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jerrywall
12-04-2020, 09:52 AM
From Edmond's Facebook -


The filing period for individuals interested in running for three city council positions will take place from December 7 – 9. The seats up for election in 2021 are Ward 3, Ward 4 and Mayor. City council terms are for four years and the mayor serves a two-year term.
Current councilmembers Dan O’Neil (Mayor) and Nick Massey (Ward 4) have both announced they will not seek re-election for another term in 2021. Darrell Davis (Ward 3) has announced that he will seek election as Mayor in 2021.
To be eligible for office in Edmond, the City Charter requires the following criteria be met:
- Legal citizen of the United States.
- A minimum of twenty-five (25) years of age.
- A freeholder (landowner) and resident of at least one year prior to selection to serve.
- A qualified voter of the City of Edmond & of the ward in which he or she is running.
The filing period for these positions runs from 8:00 am on Monday, December 7th through 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 9th. Filing takes place at the Oklahoma County Election Board located at 4201 North Lincoln Boulevard in Oklahoma City, and questions regarding the process can be directed to (405) 713-1515.
For seats in which more than two candidates file, a primary election will take place on Tuesday, February 9th. The general election for City Council will be held on Tuesday, April 6th.

I'm excited about this. I don't have the complete disdain for O'Neil or Massey that other folks have, but they were the holdouts on the mask mandates and they are both directly responsible for the delay in implementation in the beginning. Additionally, O'Neil represents a voice of stagnation. He's appeared to opposed any sort of innovative growth or development in Edmond. While I certainly think new developments should be closely looked at, especially when they come with zoning changes, I think having a stance which seems to oppose the majority of them is too extreme (just was one that approved everything would be detrimental to the city). I have a lot of respect for Massey and he seems to be a nice guy, but I just think their viewpoints are outdated, and Edmond needs some fresh blood on the council. I rather have people on the council who are still growing and building their lives and careers, not folks who are at the end of them. The council isn't a retirement plan for old white men.

I like Davis quite a bit. He's my councilman, is also the first POC on the Edmond City Council AFAIK, and if elected Mayor would be the first Black Mayor in Edmond, which would be a great advance on our sundown town days.

Cody Boyd, who's been on the Edmond Transportation Committee for a few years, announced a few months back that he was running for the Ward 3 seat. I'm not sure if anyone else is planning on running for this seat (although I've considered running myself).

Whichever way this plays out, it has the potential to be a significant shift in the city council, especially with folks like Josh Moore, who I'm also a fan of, currently on the council.

oklip955
12-04-2020, 11:30 AM
Jerry please throw your hat into the race, I think you have some good perspectives. You've seen what Edmond used to be like in the old days and how far its come and know where it can go. I know it eats up a lot of a person's free time, hope you give it a try.

jbkrems
12-04-2020, 11:41 AM
Councilman Davis is going to be opposed for Mayor; and there are at least two other candidates who will be running for the Ward 3 seat.

jerrywall
12-04-2020, 11:43 AM
Councilman Davis is going to be opposed for Mayor; and there are at least two other candidates will be running for the Ward 3 seat.

Yeah, I assumed Davis will be opposed. I'm just hoping he wins. Any input on who else is planning on running for that or the Ward 3 seat? Cody Boyd appears to be Davis' chosen successor but I'm hoping there are some other strong contenders.

jbkrems
12-04-2020, 11:46 AM
Jerry, I've heard that an area attorney is running for Ward 3, and also a businesswoman. I can't recall the name of the attorney who is running, but you would know her name from the masks debate. As for the businesswoman, I know her personally, but she is not ready to announce yet. She is going to announce next week as soon as she files.

Likewise, I personally know the other candidate for Mayor, but he is not ready to announce yet; he plans to announce next week as soon as he files, also.

onthestrip
12-04-2020, 01:04 PM
From Edmond's Facebook -



I'm excited about this. I don't have the complete disdain for O'Neil or Massey that other folks have, but they were the holdouts on the mask mandates and they are both directly responsible for the delay in implementation in the beginning. Additionally, O'Neil represents a voice of stagnation. He's appeared to opposed any sort of innovative growth or development in Edmond. While I certainly think new developments should be closely looked at, especially when they come with zoning changes, I think having a stance which seems to oppose the majority of them is too extreme (just was one that approved everything would be detrimental to the city). I have a lot of respect for Massey and he seems to be a nice guy, but I just think their viewpoints are outdated, and Edmond needs some fresh blood on the council. I rather have people on the council who are still growing and building their lives and careers, not folks who are at the end of them. The council isn't a retirement plan for old white men.

I like Davis quite a bit. He's my councilman, is also the first POC on the Edmond City Council AFAIK, and if elected Mayor would be the first Black Mayor in Edmond, which would be a great advance on our sundown town days.

Cody Boyd, who's been on the Edmond Transportation Committee for a few years, announced a few months back that he was running for the Ward 3 seat. I'm not sure if anyone else is planning on running for this seat (although I've considered running myself).

Whichever way this plays out, it has the potential to be a significant shift in the city council, especially with folks like Josh Moore, who I'm also a fan of, currently on the council.

