Perhaps Shadid needs to work on his math skills: there aren't enough angry voters for him to win. And national press? We wouldn't get any!

You may be underestimating the angry voter count. You wouldn't be the first to do so. Take the Not this Maps group (somewhat evident he's doing so in the ask any PS and FD person pitch) add in the folks w/o reliable transportation who are mad that they can't accept jobs with weekend hours, add in the folks who, while I do not agree with them, think streetcars and downtown focus are for only the elite and not the general populace, add in the waste is everywhere I look at govt. spending. If you appeal to enough wads of mad folk, the spittle and motivation can be daunting, even if they do not like each other.

Not much different than the folks who despise the cc but wanted a streetcar so much they's have approved just about anything else.

Going to be an interesting race in my opinion. I also think okc ought to keep their mayo, but that's just an outsider perspective.

CaptDave, thanks for the text from Shadid's NewsOK comment. Although he's not overly negative in a conventional political sense, he's clearly floundering as evidence by his choice of forums and the tone of his remarks.

CaptDave, thanks for the text from Shadid's NewsOK comment. Although he's not overly negative in a conventional political sense, he's clearly floundering as evidence by his choice of forums and the tone of his remarks.

His NewsOK comment was basically just an abridged version of his Facebook "response" to the Mayor's announcement on re-election. If you read it, you'll see how nasty it's going to be. He even leaps into Mick's mind as to what he's going to do with that MBA. Sad, really.
https://www.facebook.com/ShadidForOKC/posts/430624903718224 (Full Facebook response)

he's treating this like he's running for Student Government

Oops. Double post. Please delete.

he's treating this like he's running for Student Government

Actually, I was thinking like President of the United States. The national election campaigns have been pretty immature and ugly.

touche!

Ed got a Political Science degree in Chicago. Are there no good PoliSci programs in Oklahoma? It is such a silly thing to attack. But apparently is going to be par for the course for his campaign.

Source: In Oklahoma, Dr. Edward Shadid announces historic bid for State House, Seeks Green Party endorsement | Green Party Watch (http://www.greenpartywatch.org/2010/06/10/in-oklahoma-dr-edward-shadid-announces-historic-bid-for-state-house-seeks-green-party-endorsement/)

Reading that post, I read the comments and something was said that made me curious. Someone said he had changed the spelling of his name. What's that about? I Googled and found it to be true. https://www.google.com/search?q="Edward+shadeed"+doctor+Oklahoma+City
(https://www.google.com/search?q="Edward+shadeed"+doctor+Oklahoma+City)
Shades of Senator Gary Hart. Some say Hart would have been the Democratic nominee for president in 1984 had all the noise about his changing his name from "Hartpence" to "Hart" not killed his momentum in the polls. It's just.....odd.

I don't want this to be seen in the same way as Shadid's negativity, but it's strange. In the middle of your medical career, you change your name? It was before he ran for State Representative. Here's the Change of Name court filing http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/GetCaseInformation.asp?submitted=true&viewtype=caseGeneral&casemasterID=1782819&db=Oklahoma

Ed got a Political Science degree in Chicago. Are there no good PoliSci programs in Oklahoma? It is such a silly thing to attack. But apparently is going to be par for the course for his campaign.

Source: In Oklahoma, Dr. Edward Shadid announces historic bid for State House, Seeks Green Party endorsement | Green Party Watch (http://www.greenpartywatch.org/2010/06/10/in-oklahoma-dr-edward-shadid-announces-historic-bid-for-state-house-seeks-green-party-endorsement/)

Off topic, but my son got a political science degree from OU and I was very impressed with the quality of education he received. I have a minor in political science from the University of Denver (Condoleeza Rice and I were classmates, but she got the major and I the minor) and I am quite sure that he received the superior education, based on discussions with him and my reading of his papers. Perhaps that is President Boren's influence.

Bottom line - "Let he that has no sin cast the first stone." Be careful what you criticize unless your own nose is clean.

It's ridiculous to criticize an elected official for seeking a higher degree. I for one am thrilled the mayor advanced his education at a prestigious university. I'm even more thrilled that, as our mayor, he got to learn more about our nation's greatest city! This is awesome that our mayor now has that perspective!

Yeah, no kidding. What kind of attack is that supposed to be anyway?

"Did you know our mayor got an MBA from one of the most prestigious programs in the entire world?!" GASP!

THAT is supposed to make us vote against him???

The NewsOK comments are pretty pro-Shadid. Shadid seems to be playing on the idea that the suburbs have suffered for the sake of downtown under Cornett. A lot of people seem to be falling for that.

The NewsOK comments are pretty pro-Shadid. Shadid seems to be playing on the idea that the suburbs have suffered for the sake of downtown under Cornett. A lot of people seem to be falling for that.

Most of the people who comment there are not the brightest bulbs and are typically reactionary.

