibilities, emphasizing listening to constituents, fiscal responsibility, and legislative duties.
Support for Transportation Initiatives (Ward 1)
Ward 1 candidates discussed plans for improving transportation, including bus routes and accessibility, and funding through federal dollars.
Working with Political Opponents and Non-Partisanship
Candidates explained their strategies for collaboration and keeping partisan views off the council, focusing on finding common ground and listening.
Changes to Norman Police Department and Policies
Candidates shared their views on the police force, its budget, transparency, and potential policy adjustments, including funding restoration, social worker support, and training.
Approach to Public Health in a Pandemic
Candidates discussed their stance on mask mandates, vaccinations, social distancing, and following scientific guidelines, with varying views on mandates versus encouragement.
Tree Canopy Issues (Ward 2)
Ward 2 candidates discussed solutions for tree canopy preservation and power line issues, including renegotiating with OG&E for buried lines and grant programs for tree planting.
Encouraging Revenue Growth and Development (Ward 3)
Ward 3 candidates discussed strategies for economic development, increasing city revenue, supporting local businesses, and improving quality of life.
Ensuring Consistent City Services (Ward 5)
Ward 5 candidates discussed plans to improve service delivery, particularly for fire and police, in rural areas and enhancing communication with residents.
Relationship with University of Oklahoma (Ward 7)
Ward 7 candidates discussed improving collaboration with OU on infrastructure, cultural identity, and retaining graduates in the city.
Closing Statements
Candidates summarized their platforms, thanked the audience and moderators, and encouraged voting.