So Oneill isnt running again?

The council has got a little better in recent years as being more pro growth, whereas Oneill is a little bit of the opposite of that, like you mention. The worry is that the council flips with more NIMBYs, more regulatory hurdles and opposing most new big developments. Edmond is no longer a bedroom community and should welcome good growth. Oh, and hopefully no crazy anti-masker, anti vaxxer, anti 5g types. Leave that to Broken Arrow.

Plutonic Panda
12-04-2020, 02:51 PM
I hate to the one to say it but Davis has a very slim chance of winning in Edmond and we all know why. I don’t mean to imply that Edmond is an overtly racist community but there is a good deal of stereotyping that goes on in Edmond and I’d be very, although happily, surprised if he wins.

I had a look at Davis and he does seem like the right man for the job. I will be back in town until this summer at least and I’ll try and change and my ID over to Edmond residence so I can vote and if I’m able to I’ll like Davis.

I am glad to see O Neil go. I said this on Facebook and I’ll say it here. O Neil may have been good in the past as I don’t know much about his history. But he was one of the main people that launched the opposition for Spring Creek Expansion which would have a shopping center like Chisholm Creek or OAK although scaled down. The only difference is no doubt it would have been built by now. It would easily be the best shopping center in the state and would be amongst one of Edmonds biggest sales tax generators(or at least outside of COVID).

Edmond seems to always have no problem voting in approval for 90+ percent of proposals that come through which almost always cookie cutter sprawling developments that are a dime a dozen. When it comes to really unique and different projects like Shoppes at Spring Creek they get voted down. It’s frustrating to see. Thankfully some cool stuff is being built in downtown Edmond so hopefully that will spur some change elsewhere.

I also hope the next mayor directs the police chief to tone down the traffic enforcement in Edmond. I’m not saying this from some anti police stance. Given how I’ve been caught driving in Edmond, for the most part the police have been really cool with me. But there are way too many patrols trying to catch speeders it’s maddening to see. We need smart policing not over policing.

Edmond also needs to find ways to increase its revenues by raising certain taxes and part of that can only be done by the state allowing cities to fund different ways other than what they’re currently limited to which is sales taxes which if raised too high are regressive. Edmond is growing like crazy and I can’t believe the amount of traffic I’ve seen in the east side lately. It may just be due to covell being closed but if the city doesn’t stay proactive on road widening Edmond will become gridlocked. Several four lane roads should six lanes.

I do hope the next mayor is more progressive and works with Edmond Pride to build a LGBTQ+ center in downtown. Lots of potential here and I’m pretty excited as well about this.

jerrywall
12-04-2020, 02:55 PM
So Oneill isnt running again?

Yeah, that's one thing I've known for a while. He's been fairly up front that he wasn't going to run again, and the assumption by many was that Massey was going to run for his seat. I'm glad that didn't happen, and I hope we can get someone who will be very engaged with the community, especially the younger, more diverse population which is on the rapid rise in Edmond. Davis may not quite be the star there that I would like, but he would definitely be an improvement over O'Neill IMO and provide a fresh perspective.

jerrywall
12-11-2020, 11:10 AM
16620

(here's a decent link because posting images here sucks - https://imgur.com/zYleFcl)

Here's the list of the filings. No real surprises, although I do notice that a David Miller is running for Ward 4. I assume this is the same David Miller who previously held the seat and had to resign when he relocated to New Orleans in 2012. On the mayors race, besides Davis, the current ward 4 council man who is running, we have Nathan Walters, and Will Gattenby. Gattenby was the communications director for Cornetts Gubernatorial campaign and has other political experience as well. Walters owns MASSAROSSA luxury homes.

onthestrip
12-11-2020, 11:55 AM
16620

(here's a decent link because posting images here sucks - https://imgur.com/zYleFcl)

Here's the list of the filings. No real surprises, although I do notice that a David Miller is running for Ward 4. I assume this is the same David Miller who previously held the seat and had to resign when he relocated to New Orleans in 2012. On the mayors race, besides Davis, the current ward 4 council man who is running, we have Nathan Walters, and Will Gattenby. Gattenby was the communications director for Cornetts Gubernatorial campaign and has other political experience as well. Walters owns MASSAROSSA luxury homes.

On the face of it, these dont sound like bad options. Just dont want to see any names associated with a facebook group named citizens against 5G, masks or something like that or have been associated with anti development actions and protests.

pedmond
01-21-2021, 10:20 AM
Unless Walters has changed his mind, he is against mask mandates. His views appear to be a liberty and freedom issue when it comes to masks. Back in July 2020, both Nathan and his wife spoke against a mask mandate at an Edmond City council meeting (video still up). Darrell Davis was and has been in favor of a mask mandate. Davis will get my vote for mayor since I think it's a public health issue.

jbkrems
01-21-2021, 02:05 PM
Unless Walters has changed his mind, he is against mask mandates. His views appear to be a liberty and freedom issue when it comes to masks. Back in July 2020, both Nathan and his wife spoke against a mask mandate at an Edmond City council meeting (video still up). Darrell Davis was and has been in favor of a mask mandate. Davis will get my vote for mayor since I think it's a public health issue.