Yea...I wouldn't take the temperature of a city based on newsok comments...

If the comments posted on newsok were an accurate sampling of our city...I'd move.

It's turning into an eppy of "The Big Bang Theory".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgkXV-FSkQE

That's som good shi+ right thurr

I confess I am disappointed with Shadid's tone coming out of the gate. My hope is that he will find his distinctive voice and brand among Oklahoma City voters without going over to the dark side. We forget that Cornett only won by 58 percent of the vote in 2010 by a less-than-desirable challenger with no political experience. Don't overestimate or underestimate anyone's chances.

EXACTLY!

I confronted him about this very thing at his campaign HQ last week and it was clear he was playing Mr Politician on the issue-- trying to find a way to say he opposes the streetcar without saying he opposed the streetcar. It was a disappointing interaction.

When I pressed him on the issue, he said his opposition to the streetcar was based on the fact that we don't have a dedicated funding source for it and shouldn't proceed until one is found. I then asked if he opposed beginning work on the Central Park and he said no. I guess the inconsistency was lost on him.

Some perspective on annual O&M costs for the streetcar. For the Alternatives Analysis an annual budget of $3.2 million was projected for FY2018 for the core Bricktown to Midtown line. The current MAPS 3 one cent tax is raising around $100 million per year. Assuming no revenue at all from fares, advertising, sponsorship or a joint parking and maintenance facility, a dedicated sales tax of 0.032 cents, or approximately 1/30th of a cent could be used to fund the streetcar. That’s quite a bit lower than the dedicated 1/8th of a cent tax that funds the zoo. And we shouldn’t build the streetcar because this funding - that won’t be needed until 2017 - hasn’t been approved in the FY2018 budget yet by Council? Quite simply, a canard.

I confess I am disappointed with Shadid's tone coming out of the gate. My hope is that he will find his distinctive voice and brand among Oklahoma City voters without going over to the dark side. We forget that Cornett only won by 58 percent of the vote in 2010 by a less-than-desirable challenger with no political experience. Don't overestimate or underestimate anyone's chances.

With all due respect, Cornett didn't lift a finger in campaigning for that election. If wasn't married to someone working at the chamber then I wouldn't even have known there was an election taking place.

Just like Gary Marrs didn't lift a finger and lost to James Greiner. Let him who stands take heed lest he fall. You're right though, Mick has already spent more money and energy on this campaign than the previous one. What does that say about his opponent?

Gary Marrs campaigned and certainly sent out campaign material to constituents.

What does it say about his opponent? It says that he's not a stalking, creepy loser that Steve Hunt is.

Just like Gary Marrs didn't lift a finger and lost to James Greiner. Let him who stands take heed lest he fall. You're right though, Mick has already spent more money and energy on this campaign than the previous one. What does that say about his opponent?

How much has Ed spent? He said he was going to spend up to $1.5 million. How does that make him different than the "plutocrats" he rails against? He's trying to buy the election but he is bleeding support at a rapid pace. What does that say about Ed that he thinks he needs to spend up to $1.5 million -- and worse -- brag about it in the news media? Was that all a bluff to scare off worthy opponents?

Shadid's embarrassing, angry rant in the Oklahoman laid bare the monster many people close to him have seen growing, a monster some of us helped to create and would rather see go back in the cage.

Before today, Shadid had an uphill battle. After the bush-league effort he put out today, I'd say this race is over.

Who on God's green earth is running this campaign?

I think he has already started the negativity. The divide and conquer strategy is clear is this first salvo. It will likely only get worse from here.

Below is Ed's comment on the NewsOK.com story about Mayor Cornett's candidacy announcement Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett to seek fourth term, says 'work's not done' | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-mayor-cornett-to-seek-fourth-term-says-works-not-done/article/3869237)


