OKC Mayor Race 2014

[warreng88]

Results and no plan for the next four years, much less the next twenty.

That puts us right back here: http://www.okctalk.com/general-civic...tml#post719836

Which begs the question I have asked four or five times: What are Ed's plans? Where it the funding going to come from? I have not heard a meaningful answer to the first questions and I have not heard any answer to the second question.

[Midtowner]

We're stuck in the mindset from when Maps 1 was conceived twenty years ago. One reason people listened to Ed was because he was talking about the "holistic" view. Great word to use when talking about the city. As you said, and as I've said before on this forum, we don't have leadership with that vision, much less with the ability to put it into a plan of action and make it happen. We've missed the chance to start that process now and will be saddled with Mick for another term instead.

Now I'll admit--some of the above responses talking about ongoing cocaine use are downright borderline libelous (but Shadid's a public figure, so rock out with your sock out as long as you're not doing it with malice). Now you say Shadid has a "holistic" view. I'm having trouble seeing it. If he has such a view, his communication abilities are piss-poor. So far, I've just seen a bunch of articles about how he was against the rail portion of MAPS 3 (but now he's for it after losing a vote at the horseshoe) and now how he's against a hotel.

If he has a vision, he's not communicating it. Vision is knowing where you're going. From what I've seen, Shadid is selectively against MAPS projects, something we all feared would happen with MAPS 3 (i.e., the city council changing the projects we voted for).

I'm not seeing a vision, just selective opposition to things we thought were a done deal. Is there evidence to the contrary?

[Midtowner]

There's no problems with Mick feigning sophistication. He is what he is. Unfortunatly, there is a problem with him having enough sophistication to move us where we need to go.

To bad for us we don't have a viable replacement.

This is why we have a City Manager.

[mkjeeves]

Which begs the question I have asked four or five times: What are Ed's plans? Where it the funding going to come from? I have not heard a meaningful answer to the first questions and I have not heard any answer to the second question.

Um, who cares? Do you think he's got a shot at winning? Guess some still need to whip that horse instead of talking about the future of the city.

[betts]

His "holistic view" as far as I can tell is "I decide the (w)hole thing and you all do what I want". Whatever that is. I'd still like to know how he thinks he'll get the voters to approve anything if he kills MAPS projects. The only way I see the voters approving an expanded (expensive) bus service is if it is part of a comprehensive transit system that approves rail. He talks about streetcar O&M. It is a minuscule amount compared to bus O&M. Actually, I think his biggest problem is that he knows a little and has an ego telling him he's an expert. He can't see the big picture, which includes education, compromise and patience. He's managed to alienate half the people who would ordinarily be supportive of some of his ideas and actually might have the expertise to come up with concrete plans for implementation.

[warreng88]

Um, who cares? Do you think he's got a shot at winning? Guess some still need to whip that horse instead of talking about the future of the city.

Um, we care. You just said Mick Cornett has no plans for the next four years much less the next twenty. If he has no plans, I would like to know Ed's plans. He said he wants to build public safety. Great! How and where is the money coming from? He said he wants to increase diversity. Great! How? This IS the future of the city. You can't say we have been whipping a horse when we ask questions which never seem to get answered.

[mkjeeves]

Now I'll admit--some of the above responses talking about ongoing cocaine use are downright borderline libelous (but Shadid's a public figure, so rock out with your sock out as long as you're not doing it with malice).

My thoughts as well when other people did that. Good on you for mentioning it.

Now you say Shadid has a "holistic" view. I'm having trouble seeing it. If he has such a view, his communication abilities are piss-poor. So far, I've just seen a bunch of articles about how he was against the rail portion of MAPS 3 (but now he's for it after losing a vote at the horseshoe) and now how he's against a hotel.

If he has a vision, he's not communicating it. Vision is knowing where you're going. From what I've seen, Shadid is selectively against MAPS projects, something we all feared would happen with MAPS 3 (i.e., the city council changing the projects we voted for).

I'm not seeing a vision, just selective opposition to things we thought were a done deal. Is there evidence to the contrary?