Darrell Davis is a terrible candidate for Edmond Mayor. Putting the masks issue aside, Councilman Davis made some suggestions in the online Edmond Rotary forum last night which deeply trouble me. For example, he suggested the ideas of putting a parking garage and/or a boutique hotel in downtown Edmond. I would be opposed to either ideas. If you compare downtown Edmond to the Rose District in Broken Arrow, the Rose District has done very well without a parking garage or a boutique hotel. Downtown Edmond can do very well just the same. Edmond needs to become more like Broken Arrow, and I think Nathan Walters would better accomplish that than Darrell Davis would.

brianinok
01-21-2021, 02:16 PM
Edmond needs to become more like Broken Arrowuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhh :eek:

PoliSciGuy
01-21-2021, 02:17 PM
Edmond needs to become more like Broken Arrow, and I think Nathan Walters would better accomplish that than Darrell Davis would.

Well this right here just convinced me to vote for Davis.

HangryHippo
01-21-2021, 02:22 PM
Darrell Davis is a terrible candidate for Edmond Mayor. Putting the masks issue aside, Councilman Davis made some suggestions in the online Edmond Rotary forum last night which deeply trouble me. For example, he suggested the ideas of putting a parking garage and/or a boutique hotel in downtown Edmond. I would be opposed to either ideas. If you compare downtown Edmond to the Rose District in Broken Arrow, the Rose District has done very well without a parking garage or a boutique hotel. Downtown Edmond can do very well just the same. Edmond needs to become more like Broken Arrow, and I think Nathan Walters would better accomplish that than Darrell Davis would.
LOL. Now I know who not to vote for!

More like Broken Arrow? I’ve heard it all!

jerrywall
01-21-2021, 02:38 PM
Davis was already the front runner for my pick and support, and now I find out that he's open to the idea of a downtown parking garage and a boutique hotel? I'm not even saying I support either or both of these ideas, but this shows some willingness to change and grow and not trying to keep Edmond in the 70's like we've got with our current leadership. Muskogee is a nice little town, but the last time Edmond was as little as Muskogee was when my father was a city councilman. Considering that was 40 years ago, and considering that if my father was still alive, he'd still be younger than 2/5 of our current council, it's not hard to understand why it feels like our council needs some fresh perspectives. The type of leadership and decisions that are right for Edmond aren't the same as they were 40 years ago.

onthestrip
01-21-2021, 03:56 PM
The parking garage seems totally unnecessary but hey, if Davis wants to discuss it, so be it. But the objection to a boutique hotel seems odd. Why would you be against this? Any downtown would benefit from a hotel, especially one that has zero hotels in dt area. I guarantee you every business owner downtown would be for it. Im sure theres a market for one, and if a hotelier wanted to take the risk on it I have not idea why people would oppose it. Smells like classic Edmond NIMBYism right here.

Plutonic Panda
01-21-2021, 04:38 PM
Downtown parking garage has been planned for two decades now. It is better to build it before parking becomes an issue which it eventually will. I’m not sure why anyone would object to a parking garage or a boutique hotel unless they just want to see Edmond remain small and the way it is.

jbkrems
01-21-2021, 08:44 PM
The parking garage seems totally unnecessary but hey, if Davis wants to discuss it, so be it. But the objection to a boutique hotel seems odd. Why would you be against this? Any downtown would benefit from a hotel, especially one that has zero hotels in dt area. I guarantee you every business owner downtown would be for it. Im sure theres a market for one, and if a hotelier wanted to take the risk on it I have not idea why people would oppose it. Smells like classic Edmond NIMBYism right here.

I am not against hotels, but I am against placing them in downtown Edmond. Downtown Edmond is already a cramped area; I am not sure where a hotel would go in the downtown Edmond area. A very small bed and breakfast might fit somewhere (I am thinking of converting the Shadid building), but otherwise, there is not enough space for a boutique hotel in downtown Edmond. I am much more in favor of building more hotels out in the I-35 and Covell area; where they could compete with the Hilton which is already out there. That would be best for the free market and for competition.

jbkrems
01-21-2021, 08:46 PM
Downtown parking garage has been planned for two decades now. It is better to build it before parking becomes an issue which it eventually will. I’m not sure why anyone would object to a parking garage or a boutique hotel unless they just want to see Edmond remain small and the way it is.

Where would the parking garage go? Would it require the City to purchase private property? How much would it cost? I do not think it would be wise to place a parking garage in the City of Edmond. Rose District in Broken Arrow is about the same as downtown Edmond, and there is no parking garage there. If there is space for additional parking lots, maybe that is something that I would support. However, not an actual parking garage.

Bunty
01-21-2021, 09:10 PM
Downtown parking garage has been planned for two decades now. It is better to build it before parking becomes an issue which it eventually will. I’m not sure why anyone would object to a parking garage or a boutique hotel unless they just want to see Edmond remain small and the way it is.

If a boutique hotel builder wants it to be a condition that the city of Edmond must compensate for empty rooms, then I see that as a no go. If I'm right, that is why no boutique hotel was built in downtown Stillwater.