Ed Shadid commented on NewsOK.com.
17 minutes ago ·
Poll-driven chameleon-like marketing by anonymous big money is not going to work this time; not with the Mayor’s 13-year track record. Just as occurred in my city council race, and the more recent Ward 1 city council race, anonymous independent expenditure organizations are spending large amounts of money engaging in at least two major live polls (which would cost in the $50,000-$70,000 range) and other expensive support activity for the Mayor’s campaign. The seemingly coordinated strategy of the Independent Expenditure and the Mayor is easily predictable: take the Mayor’s weaknesses and portray them as strengths. The Mayor’s record on public safety, neighborhood advocacy (especially when pitted against special interests), and street and sidewalk investments is abysmal and yet, those issues dominate his messaging. The Mayor tells the same joke at national meeting after national meeting making fun of those neighborhood advocates who question the allocation of resources in OKC (Mick says some variation of “Many people in the suburbs do not like the emphasis on downtown, but I tell them you may not like it but your children and grandchildren will like it and you know what, they are angry because they know I am right”) and now wants us to know how much he enjoys getting out and meeting neighbors. The Mayor does not speak with the City Council with any regularity much less neighborhoods. Adding police officers? We have the same number of officers today as we had 20 years ago with 200,000 more people. The Mayor’s relationship with the good men and women of our police and fire forces is nothing less than toxic. Want to understand the situation? Walk up to any member of the OKC Police and Fire force, any random member, and ask them their opinion of Mick Cornett, his working relationship with them, his understanding of the police manpower study and the future needs of this city in terms of public safety and who they would prefer as Mayor. Those who are not already aware will understand how preposterous it is for the Mayor to portray himself as a public safety advocate. Spending large amounts on streets? Developer after developer was able to get their streets widened and sidewalks built in areas where virtually no one lives in the range of $200 million while the streets in neighborhood after neighborhood have to wait as long as 20 more years to get their potholes filled. The misallocation of resources in the ’07 Bond promoted by the Mayor makes concerns about MAPS3 projects pale in comparison.
Notice how Roy Williams tries to turn a perceived weakness of the Mayor into a strength (“The fact that he is interested and wants to stay in that role, I think that bodes well for OKC”). The Mayor is tired. 13 straight years is a long time on the horseshoe. He spent enormous sums of money and almost every other week for two years during his last term getting a MBA in New York City (because OKC apparently does not have adequate MBA programs). Reports of the mayor actively searching for a mayoral replacement because he did not know if he would finish this last term led to uncertainty among some members of the city council. According to sources he had to be repeatedly lobbied by the Chamber to convince him to run. He offers no opinions much less solutions to the most controversial subjects in front of the council; in fact, he generally maintains complete silence. The Mayor was apparently looking for an exit strategy (one does not need an MBA from NYU to be Mayor of OKC although it might be useful for a board seat at Chesapeake), did not find one, was lobbied by those concerned that our campaign is going to be successful and is now running to stay on the horseshoe for years 14-17.
There are much better ways to lead the city and make decisions. There is much which needs to be done. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Downtown Farmer’s Market on August 15th from 6-8pm as I outline how we can make more inclusive, fiscally responsible decisions which will prepare our city for the 21st century.

I'm speechless. This is really bad.

I'm speechless. This is really bad.

Indeed - my jaw literally dropped when I saw it.

It's a long way until March, but we've already seen that you can't trust Ed to do what he says he'll do. Thus, even an about face by him is valueless to some of his previous supporters whom he has alienated.

I think he has already started the negativity. The divide and conquer strategy is clear is this first salvo. It will likely only get worse from here.

Below is Ed's comment on the NewsOK.com story about Mayor Cornett's candidacy announcement Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett to seek fourth term, says 'work's not done' | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-mayor-cornett-to-seek-fourth-term-says-works-not-done/article/3869237)


Ed Shadid commented on NewsOK.com.
17 minutes ago ·
Poll-driven chameleon-like marketing by anonymous big money is not going to work this time; not with the Mayor’s 13-year track record. Just as occurred in my city council race, and the more recent Ward 1 city council race, anonymous independent expenditure organizations are spending large amounts of money engaging in at least two major live polls (which would cost in the $50,000-$70,000 range) and other expensive support activity for the Mayor’s campaign. The seemingly coordinated strategy of the Independent Expenditure and the Mayor is easily predictable: take the Mayor’s weaknesses and portray them as strengths. The Mayor’s record on public safety, neighborhood advocacy (especially when pitted against special interests), and street and sidewalk investments is abysmal and yet, those issues dominate his messaging. The Mayor tells the same joke at national meeting after national meeting making fun of those neighborhood advocates who question the allocation of resources in OKC (Mick says some variation of “Many people in the suburbs do not like the emphasis on downtown, but I tell them you may not like it but your children and grandchildren will like it and you know what, they are angry because they know I am right”) and now wants us to know how much he enjoys getting out and meeting neighbors. The Mayor does not speak with the City Council with any regularity much less neighborhoods. Adding police officers? We have the same number of officers today as we had 20 years ago with 200,000 more people. The Mayor’s relationship with the good men and women of our police and fire forces is nothing less than toxic. Want to understand the situation? Walk up to any member of the OKC Police and Fire force, any random member, and ask them their opinion of Mick Cornett, his working relationship with them, his understanding of the police manpower study and the future needs of this city in terms of public safety and who they would prefer as Mayor. Those who are not already aware will understand how preposterous it is for the Mayor to portray himself as a public safety advocate. Spending large amounts on streets? Developer after developer was able to get their streets widened and sidewalks built in areas where virtually no one lives in the range of $200 million while the streets in neighborhood after neighborhood have to wait as long as 20 more years to get their potholes filled. The misallocation of resources in the ’07 Bond promoted by the Mayor makes concerns about MAPS3 projects pale in comparison.
Notice how Roy Williams tries to turn a perceived weakness of the Mayor into a strength (“The fact that he is interested and wants to stay in that role, I think that bodes well for OKC”). The Mayor is tired. 13 straight years is a long time on the horseshoe. He spent enormous sums of money and almost every other week for two years during his last term getting a MBA in New York City (because OKC apparently does not have adequate MBA programs). Reports of the mayor actively searching for a mayoral replacement because he did not know if he would finish this last term led to uncertainty among some members of the city council. According to sources he had to be repeatedly lobbied by the Chamber to convince him to run. He offers no opinions much less solutions to the most controversial subjects in front of the council; in fact, he generally maintains complete silence. The Mayor was apparently looking for an exit strategy (one does not need an MBA from NYU to be Mayor of OKC although it might be useful for a board seat at Chesapeake), did not find one, was lobbied by those concerned that our campaign is going to be successful and is now running to stay on the horseshoe for years 14-17.
There are much better ways to lead the city and make decisions. There is much which needs to be done. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Downtown Farmer’s Market on August 15th from 6-8pm as I outline how we can make more inclusive, fiscally responsible decisions which will prepare our city for the 21st century.