Did not say he had a vision or view. I quoted the word he used and agree with the concept we, more particularly the leadership, should consider the city in a holistic manner if and when they actually want to address where we are going. They aren't and they aren't.

[mkjeeves]

Um, we care. You just said Mick Cornett has no plans for the next four years much less the next twenty. If he has no plans, I would like to know Ed's plans. He said he wants to build public safety. Great! How and where is the money coming from? He said he wants to increase diversity. Great! How? This IS the future of the city. You can't say we have been whipping a horse when we ask questions which never seem to get answered.

Again, Ed is irrelevant. What is Mick's four year and twenty year plan?

[Dubya61]

During the drug test welfare recipients debate at the capitol one Dem proposed the idea that if you test welfare recipients then it only makes sense to test lawmakers as well and maybe they suggested testing anyone who receives any government assistance or even a tax credit. I thought it was a good idea, not sure why we ask more from the poor than other people who benefit off of govt.

I'd like to clarify my position on drug testing.
I'm strongly against drug testing welfare recipients, but I'd sure cotton up to the idea of testing ANYBODY who receives government assistance or even a tax credit.
I think the very concept of welfare recipients being a lower class of citizens who are more likely to use illegal drugs and should be tested is repugnant, but I'd change my tune 180 degrees if you had a welfare mom in line to give her sample right next to an oil company president in line to give his sample!

[warreng88]

Again, Ed is irrelevant. What is Mick's four year and twenty year plan?

How is Ed irrelevant? He is running against a Mayor who has been in that position for 10 years once the vote comes up. Mick is going to continue what he has been doing the past ten years. He has a track record, he is going to push to get the MAPS3 projects done on time and as promised. This has been what he wanted to do since he started the campaign for it five years ago. He is going to continue to build stronger neighborhoods through city investments in infrastructure and police oficers. He is the face of the city and will continue to promote OKC to the rest of the country. Oh and all of this is not thought up by me. It's on his facebook page. The only thing Ed has on his facebook page regarding his accomplishments is this:

"Over the last two years, Dr. Shadid has focused on transparency, accountability and unprecedented levels of public collaboration. Dr. Shadid has held town hall meetings focusing on sprawl, public health, the OKC Boulevard development and public transportation which have drawn from 300-700 concerned citizens. His focus on social media represents a paradigm shift in the way the citizens of OKC interact which their elected representative and city government."

So, he has held meetings to talk to people. Mick got us an NBA team...

[mkjeeves]

Okay. Talk only about Ed until after the election. Then we'll talk about Mick's lack of plan, our future and the issues. Right now we'll put all that on hold. Flame away on Ed. Post yesterday's news in big font a few hundred more times. Do not look behind the curtain. Do not ask about the emperor's lack of clothes.

We'll have years to come to do that. It can wait.

[warreng88]

Okay. Talk about Ed until after the election. Then we'll talk about Mick's lack of plan, our future and the issues.

Um, did you read my post before yours?

[warreng88]

How is Ed irrelevant? He is running against a Mayor who has been in that position for 10 years once the vote comes up. Mick is going to continue what he has been doing the past ten years. He has a track record, he is going to push to get the MAPS3 projects done on time and as promised. This has been what he wanted to do since he started the campaign for it five years ago. He is going to continue to build stronger neighborhoods through city investments in infrastructure and police oficers. He is the face of the city and will continue to promote OKC to the rest of the country. Oh and all of this is not thought up by me. It's on his facebook page. The only thing Ed has on his facebook page regarding his accomplishments is this:

"Over the last two years, Dr. Shadid has focused on transparency, accountability and unprecedented levels of public collaboration. Dr. Shadid has held town hall meetings focusing on sprawl, public health, the OKC Boulevard development and public transportation which have drawn from 300-700 concerned citizens. His focus on social media represents a paradigm shift in the way the citizens of OKC interact which their elected representative and city government."

So, he has held meetings to talk to people. Mick got us an NBA team...

I'll highlight it for you to make it easier for you to read since that is obviously an issue for you...