Plutonic Panda
01-22-2021, 03:31 AM
Where would the parking garage go? Would it require the City to purchase private property? How much would it cost? I do not think it would be wise to place a parking garage in the City of Edmond. Rose District in Broken Arrow is about the same as downtown Edmond, and there is no parking garage there. If there is space for additional parking lots, maybe that is something that I would support. However, not an actual parking garage.
Original plans called for a performing arts center in collaboration with UCO and IIRC, two structured parking garages. A parking lot to be upgraded to a garage in the future connected to the proposed multimodal transit hub that will connect Edmond to the rest of the metro via a commuter rail network and a 3-4 story parking garage at the site of the current city administration building. The current city administration building would be replaced with a new city hall to be built possibly on the site of the former police station. The garage would then be built in the place.

A net loss of parking spaces will come with a plan to reduce Broadway from four to two lanes and possibly eliminate the angled street parking in favor of parallel parking. New parking spaces would be required and the sidewalk would be expanded.

Of course this all memory based so some details may be off. The performing arts center, garage, and new city hall have been put on an indefinite hold and that was before COVID. Edmond is trying to find money to update its downtown lighting but can’t even do that.

Personally, I just think Edmond is broke and can’t do the things it wants/needs because of the overly conservative nature of its citizens not wanting to pay higher taxes for a better city and the state limiting revenue collection methods.

Plutonic Panda
01-22-2021, 03:36 AM
If a boutique hotel builder wants it to be a condition that the city of Edmond must compensate for empty rooms, then I see that as a no go. If I'm right, that is why no boutique hotel was built in downtown Stillwater.
Not sure but I can say I’ve definitely had relatives and friends visit that needed a hotel and wanted to be closer to downtown to be able to walk around. I think a hotel in downtown could work. Personally I wish they would have built the current conference center/hotel in downtown instead of I-35 and Covell.

onthestrip
01-22-2021, 10:36 AM
I am not against hotels, but I am against placing them in downtown Edmond. Downtown Edmond is already a cramped area; I am not sure where a hotel would go in the downtown Edmond area. A very small bed and breakfast might fit somewhere (I am thinking of converting the Shadid building), but otherwise, there is not enough space for a boutique hotel in downtown Edmond. I am much more in favor of building more hotels out in the I-35 and Covell area; where they could compete with the Hilton which is already out there. That would be best for the free market and for competition.

You just totally contadicted yourself. You want to skew the market in that hotels should only be in a certain area and claim that would be best for a free market. That makes no sense. A free market would allow a developer to put a hotel anywhere zoning allows. And if that is downtown, so be it. And sorry, you saying downtown is cramped doenst make it so. I stand by my comment that every business downtown would be for a downtown hotel.

This is the main issue I have with Edmond and other NIMBYs, claiming that you know whats best for new development and the locations of it. You know who knows better where a hotel should go? A hotel company. You know who knows better if an area is too cramped for a hotel? A hotel company. This isnt going to be some OKC Omni sized hotel anyways, you wouldnt even notice the changes to traffic it would bring. Only thing you would notice differently would be a new 2-3 story new building, which would probably look great in downtown. Edmond seems intent on making its downtown vibrant and focal point for the town. How can you have that yet claim its not the place for a hotel?

One last point on competition. Why would a boutique hotel go out by the new Hilton convention hotel that the city subsidizes? A boutique hotel isnt going to compete with that, which is why downtown would make much better sense.

jbkrems
01-22-2021, 10:44 AM
You just totally contadicted yourself. You want to skew the market in that hotels should only be in a certain area and claim that would be best for a free market. That makes no sense. A free market would allow a developer to put a hotel anywhere zoning allows. And if that is downtown, so be it. And sorry, you saying downtown is cramped doenst make it so. I stand by my comment that every business downtown would be for a downtown hotel.

This is the main issue I have with Edmond and other NIMBYs, claiming that you know whats best for new development and the locations of it. You know who knows better where a hotel should go? A hotel company. You know who knows better if an area is too cramped for a hotel? And hotel company. This isnt going to be some OKC Omni sized hotel anyways, you wouldnt even notice the changes to traffic it would bring. Only thing you would notice differenlty would be a new 2-3 story new building. Edmond seems intent on making its downtown vibrant and focal point for the town. How can you have that yet claim its not the place for a hotel?

One last point on competition. Why would a boutique hotel go out by the new Hilton convention hotel that the city subsidizes? A boutique hotel isnt going to compete with that, which is why downtown would make much better sense.

I don't think Downtown Edmond should be zoned for hotels. I don't think there is space for one. I think what we need in downtown Edmond are retail, restaurants, and entertainment. Not hotels. Where would the hotel go, do you know?