So the battle lines are drawn and it looks like a MAPS v. Not this MAPS referendum all over again

So the battle lines are drawn and it looks like a MAPS v. Not this MAPS referendum all over again

It TOTALLY is, and it was settled then the same way it will be here. Part of me is happy this race will happen so the city can reaffirm it's belief in MAPS, and it's belief in "the plan". Now, I'm no pollyanna, this maps package is pretty flawed, but if we don't hold it together the 4th package may never happen. I truly think Ed is passing up a great opportunity as a councilman to try and campaign and guide the 4th package in to one that directly addresses his "core platform". If you want to make yourself useful as Ed, you stay in the council, and start directing your grand standing and campaigning at a MAPS4 package that is strictly for infrastructure improvements on a city wide basis, maybe a "project 180" for the rest of us. The whole beauty of the Maps 1 / Maps for Kids double team is that the grand and highly viseable nature of Maps 1 made the much less noticeable work done on Maps 2 was WAY easier to sell to the public. In the same way we have an opportunity to make Maps 3 a show piece that keeps a level of base support to ensure a successful albeit less glamourous package for round 4. I really think this is a pretty clear sign that this councilman gig was always really a set up for a mayoral run. I'm totally ready for a new mayor, as much as anyone is, but I do not want that guy...

I live in Mustang so I can't vote even though it does effect me. Who ever had the rally with the best hot dogs would get my vote. I'm not hard to please.

It TOTALLY is, and it was settled then the same way it will be here. Part of me is happy this race will happen so the city can reaffirm it's belief in MAPS, and it's belief in "the plan". Now, I'm no pollyanna, this maps package is pretty flawed, but if we don't hold it together the 4th package may never happen. I truly think Ed is passing up a great opportunity as a councilman to try and campaign and guide the 4th package in to one that directly addresses his "core platform". If you want to make yourself useful as Ed, you stay in the council, and start directing your grand standing and campaigning at a MAPS4 package that is strictly for infrastructure improvements on a city wide basis, maybe a "project 180" for the rest of us. The whole beauty of the Maps 1 / Maps for Kids double team is that the grand and highly viseable nature of Maps 1 made the much less noticeable work done on Maps 2 was WAY easier to sell to the public. In the same way we have an opportunity to make Maps 3 a show piece that keeps a level of base support to ensure a successful albeit less glamourous package for round 4. I really think this is a pretty clear sign that this councilman gig was always really a set up for a mayoral run. I'm totally ready for a new mayor, as much as anyone is, but I do not want that guy...

Great post, but what would Ed's core plan be? I'm mystified right now. I've heard lots of platitudes and things he's against and complaints about process, but I haven't seen any kind of coherent plan yet.

So the battle lines are drawn and it looks like a MAPS v. Not this MAPS referendum all over again

Yep.

It TOTALLY is, and it was settled then the same way it will be here. Part of me is happy this race will happen so the city can reaffirm it's belief in MAPS, and it's belief in "the plan". Now, I'm no pollyanna, this maps package is pretty flawed, but if we don't hold it together the 4th package may never happen. I truly think Ed is passing up a great opportunity as a councilman to try and campaign and guide the 4th package in to one that directly addresses his "core platform". If you want to make yourself useful as Ed, you stay in the council, and start directing your grand standing and campaigning at a MAPS4 package that is strictly for infrastructure improvements on a city wide basis, maybe a "project 180" for the rest of us. The whole beauty of the Maps 1 / Maps for Kids double team is that the grand and highly viseable nature of Maps 1 made the much less noticeable work done on Maps 2 was WAY easier to sell to the public. In the same way we have an opportunity to make Maps 3 a show piece that keeps a level of base support to ensure a successful albeit less glamourous package for round 4. I really think this is a pretty clear sign that this councilman gig was always really a set up for a mayoral run. I'm totally ready for a new mayor, as much as anyone is, but I do not want that guy...