[betts]

Shall we look at how Oklahoma City has changed during Mick's tenure? Actually, simply bringing an NBA team to OKC (which was in no way simple) has made more of an impact on Oklahoma City than anything. MAPS 1 compares, but that's about it. Mick is willing to listen. You can bring ideas to him and he understands how to implement them. He doesn't have high flown plans that aren't workable. He understands how the weak mayor system works and builds bridges with the council to get things carried out.

Is Oklahoma City perfect? No. It is and will always be a work in progress. But I like how this city has progressed during Mick's tenure. I understand that he and the city are working with Norman, Edmond and Midwest City to improve transit. It's not flashy like holding a public meeting, but if you pay attention, you see significant progress in that direction. The city is changing because of work Mick and previous mayors have done. It's growing younger and more progressive. If those young, progressive people work within the system, they can accomplish great things. But we need thoughtful, stable leadership during a time of change and I don't see Ed providing either of those.

I'm going to put a plug in for "Big League City" for people who are interested in how the Thunder got to OKC. I was paying a lot of attention and it's incredibly accurate and had some things in it I didn't know. We have become more of a big league city, and Mick Cornett was a key player in that happening.

[tomokc]

I'd like to clarify my position on drug testing.
I'm strongly against drug testing welfare recipients, but I'd sure cotton up to the idea of testing ANYBODY who receives government assistance or even a tax credit.

Huh? Against testing welfare recipients but for testing those receiving government assistance? Please differentiate between the two.

[warreng88]

Midtowner, question for you (being an attorney and definitely not a shrill for The Oklahoman): Would the sealing of testimony concerning a doctor's use of narcotics while in practice prevent those suing him for malpractice from discovering this information as part of their lawsuits?

I think this is the biggest question that has yet to be answered and could effectively end the ES campaign if true.

[Bellaboo]

I think this is the biggest question that has yet to be answered and could effectively end the ES campaign if true.

I think this was answered in post #2296 by yukong.

[okcustu]

Shall we look at how Oklahoma City has changed during Mick's tenure? Actually, simply bringing an NBA team to OKC (which was in no way simple) has made more of an impact on Oklahoma City than anything. MAPS 1 compares, but that's about it. Mick is willing to listen. You can bring ideas to him and he understands how to implement them. He doesn't have high flown plans that aren't workable. He understands how the weak mayor system works and builds bridges with the council to get things carried out.

Is Oklahoma City perfect? No. It is and will always be a work in progress. But I like how this city has progressed during Mick's tenure. I understand that he and the city are working with Norman, Edmond and Midwest City to improve transit. It's not flashy like holding a public meeting, but if you pay attention, you see significant progress in that direction. The city is changing because of work Mick and previous mayors have done. It's growing younger and more progressive. If those young, progressive people work within the system, they can accomplish great things. But we need thoughtful, stable leadership during a time of change and I don't see Ed providing either of those.

I'm going to put a plug in for "Big League City" for people who are interested in how the Thunder got to OKC. I was paying a lot of attention and it's incredibly accurate and had some things in it I didn't know. We have become more of a big league city, and Mick Cornett was a key player in that happening.

I just want him to mention the words poverty... The only reason Ed's relevant is that people ride our broken bus system and live in neighborhoods that aren't gentrifying or getting better.

And Ed's plans are flimsy and he doesn't know how to play nice so they won't ever get done, but that doesn't excuse Mick from having a plan or platform. Is he asking for an award or 4 more years. I know what he's done and 75% of it is very laudable, but I think we've done enough corporate welfare. It's time to put money towards a real transit system (light rail/streetcars, bus, and commuter rail), help the impoverished areas of the city, develop form based code and an urban growth boundary, and fix OKCPS.

[warreng88]

I just want him to mention the words poverty... The only reason Ed's relevant is that people ride our broken bus system and live in neighborhoods that aren't gentrifying or getting better.

And Ed's plans are flimsy and he doesn't know how to play nice so they won't ever get done, but that doesn't excuse Mick from having a plan or platform. Is he asking for an award or 4 more years. I know what he's done and 75% of it is very laudable, but I think we've done enough corporate welfare. It's time to put money towards a real transit system (light rail/streetcars, bus, and commuter rail), help the impoverished areas of the city, develop form based code and an urban growth boundary, and fix OKCPS.