As for your last point, no, I would not see a boutique hotel going out by the current Hilton. However, that area of town would be a great place for other similar hotels that could compete with the Hilton. I'm thinking Embassy Suites, Hyatt brand hotels, etc.

jerrywall
01-22-2021, 11:19 AM
There is a fair amount of undeveloped space in downtown Edmond. Remember, downtown Edmond isn't just the stretch along Broadway between 2nd and Ayers. There is quite a bit of space left for infill, and empty lots on Hurd and Campbell, especially between Broadway and the railroad tracks, but also between Broadway and BLVD. And if you expand to include the entire Central Urban District, you talking about a zone that's between 9th and Danforth, and between Fretz and University. Edmond is making lots of long term plans that will connect in the Stephenson park district with the downtown core, and the downtown core is getting more tightly connected to the university along Ayers. There's a real opportunity to really develop this all out as something special, and I think there's some progress already being made here. A parking garage, especially one off of the main roads (such as where the Administration Building is as has been mentioned) won't really obstruct or hinder downtown, and would be a boon for the larger events such as the arts festival, heard on hurd, and taste of edmond/libertyfest events. I know a lot of folks that avoid those events due to the lack of parking options near downtown.

An urban district hotel is also good for many of these same reasons. Hotels in the Hilton area are fine for someone's grandparents coming to town for a graduation, or for someone going to an event at the conference center, but they're not tourist centric hotels or locations. Being able to get a hotel in the CEUD and walk to restaurants, shops, museums, art galleries , and more turns Edmond from a bedroom community that you get a hotel in when you visit relatives into a feasible tourist destination. Especially with the addition of breweries and such.

onthestrip
01-22-2021, 11:20 AM
I don't think Downtown Edmond should be zoned for hotels. I don't think there is space for one. I think what we need in downtown Edmond are retail, restaurants, and entertainment. Not hotels. Where would the hotel go, do you know?

As for your last point, no, I would not see a boutique hotel going out by the current Hilton. However, that area of town would be a great place for other similar hotels that could compete with the Hilton. I'm thinking Embassy Suites, Hyatt brand hotels, etc.

I have not looked at downtown Edmond where a hotel would. But the old dolese plant certainly has the room, or several parcels could be assembled. Thats beside the point though.

You say downtown should be for retail, restaurants and entertainment. Thats fine, but almost any place in the country that has those things in close proximity also have hotels nearby. These things typically go hand in hand, just like why you see hotels in Bricktown and Midtown OKC, and in smaller areas like the Plaza you see a prevelance of Airbnbs, and/or denser housing like apartments. You cant have retail, restaurants and entertainment and then force everyone to drive there. These places need a captive audience to thrive, thats where hotels and housing come in. But in classic Edmond NIMBY form, you say you arent against these things, but just not here. Again, that makes very little sense and prevents postive developments and vibrant districts from truly thriving.

And if there was a hotel that wanted to be along 35 near Hilton, they would do it, theres tons of empty land around there. But it appears the market isnt there for another large hotel yet. But one that differentiates themselves from Hilton and would rather be in a walkable, active area like downtonw seems like a good idea. Yet you want to prevent that. Why not let the market and competition truly be free?

The parking garage is a different argument because it would most surely require city money, but preventing private investment for a hotel just because you dont think it should be there? I dont understand this thinking.

jbkrems
01-22-2021, 05:29 PM
I have not looked at downtown Edmond where a hotel would. But the old dolese plant certainly has the room, or several parcels could be assembled. Thats beside the point though.

You say downtown should be for retail, restaurants and entertainment. Thats fine, but almost any place in the country that has those things in close proximity also have hotels nearby. These things typically go hand in hand, just like why you see hotels in Bricktown and Midtown OKC, and in smaller areas like the Plaza you see a prevelance of Airbnbs, and/or denser housing like apartments. You cant have retail, restaurants and entertainment and then force everyone to drive there. These places need a captive audience to thrive, thats where hotels and housing come in. But in classic Edmond NIMBY form, you say you arent against these things, but just not here. Again, that makes very little sense and prevents postive developments and vibrant districts from truly thriving.

And if there was a hotel that wanted to be along 35 near Hilton, they would do it, theres tons of empty land around there. But it appears the market isnt there for another large hotel yet. But one that differentiates themselves from Hilton and would rather be in a walkable, active area like downtonw seems like a good idea. Yet you want to prevent that. Why not let the market and competition truly be free?

The parking garage is a different argument because it would most surely require city money, but preventing private investment for a hotel just because you dont think it should be there? I dont understand this thinking.

I compare the central downtown Edmond area (Broadway heading north from 2nd street until you get to the Stephen Bruce building) and the various cross streets to the Rose District in Broken Arrow. To me these two areas are very comparable in size, both have restaurants, retail, entertainment, etc. Rose District does NOT have a hotel, but does very very well because BA has a strong marketing program which promotes their city (and IMHO Broken Arrow has better marketing than Edmond does). Are there hotels near the Rose District? No, but Broken Arrow does have the Stoney Creek Convention Center, which can be compared to the Hilton Convention Center at I-35 and Covell. But there are no hotels in the Rose District and that is a real tourist attraction. Every time I visit Broken Arrow, which is frequent, I find myself in the Rose District. Its a great happening place, especially on weekends.

Its not really a NIMBY proposition to me --- I just do not see where you would place a boutique hotel in downtown Edmond. Where would it go? I am not in favor of a developer buying up existing retail and restaurants in order to build a boutique hotel.