What is ironic about him playing to some of the suburban frustration about the downtown getting all the improvements is he has almost never advocated anything city wide (he comes close on health since he has brought it up a few times but we have not really implemented any new health initiatives in his time), he has pretty much been for core and near core. Understandable given his district and priorities.

Mayor Cornett has IMO earned another term as Mayor. He has been nothing short of phenomenal as a champion or all things OKC. I do not have a vote, but, I truly hope the citizens of OKC realize how effective he has been in marshaling disparate interest into a single voice as well as his superb marketing of OKC to the world.

One of the best points made by Ed Shadid, Police and Fire. Mayor Cornett has made no secret of his disdain for these two departments. He has been known to refuse to acknowledge or even shake hands with firefighters at different events. Any reasonable person can see that the population has risen, Police and Fire personnel levels have dropped. As typical with our Mayor, he is taking credit for hiring new Officers and getting Firefighters the training they need. Cops have been budgeted, none hired yet. Sitting at the station listening to him say he's getting us the training we need. We were completely baffled. What training? We have always done vast amounts of training, every shift. Nothing has changed about that since he's been Mayor. He will use Police and Fire as props, just listen to him.

I don't know what Shadid is for, but only what he's against. That sounds like someone I want (sarcasm).

Count me as a somewhat suburban OKC resident who loves the downtown spending. Downtowns are the center piece of every town, why wouldn't you want it to be nice?

I confess I am disappointed with Shadid's tone coming out of the gate. My hope is that he will find his distinctive voice and brand among Oklahoma City voters without going over to the dark side. We forget that Cornett only won by 58 percent of the vote in 2010 by a less-than-desirable challenger with no political experience. Don't overestimate or underestimate anyone's chances.

His problem is going to be that using this tone/message, he's going to wind up being Mr. Irrelevant on the City Council. You see this a lot with folks who are used to being in charge of large offices or former military NCOs or officers--their idea of leadership is that they dictate what everyone gets to do and execute the orders they receive from their superiors. Politics and civilian leadership is more of an exercise of herding cats. From what I've seen, Shadid doesn't quite get leadership and is not a very adept politician.

I see police all the time, and I live in a poor suburb. Shadid is walking a crazy line. I agree we need to work on our busses. There is a difference between core projects and suburb projects. I didn't vote for him in the election, but I voted for him in the runoff. I kind.of wish now I voted for the other guy.

One of the best points made by Ed Shadid, Police and Fire. Mayor Cornett has made no secret of his disdain for these two departments. He has been known to refuse to acknowledge or even shake hands with firefighters at different events. Any reasonable person can see that the population has risen, Police and Fire personnel levels have dropped. As typical with our Mayor, he is taking credit for hiring new Officers and getting Firefighters the training they need. Cops have been budgeted, none hired yet. Sitting at the station listening to him say he's getting us the training we need. We were completely baffled. What training? We have always done vast amounts of training, every shift. Nothing has changed about that since he's been Mayor. He will use Police and Fire as props, just listen to him.

Can you tell me what the role of the mayor is in hiring police officers who have already been budgeted?

Popsy was right, he's called Ed out since the beginning......

You burn enough bridges and eventually you are 100% correct, all alone on your island of ideals.

So true, although I'm not saying this applies to Ed but it could if he's not careful.

Political leadership is all about influencing and building consensus. Although it doesn't seem so from the outside, it's almost the polar opposite of a hierarchy where decisions are made at the top and then sent cascading down.

It's exactly why I ruled out politics a long time ago. I am, like so many in the business world, largely an autocrat. I'm very comfortable abiding by clear direction given by one clear boss and similarly expect my subordinates to follow the course I set. They may have input, but in the end ONE person has the final say.

And who is more of an autocrat than a surgeon??


When I've become *too* autocratic even in the hierarchy of business, I've received this advice: "It's not always about being right." It's a horrible reality to have to accept but this is probably more true in the political world than anywhere else. After all, isn't "playing politics" pretty much another way of saying you are forced into doing things you don't really believe in, just to make progress?

I'd like to make a distinction if I may.

There is a big difference between Politics and Governance. Outside of the local government, it is far easier to be politician all the time. Because you never have to work with department leadership and you're expected to tote a party agenda.

At the municipal level, elected officials need to also be good at governing. So politics isn't as much about building consensus at the horseshoe. It is about getting votes. But being effective at governing, that takes friends. Friends who will help you further your prefered governance model. This is the mistake I see municipal elected officials make too often. Either they or their campaign managers watch too much TV and think campaigning at the local level is just like running for congress, but at a smaller scale.