I can't find it right now, but I remember the streetcar being the tip of the iceberg for a multi-modal city-wide transit system which includes bus and commuter rail. I am not sure what a Mayor can do about impoverished areas of the city or fixing OKCPS. That seems like more of a state issue as it comes down to funding of those items. Am I wrong? What can he do that is not already doing?

[Edgar]

So... about all this? Anything of substance from Edgar and the gang or just the continuing harmony and rhythm of the crickets chirping?

wow, a lot of glee flowing in the faith based community about the shortcomings of one of God's children. Shadid faced his demons and is seeking redemption serving his community and drawing attention to the plight of the least of us. Some people need Sunday school.

[Edgar]

I just want him to mention the words poverty... The only reason Ed's relevant is that people ride our broken bus system and live in neighborhoods that aren't gentrifying or getting better.

And Ed's plans are flimsy and he doesn't know how to play nice so they won't ever get done, but that doesn't excuse Mick from having a plan or platform. Is he asking for an award or 4 more years. I know what he's done and 75% of it is very laudable, but I think we've done enough corporate welfare. It's time to put money towards a real transit system (light rail/streetcars, bus, and commuter rail), help the impoverished areas of the city, develop form based code and an urban growth boundary, and fix OKCPS.

for real, the downtown plutocrats have had a great run.

[warreng88]

wow, a lot of glee flowing in the faith based community about the shortcomings of one of God's children. Shadid faced his demons and is seeking redemption serving his community and drawing attention to the plight of the least of us. Some people need Sunday school.

Some people need regular school.

[SoonerDave]

I just want him to mention the words poverty... The only reason Ed's relevant is that people ride our broken bus system and live in neighborhoods that aren't gentrifying or getting better.

And Ed's plans are flimsy and he doesn't know how to play nice so they won't ever get done, but that doesn't excuse Mick from having a plan or platform. Is he asking for an award or 4 more years. I know what he's done and 75% of it is very laudable, but I think we've done enough corporate welfare. It's time to put money towards a real transit system (light rail/streetcars, bus, and commuter rail), help the impoverished areas of the city, develop form based code and an urban growth boundary, and fix OKCPS.

And while this fictional mayoral candidate is at it, perhaps he can cure cancer and solve sibling rivalry in his spare time.

Not at all sure why gentrification of an arbitrary old neighborhood is OKC's governmental responsibility at all.

[SoonerDave]

wow, a lot of glee flowing in the faith based community about the shortcomings of one of God's children. Shadid faced his demons and is seeking redemption serving his community and drawing attention to the plight of the least of us. Some people need Sunday school.

Yeah, he's seeking his redemption by fighting like crazy to have the past legally buried so those he would be delighted to have as his supporters and voters conveniently be prevented from knowing he's a crackhead.

You really need to stop drinking the kool-aid (or is that Kool-ed?). Or perhaps you're just a really creative troll - I can't possibly fathom someone legitimately supporting this fraud for any elected office now.

[okcustu]

$280 of Convention center money could have built a lot of commuter rail miles and BRT lanes. I hate hearing "traffics not bad enough to warrant a lot of mass transit"; put another way there's not a tornado in the sky so I don't need a shelter or a plan. I'm glad we're working in it, but not nearly quick enough.

Mayors can do quite a bit for poverty, especially with a legislature bent on morality issues. That's a whole theme nationally. Low-in com families can spend 30-50% on transportation see above. They can also use their position to lobby the legislature. Partnering with OKCPS is essential for poverty and economic reasons (it's ends the cycle and makes the core more attractive to young families). Also the city can partner with non profits and colleges for anti-poverty programs that same way we've subsidized for profit companies. OKC has an almost invisible housing authority that could be doing infill mixed income development.

Another user commented why is a neighborhood's gentrification a government concern, glad we didn't ask him about Bricktown. Helping support development in neighborhoods increases the tax base and helps to make the city more live able and attractive to the new talent companies are bringing in. Organizing the city into neighborhoods into limited powers of self government who could set some zoning rules and apply for development grants from the city. These grants could help with mixed used development, parks, and mixed income housing.