As for the parking garage, if the City of Edmond needs to convert its own property to a garage that is fine with me. But the Administration Building is not accessed off Broadway --- and I would be against placing a garage directly off Broadway which is what I think of when I hear about downtown Edmond.

Plutonic Panda
01-22-2021, 05:46 PM
Anyone here knows I don’t mind supporting suburban sprawl but placing the current hotel convention center on I-35 and Covell was just stupid. Yes those roads needed to be widened anyways but let demand foster development out there. Downtown needed a shot in the arm and this would have done. Edmonds downtown is pretty much two dimensional at the moment though this is current changing.

As for the “there’s no room” comment that is absolutely comical. They can find ways to build new bus terminal in the heart Manhattan to support 1000 busses during rush hour yet downtown Edmond doesn’t have room to support a small boutique hotel?

scottk
01-22-2021, 06:49 PM
Edmond Mayor Forum: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=719568608703252

Zorba
01-22-2021, 08:50 PM
Unless Walters has changed his mind, he is against mask mandates. His views appear to be a liberty and freedom issue when it comes to masks. Back in July 2020, both Nathan and his wife spoke against a mask mandate at an Edmond City council meeting (video still up). Darrell Davis was and has been in favor of a mask mandate. Davis will get my vote for mayor since I think it's a public health issue.

"It's my liberty to commit negligent homicide!"

I'm not normally a single issue voter, but right now I will refuse to vote for anyone that is anti-mask. It's likely a pretty good indication I wouldn't care for their other views either. Broken Arrow is laughing stock of the nation right now and has some of the worst COVID numbers in the state.

Zorba
01-22-2021, 09:14 PM
Where would the parking garage go? Would it require the City to purchase private property? How much would it cost? I do not think it would be wise to place a parking garage in the City of Edmond. Rose District in Broken Arrow is about the same as downtown Edmond, and there is no parking garage there. If there is space for additional parking lots, maybe that is something that I would support. However, not an actual parking garage.

They should put in a garage and let the store fronts permanently take over the street parking for outdoor seating or sells. I loved in Colorado this summer where all the cities had their main streets closed to cars and all the restaurants and stores took over the street. I think Edmond should consider doing that on the weekends, like 6pm Friday through 8 pm Sunday have Broadway closed and let the restaurants take it over.

jbkrems
01-22-2021, 10:28 PM
"It's my liberty to commit negligent homicide!"

I'm not normally a single issue voter, but right now I will refuse to vote for anyone that is anti-mask. It's likely a pretty good indication I wouldn't care for their other views either. Broken Arrow is laughing stock of the nation right now and has some of the worst COVID numbers in the state.

Broken Arrow the laughingstock of the nation? They have one of the best state senators around, Sen. Nathan Dahm --- he is a champion of our freedoms and we need more like him!

jbkrems
01-22-2021, 10:28 PM
They should put in a garage and let the store fronts permanently take over the street parking for outdoor seating or sells. I loved in Colorado this summer where all the cities had their main streets closed to cars and all the restaurants and stores took over the street. I think Edmond should consider doing that on the weekends, like 6pm Friday through 8 pm Sunday have Broadway closed and let the restaurants take it over.

Isn't Heard on Hurd kind of the same thing?

Plutonic Panda
01-22-2021, 11:02 PM
Nm

HangryHippo
01-23-2021, 07:33 AM
Broken Arrow the laughingstock of the nation? They have one of the best state senators around, Sen. Nathan Dahm --- he is a champion of our freedoms and we need more like him!
IF you hadn’t already, you’ve lost all credibility with this horses**t.

jerrywall
01-23-2021, 11:54 AM
Edmond Mayor Forum: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=719568608703252

Thanks. This really locked it in for me. Not only will I vote for Davis over Walters, this motivated me to actively campaign against the anti masked moron. And yes, it's a strong word but if someone is still pushing bad science and "personal responsibility" at this point in the pandemic they have zero business being in a position of leadership.

onthestrip
01-23-2021, 02:05 PM
Broken Arrow the laughingstock of the nation? They have one of the best state senators around, Sen. Nathan Dahm --- he is a champion of our freedoms and we need more like him!

Is this sarcasm or are you serious? If you are serious, you being a champion for freedom yet you want to tell others what they can do with their property sure is some incompatible thinking.

GoGators
01-23-2021, 02:53 PM
Broken Arrow doesn’t have good marketing, it has a terrible reputation on a state and even national scale right now. If Edmond is going to look to a city to emulate it should look to Norman or similar. It should stay far away from anything close to resembling BA.

jbkrems
01-24-2021, 12:01 AM
Is this sarcasm or are you serious? If you are serious, you being a champion for freedom yet you want to tell others what they can do with their property sure is some incompatible thinking.

No, I'm being very serious; my inlaws live in Broken Arrow and its a great city. We visit there about once every six weeks to every other month. May move there some day to be closer to my wife's family. Sen. Dahm is a champion of freedom --- I really do think people should not be told what to do with their property. However, when a City gets involved and starts telling people what to do, or what they should do with their property, that's wrong in my opinion. Unfortunately, Edmond now has a history of that.

jbkrems
01-24-2021, 12:02 AM
Broken Arrow doesn’t have good marketing, it has a terrible reputation on a state and even national scale right now. If Edmond is going to look to a city to emulate it should look to Norman or similar. It should stay far away from anything close to resembling BA.