It's a fatal mistake I've seen made over and over again and right now, it appears (to me) Ed is making it.

I'm not following this at all.

Perhaps better explained over beers at Skinny Slims next week. :)

I'd like to make a distinction if I may.

There is a big difference between Politics and Governance. Outside of the local government, it is far easier to be politician all the time. Because you never have to work with department leadership and you're expected to tote a party agenda.

At the municipal level, elected officials need to also be good at governing. So politics isn't as much about building consensus at the horseshoe. It is about getting votes. But being effective at governing, that takes friends. Friends who will help you further your prefered governance model. This is the mistake I see municipal elected officials make too often. Either they or their campaign managers watch too much TV and think campaigning at the local level is just like running for congress, but at a smaller scale.

It's a fatal mistake I've seen made over and over again and right now, it appears (to me) Ed is making it.

Absolutely! Thats why I think, if we are to take him at his word that he is just a well meaning person who wants to work hard for this city, I don't see the mayor position as making any sense for him. His position on the council gives him the only real tools he needs, the microphone, and his vote. I don't in any way see him as the kind of diplomat / head of "state" that Cornett functions as. It just isn't him. I absolutely believe that this mayoral run will leave him exactly where he is, in his seat, only with a significantly lower amount of good will, gravitas, whatever, as he has now. In the terms of a local race, he's already blown it. So I guess I'm not too worried about him being my mayor now, I just still need to get off of my butt and go help out the Mickster... as a previous poster said, I think he has earned the term if he wants it, and in the current "field" he is definitely "my man"

I couldn't find anything about term limits for the OKC mayor or council, so I assure there are none?

I understand what Sid is saying pretty well.

At at state and federal level, all you need to do is just throw out some red meat to your base and you are usually gravy. They are not accountable for their actions as near as much as folks on the local level, because there are usually several levels of bureaucracy separating politicians from their constituents. Just look at the paralysis facing Congress right now. I'm sure most of the people elected would like to do the right thing, but at the end of the day they must tow the party line. There is more incentive to do this than try and rock the boat with their own ideas.

Local politicians have a much bigger impact on their communities. The state and feds may shape policy, but it is up to the local people as to how it gets implemented. They have the ultimate say where money get spent, what projects do and don't get built, what new initiatives are pursued, etc. They are much "closer" to the people. I can't shake my fist at Tom Coburn as to why my street has potholes, but I can at Mick Cornett (even though both have little power over stuff like this) because he is the one who signs off on the street budget.

The way local government is structured, especially in OKC with a weak mayor-city manager form, it is of utmost importance to form alliances with others to get things done. And at a local level, the electorate generally rewards competency over politics. Thats why Mick Cornett, who is by most measures a conservative Republican personally, can talk about sustainability, public transit, raising taxes for improvements, etc. that would probably get him branded as a socialist in the state and national GOP orgs.

And its why I an so befuddled at Shadid's latest strategy. This is not some race for state of federal office. You can't go on cable news or some other medium to rant on whatever to run for mayor like you can when you are running for congress, governor, or president. Likewise, you can't make moronic rants on facebook about literally nothing, except to tear down your candidate. That's amateurish and completely inappropriate for this level of office.

I have to hand it to Pete. He had expressed concern early on that Shadid who wouldn't work well with others. His observation proved prescient. The part that is strange to me is Ed promised transparency, and demands it of others, and yet no one can articulate what his positions are on major issues. In fact, he conceals his motives and true agenda. He's actually quite opaque. He certainly assumed the role of "politician" very quickly, just not a very good one.

Can you tell me what the role of the mayor is in hiring police officers who have already been budgeted?

Expect more posts from some of the "Not This MAPS" folks who seemed to have vanished after MAPS III was passed, who will undoubtedly return to trash MAPS and the mayor.

Politics is the act of politicking usually for the purpose of seeking votes.

Governing is the act of implementing policy and requires a consensus of peers.

I see.

For the record, my points were then about the governing piece as you have defined it.

Because even if you are a Governor or even POTUS, you still have very little unilateral power -- far less than most realize.

So, if you are used to making tough decisions and getting things done through drive and ambition, the art of consensus building is not only foreign but often distasteful.

And let's face it, it often comes down the favor-trading to further one or two key issues, then taking whatever stance is necessary on everything else.

Expect more posts from some of the "Not This MAPS" folks who seemed to have vanished after MAPS III was passed, who will undoubtedly return to trash MAPS and the mayor.

Seriously though, some of these idiots actually think the mayor hires police officers?

Reading the comments section, apparently these folks think the mayor fixes potholes as well. Geesh.

This is pretty much the Not this MAPS thing all over again. We can't have MAPS! We have potholes! If Shadid runs such an unprincipled and phony campaign as the Not this MAPS folks did--essentially appealing to people's ignorance to undermine one of the most trusted and valued brands in OKC, he's going to lose. He's also going to ruin whatever positive image he has. Especially when his surrogates are complaining about things like potholes.

A really bad sign for Ed Shadid is when there are many people on this board, who never agree with each other on anything, agree that Cornett should be re-elected.

Expect more posts from some of the "Not This MAPS" folks who seemed to have vanished after MAPS III was passed, who will undoubtedly return to trash MAPS and the mayor.

Soonerguru, This has nothing to do with Maps 3. You know it's was passed right? Maps 3 is the law of the land. Nothing will change that. This is about Mayoral leadership and who is best to do that. I think is is time for Mick to seek success elsewhere. All this talk about consensus building confuses me, Mick a consensus builder! That is funny, he has been a puppet of the big money since the beginning.

Midtowner, being the mayor is about leading! If the mayor thought public safety was a priority he would lead the city in that direction. And could claim responsibility for all the public safety good. This Mayor has made it clear its is not a priority, yet the first few items he claims hes responsible for is public safety. Kinda like claiming responsibility for the sun coming up. The Mayor is the figure head leader of the city. It is the Mayors job to lead the city. Although He has one vote, he is more powerful than the other 8 votes. This Mayor has been almost 100% about downtown. Maybe some like that, maybe some don't. I'm happy to see this get feisty! A little spirited debate won't kill anyone. Oh, by the way how did you get to be so much better than some of the people on here? I mean referring to your fellows citizens as idiots, that's just mean man!

Well you complained about police officers not being hired after the funds were allocated. It was real easy question, Mike, what does he have to do with that? Maybe you can educate us?

as far as considering "Not this MAPS" people idiots, the ones who believed that the MAPS3 tax would cost the average family $10,000/year (yes, that was posted somewhere during that campaign) are are certainly not bright

Police officers don't just appear out of thin air either. Once the funds were allocated, OCPD resumed hiring. The police academy is six months long, not all recruits make it through. There isn't an instant solution to increasing the size of the force. One academy class just graduated and I think another is underway. It is going to take some time but some people fail to grasp this simple unavoidable truth. Blaming Mayor Cornett for this is childish unless public safety advocates can demonstrably show he has voted against public safety.

I'd like to point out a few things. Public safety makes up nearly 3/4 of the overall city budget I am told. A budget generated from sales tax which is inherently derived from the performance of our local economy.

Under Mick's leadership this city has weathered the national recession with flying colors. We have added jobs in this community and so far avoided a budget deficit.

Count your blessings we're in OKC and not in Detroit or some other poor city cutting police/fire positions left and right.

While some may demonize Mick, MAPS, and "the business establishment" they have sustained consumer spending and maintained growth for several years while other cities have suffered.

It may not last, but the accomplishment in sustaining our economy for his tenure is profound.

Well I for one support adding more officers, so I'm not about to debate that point of view. Apparently the mayor agrees since he voted to add them. As for "consensus building," it is important, and whether or not you think that applies to the mayor, it has been my observation that he has not caused unnecessary rancor and division in our city.

I think he has already started the negativity. The divide and conquer strategy is clear is this first salvo. It will likely only get worse from here.

Below is Ed's comment on the NewsOK.com story about Mayor Cornett's candidacy announcement Oklahoma City Mayor Cornett to seek fourth term, says 'work's not done' | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-mayor-cornett-to-seek-fourth-term-says-works-not-done/article/3869237)