One of the BA City Councilors owns "BA Buzz" and does a lot of marketing for their city. They also do videos about street widening projects, which is very transparent to me. I like that kind of thing and would like Edmond to emulate some of that in the future.

HangryHippo
01-24-2021, 12:03 AM
No, I'm being very serious; my inlaws live in Broken Arrow and is a great city. We visit there about once every six weeks to every other month. May move there some day to be closer to my wife's family. Sen. Dahm is a champion of freedom --- I really do think people should not be told what to do with their property. However, when a City gets involved and starts telling people what to do, or what they should do with their property, that's wrong in my opinion. Unfortunately, Edmond now has a history of that.
Dahm is a champion of being dahm dumb.

scottk
01-24-2021, 06:57 AM
One of the BA City Councilors owns "BA Buzz" and does a lot of marketing for their city. They also do videos about street widening projects, which is very transparent to me. I like that kind of thing and would like Edmond to emulate some of that in the future.

The City of Edmond already does this and consistently does a great job in communicating city projects, check out their YouTube page for numerous videos.

You mention BA Buzz, Edmond's City Manager does a monthly video series over street projects and city-owned facility upgrades: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul5zndK5fBI

Plutonic Panda
01-24-2021, 07:13 AM
Not only that but Edmond has a list of every programmed street project and expanded that list by adding a map searching feature and another list dedicated to specific concrete reconstruction projects apart from asphalt resurfacing projects. I have to give credit where credit is due.

The general project list is update monthly along with the city managers report, the street projects list is updated a few times a year which really is pretty good. It’s damn near impossible to find many specifically planned street projects in Los Angeles.

The other poster is borderline trolling at this point or possibly is just very ignorant.

Zorba
01-24-2021, 10:37 PM
Broken Arrow the laughingstock of the nation? They have one of the best state senators around, Sen. Nathan Dahm --- he is a champion of our freedoms and we need more like him!

This has got to be extreme sarcasm right?

I'm calling in Poe's Law right now.

Also not for telling people what to do with their property, but are for not allowing a hotel in downtown? Hmm.

jbkrems
01-24-2021, 10:51 PM
This has got to be extreme sarcasm right?

I'm calling in Poe's Law right now.

Also not for telling people what to do with their property, but are for not allowing a hotel in downtown? Hmm.

No, its not sarcastic; I am very serious when I question BA being the laughingstock of the nation. BA is a great city. They have a great state senator who represents them, Sen. Nathan Dahm. I wish he was my state senator (unfortunately right now I do not have a state senator representing me).

I don't think my statement violates Poe's Law. Also, I talked with one of the ladies running for City Council, and while she would approve a parking garage downtown (not off Broadway directly), she would not agree with a hotel in downtown Edmond.

Plutonic Panda
01-24-2021, 11:18 PM
So I’m not trying to be insulting by saying this can you give me one valid reason why we should not have a hotel in downtown Edmond?

d-usa
01-25-2021, 06:32 AM
Just a casual look on Google maps shows a staggering amount of empty land in the square-mile section around downtown Edmond. How big do some people think a boutique hotel would be?

onthestrip
01-25-2021, 09:00 AM
Just a casual look on Google maps shows a staggering amount of empty land in the square-mile section around downtown Edmond. How big do some people think a boutique hotel would be?

Everyone who argues against certain developments always overstate how big it will be, how much noise it will bring, and how much traffic it will create and they are always unfounded or not based in reality. Its simply that they dont want to see a new building from their house, think it will bring more students to the school system (in the case of apartments) or that it will add a couple more cars to the closest intersection.

I still cant get over the fact that a) the guy who constantly gets lampooned for goofy legislation is one of the best legislators, and b) that "I love freedom but oh by the way, you cant build that there because I dont think you should." line of thinking.

Edmond provided $750,000 in a TIF for parking around the railyard and Icehouse, which is pretty pricey. A parking garage would be much more than that and really seems unnecessary at the moment imo. But a boutique hotel seems like a cool idea if a private developer proposed it. Edmond is already underserved on hotel rooms. I have yet to hear a good reason why it shouldnt happen other than "I dont think its a good place." Fortunately, Edmond city council has come a long way to ignore those nimby arguments and be more pro-growth. Not perfect but much better in recent years.

Now if Edmond can just avoid electing any vigilant anti-maskers like broken arrow. Have you seen some of their city council meetings? Yikes!

jerrywall
01-25-2021, 09:31 AM
If folks want some more guidance on which candidates NOT to support...

16693

TheTravellers
01-25-2021, 09:37 AM
No, its not sarcastic; I am very serious when I question BA being the laughingstock of the nation. BA is a great city. They have a great state senator who represents them, Sen. Nathan Dahm. ...