Ed Shadid commented on NewsOK.com.
17 minutes ago ·
Poll-driven chameleon-like marketing by anonymous big money is not going to work this time; not with the Mayor’s 13-year track record. Just as occurred in my city council race, and the more recent Ward 1 city council race, anonymous independent expenditure organizations are spending large amounts of money engaging in at least two major live polls (which would cost in the $50,000-$70,000 range) and other expensive support activity for the Mayor’s campaign. The seemingly coordinated strategy of the Independent Expenditure and the Mayor is easily predictable: take the Mayor’s weaknesses and portray them as strengths. The Mayor’s record on public safety, neighborhood advocacy (especially when pitted against special interests), and street and sidewalk investments is abysmal and yet, those issues dominate his messaging. The Mayor tells the same joke at national meeting after national meeting making fun of those neighborhood advocates who question the allocation of resources in OKC (Mick says some variation of “Many people in the suburbs do not like the emphasis on downtown, but I tell them you may not like it but your children and grandchildren will like it and you know what, they are angry because they know I am right”) and now wants us to know how much he enjoys getting out and meeting neighbors. The Mayor does not speak with the City Council with any regularity much less neighborhoods. Adding police officers? We have the same number of officers today as we had 20 years ago with 200,000 more people. The Mayor’s relationship with the good men and women of our police and fire forces is nothing less than toxic. Want to understand the situation? Walk up to any member of the OKC Police and Fire force, any random member, and ask them their opinion of Mick Cornett, his working relationship with them, his understanding of the police manpower study and the future needs of this city in terms of public safety and who they would prefer as Mayor. Those who are not already aware will understand how preposterous it is for the Mayor to portray himself as a public safety advocate. Spending large amounts on streets? Developer after developer was able to get their streets widened and sidewalks built in areas where virtually no one lives in the range of $200 million while the streets in neighborhood after neighborhood have to wait as long as 20 more years to get their potholes filled. The misallocation of resources in the ’07 Bond promoted by the Mayor makes concerns about MAPS3 projects pale in comparison.
Notice how Roy Williams tries to turn a perceived weakness of the Mayor into a strength (“The fact that he is interested and wants to stay in that role, I think that bodes well for OKC”). The Mayor is tired. 13 straight years is a long time on the horseshoe. He spent enormous sums of money and almost every other week for two years during his last term getting a MBA in New York City (because OKC apparently does not have adequate MBA programs). Reports of the mayor actively searching for a mayoral replacement because he did not know if he would finish this last term led to uncertainty among some members of the city council. According to sources he had to be repeatedly lobbied by the Chamber to convince him to run. He offers no opinions much less solutions to the most controversial subjects in front of the council; in fact, he generally maintains complete silence. The Mayor was apparently looking for an exit strategy (one does not need an MBA from NYU to be Mayor of OKC although it might be useful for a board seat at Chesapeake), did not find one, was lobbied by those concerned that our campaign is going to be successful and is now running to stay on the horseshoe for years 14-17.
There are much better ways to lead the city and make decisions. There is much which needs to be done.


And I still find this appalling. One would hope fire/police union leadership will step carefully around this divisive and obviously personal rhetoric.

I am baffled by Ed's early campaign tactics, but that doesn't negate the overwhelming response he has received at all of his town hall meetings. Despite his long-winded rants and tendency to overanalyze, he has brought together some of the biggest names in the city, state, and country to address issues like access to mental health and substance use treatment, tobacco use in public parks, LGBT rights and wellness initiatives for city employees, EMSA accountability, walkability, placemaking, and transit planning. I believe his efforts were a catalyst for a complete redirection of the boulevard project. He has empowered more citizens to take ownership and find their voice in the decision-making process when city officials would have rather pushed things through with a rubber stamp. He has some flaws that may turn out to be fatal (with regard to his campaign), but for some reason when he hosts an event people show up.

As a proud "old school" democrat with modern progressive sensibilities, I have come to realize that we were so satisfied by "a conversation" about these issues you describe, we went knocking doors not fully understanding that's all we were getting.

Ed has lent a voice, his voice, to these issues. But short of the LGBT rights issues, he has failed at implementing policy or building bridges to implement actual change.

As a Progressive, I am now incredibly embarrassed to have been involved in his Ward 2 campaign. Swinton made me squirm. But it is hard to imagine worse than this. This is about him. It not about us. It is not about our issues.

It is about Ed.

I believe his efforts were a catalyst for a complete redirection of the boulevard project.

No... Those were Bob Kemper's, Marion Hutchison's, and a few hundred concerned citizens. Ed jumped on the band wagon halfway through the process and took advantage of the momentum that we had already built.

Don't fool yourself. There were a great many people who got that ball rolling and are continuing to push on it.

And I still find this appalling. One would hope fire/police union leadership will step carefully around this divisive and obviously personal rhetoric.

I can't stop looking at his Facebook page and reading this. I feel like am rubbernecking a car crash.

When he first announced his candidacy I guessed he was going for the liberal urban core types. Has he just given up on that? I know of at least 2 of these types who were interested by his campaign and were appalled when they read this. Probably does't help that one works for Chesapeake. I wonder what all those people he was schmoozing with at H & 8th last week would be okay with what he said.

Speaking of, I recognized a few people who have liked his page and he's definitely got the kook vote.

No... Those were Bob Kemper's, Marion Hutchison's, and a few hundred concerned citizens. Ed jumped on the band wagon halfway through the process and took advantage of the momentum that we had already built.

Don't fool yourself. There were a great many people who got that ball rolling and are continuing to push on it.

All true but you also can't completely discount the fact that Ed did bring a lot of publicity to the issue and caused a lot more people to become engaged.

Give him credit for bringing more people into these conversations.


Again, I am not advocating for him but I believe everybody wins when you get more of the community involved in various issues.

Ed stirs the pot and of course there is good and bad that comes with that.

He did help raise awareness from the horseshoe, wrote some checks, and made some people squirm. Yep, he did do that. But he is not the salvation alone for the Boulevard redesign. People just need to be fully aware of that.