This guy?

https://www.thelostogle.com/?s=dahm

:lol2::lol2::lol2:

jerrywall
01-25-2021, 10:02 AM
Just a casual look on Google maps shows a staggering amount of empty land in the square-mile section around downtown Edmond. How big do some people think a boutique hotel would be?

I do think that many people, when they think of downtown Edmond, they're picturing the few blocks right along Broadway north of 2nd, and not the larger downtown district, or the spaces that aren't right ON Broadway. Or they're picturing a free standing hotel that would take up an entire block downtown.

HangryHippo
01-25-2021, 10:14 AM
If folks want some more guidance on which candidates NOT to support...

16693
The fact that has as many positive reactions as it does is appalling.

HangryHippo
01-25-2021, 05:28 PM
Jbkrems - did you see your dream city of BA is in the news for using Holocaust footage as part of anti-mask presentation? If they weren’t already an embarrassment, they soon will be.

jbkrems
01-25-2021, 05:45 PM
Jbkrems - did you see your dream city of BA is in the news for using Holocaust footage as part of anti-mask presentation? If they weren’t already an embarrassment, they soon will be.

I heard about that, but you have mischaracterized what happened. From what I understand, one of BA's citizens, Ms. Lori Gracey, used Holocaust footage in HER PERSONAL presentation, against mask mandates. She was not making this presentation on behalf of the City of Broken Arrow, but she was using this footage as part of her presentation as a private citizen. The City and the Chamber of Commerce of Broken Arrow have both disavowed this. Of course, when someone makes public comment in any of these meetings, it is wrong to directly associate it to say the views of the private citizen are not the same as the position of the City or of the Chamber of Commerce. However, Ms. Gracey has a right to her opinion, as bizarre as it may or may not be. Doesn't mean something is wrong with the City of Broken Arrow or its Chamber of Commerce.

David
01-26-2021, 04:41 PM
Normal private citizens can speak at city council meetings with the assistance of video presentations? I've watched a lot of OKC city council meeting streams and followed along with live-tweets of even more than that and I have never seen or seen mention of a random private citizen making that kind of presentation.

Does Broken Arrow really allow that for anyone who wants to speak? And nobody vets the presentations ahead of time? Seems pretty weird and hard to believe.

Also, the city council at least did not disavow it: City Of Broken Arrow Declines To Condemn Use Of Holocaust Imagery At Council Meeting (https://www.publicradiotulsa.org/post/city-broken-arrow-declines-condemn-use-holocaust-imagery-council-meeting#stream/0)

cboyd1987
02-04-2021, 05:08 PM
Hi Jerry. I haven't been on OKC Talk in a very long time, so I just recently came across this thread. Mr. Davis and I live in the same neighborhood and have known each other for several years, but he did not make an endorsement in the Ward 3 council race, which I definitely understand.

Hopefully one of our volunteers or I have knocked on your door since Christmas. If not, you can check out my website https://boydforedmond.com. I'd appreciate your consideration on Feb. 9.


Yeah, I assumed Davis will be opposed. I'm just hoping he wins. Any input on who else is planning on running for that or the Ward 3 seat? Cody Boyd appears to be Davis' chosen successor but I'm hoping there are some other strong contenders.

jerrywall
02-10-2021, 09:23 AM
Uhg - Not real thrilled with the election results last night. The anti-science crowd seemed to really have their way - I'm sure the antivaxxers and covidiots are celebrating, but I'm hoping in the general we can kick Janis and Peterson to the curb.

https://nondoc.com/2021/02/09/edmond-city-council-election-results/

I'll be pushing hard for Mugg on Ward 3 because she at least understands that a mask mandate is not overreach, and her focus is stuff like infrastructure and business development; as opposed to Janis who seems to be about "conservative values", fighting the left (someone should tell them the council is non-partisan), fighting mask mandates and covid restrictions, and protecting the police. Oh, and bitching about water rates. Basically, everyone's annoying NIMBY neighbor.

onthestrip
02-10-2021, 12:23 PM
Uhg - Not real thrilled with the election results last night. The anti-science crowd seemed to really have their way - I'm sure the antivaxxers and covidiots are celebrating, but I'm hoping in the general we can kick Janis and Peterson to the curb.

https://nondoc.com/2021/02/09/edmond-city-council-election-results/

I'll be pushing hard for Mugg on Ward 3 because she at least understands that a mask mandate is not overreach, and her focus is stuff like infrastructure and business development; as opposed to Janis who seems to be about "conservative values", fighting the left (someone should tell them the council is non-partisan), fighting mask mandates and covid restrictions, and protecting the police. Oh, and bitching about water rates. Basically, everyone's annoying NIMBY neighbor.

Ugh, doesnt sound good so far. Edmond is weird though, in that now in the general election, the whole city votes on each wards race. Not sure that changes anything but its not going to be good to have anti-masker anti-growth councilors. Anti-mask is actually bad for business. Janis says shes against overreach and restrictions but I bet she would sure overreach and restrict if an apartment complex tried to get built.

Plutonic Panda
02-10-2021, 01:54 PM
Of course Edmond doesn’t want to vote for a candidate that focuses on infrastructure. These same dumbasses who vote against candidates that want to improve our infrastructure will complain about traffic.