Mayoral Election 2018

[king183]

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.

[OkieDave]

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.

George would take more than the NE side. Holt was the champion of income tax reductions throughout the decade and is as responsible as anyone for the revenue failure we are in. Andrew Rice tried to warn him http://http://www.pressreader.com/us...82033323623805.

http://oklahomawatch.org/2016/01/12/...-1b-this-year/

Holt is a champion and puppet of the city elites (minus his employer Fred Hall for whom he does "investor relations" and who doesn't show up on his list of endorsements) and has been sadistic to the poor running bills favorable to payday lending and hoping to restrict government aid to those who failed a drug test. George Young could explain that to the city better than anyone.

And if not George Young then the Lost Ogle:

On Payday Lending: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2...loan-industry/

On Naming a bridge for George Bush: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2...george-w-bush/

On drug testing welfare recipients but not lawmakers: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2...e-a-drug-test/

On his "parent trigger law" in schools he led the charge to be chronically underfunded http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2...enhaal-movies/

etc. etc...

[Midtowner]

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

[LocoAko]

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

Has Shadid announced yet? It seems most think he will, but as of now is it just Holt and Maughan? Wonder if George Young will enter the race, either.

[king183]

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

To his credit, he was one of three GOP senators to debate, vigorously, against the transgender bathroom bill and the physician/abortion bill that Fallin had to veto. He also wrote and passed several bills related to increasing voter turnout and voter registration that I believe are positive developments. This session, he authored the bill, signed by Fallin yesterday, that allows movie theaters to serve beer and liquor in a non-segregated environment.

With that said, I appreciate some of the points you're making, namely that his teacher pay raise bills were just window dressing Holt knew was never going to get traction--and he did nothing to try to get them traction within leadership. He just promoted them on Twitter.

He also ran the awful payday lender bills last year that were written by the payday lending industry and the terms of which he didn't understand. He withdrew them after an enormous amount of pressure, largely driven by Steve Lackmeyer. (They were reintroduced by another author and passed this year, but vetoed by Fallin. Holt voted no.)

The fact that his bill increasing the age through which victims of sexual abuse can bring complaints against their abusers included two major flaws that had to be corrected is disconcerting, especially since he has a law degree.

I'm also concerned at how ineffective he was at stopping some legislation that was detrimental to Oklahoma City, such as the dilapidated property registry ban, or advancing legislation that would benefit the city, such as the bill to allow cities to use property tax to fund public safety.

Still, I find him to be a good, effective, and optimistic spokesman for OKC, which is a large part of the mayor's role. I hope, if he's elected, he will be a little more aggressive with his thinking and advocacy for the city through avenues other than Twitter.

[Midtowner]

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

[LocoAko]

http://okgazette.com/2017/06/08/mayo...ng-reelection/

[OkieDave]

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

Then a legitimate question is how does David Holt make a living. What exactly does it mean to be "Managing Director of Investor Relations" at Hall Capital. Fred Hall is a city elite who is a frequent flyer in terms of receiving public subsidies from City government. What education/experience does David Holt draw upon to be "Director of Investor Relations"? Many people felt that a bogus job was created for the current Mayor (while Holt was Chief of Staff) at Ackermann McQueen and this seems to come from the same playbook. Would being head of Investor Relations (without any credentials to do so) and being Mayor not represent a sizeable conflict of interest?

[bradh]

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

Who cares if someone doesn't practice law after getting their degree? Are you not the same person who gripes that not enough of our legislation doesn't have a lick of law background? Does that mean they all need to have practiced, or just have the education?

[Midtowner]

I'm just looking for someone to have an honest job doing something other than hooking up millionaires and billionaires with public subsidies.

[sooner88]

I do not know Holt personally, and think that he may be a good option, but the only thing I wanted to mention was his current title of director of investment relations. He has no finance education or experience. For an example, a comparable comparison would be the Humphrey's Fund. Look at Ben Stewart's experience vs. Holt. HF is larger, but it is the best comparison in OKC .

http://humphreysco.com/team/

[betts]

I'd like to point out is that I hear speculation about the details of Holt's job without any actual knowledge. That sounds like the kind of uninformed political posting that has been so problematic in this country. Ask him what he does. One of the things I've found out about David Holt is that he's incredibly responsive to questions and opinions. I'm a Democrat, so obviously I don't agree with everything he's done in the legislature,but he is always very forthcoming about his positions, listens to others and will change or compromise if the reasoning is sound. Don't hang someone in public without adequate data.

[OkieDave]

I'd like to point out is that I hear speculation about the details of Holt's job without any actual knowledge. That sounds like the kind of uninformed political posting that has been so problematic in this country. Ask him what he does. One of the things I've found out about David Holt is that he's incredibly responsive to questions and opinions. I'm a Democrat, so obviously I don't agree with everything he's done in the legislature,but he is always very forthcoming about his positions, listens to others and will change or compromise if the reasoning is sound. Don't hang someone in public without adequate data.

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

[soonerguru]

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

Dave, I've always wondered, what is your source of income? Do you have a job? I'm not trying to be petty I've just always wondered.

As for David Holt, I can't think of anyone more qualified for the job he has with Hall Capital. He knows everyone and is very good at building and maintaining relationships. These skills help him in the political arena as well.

[betts]

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

The problem is that you're speculating, and as we've seen in other elections, speculation can devolve into untruths viewed as fact. So yes, if you think it's important enough to throw out here on a public forum, then it isn't unreasonable to ask that person before posting things that may be untrue.

[betts]

Holding any job in Oklahoma City could potentially create a conflict of interest. I can think of conflicts for virtually any job one can hold. Since we do not pay our Mayors a living wage, we have to assume they are either independently wealthy and don't need to work (a potential conflict as well), or they are going to have to do some sort of work to feed their families. I, personally, am not going to question any potential mayor's line of work unless I have personal knowledge of what they do or they obviously are in a line of work that violates laws of the state or country.

[LocoAko]

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.

George would take more than the NE side. Holt was the champion of income tax reductions throughout the decade and is as responsible as anyone for the revenue failure we are in. Andrew Rice tried to warn him http://http://www.pressreader.com/us...82033323623805.

http://oklahomawatch.org/2016/01/12/...-1b-this-year/

Holt is a champion and puppet of the city elites (minus his employer Fred Hall for whom he does "investor relations" and who doesn't show up on his list of endorsements) and has been sadistic to the poor running bills favorable to payday lending and hoping to restrict government aid to those who failed a drug test. George Young could explain that to the city better than anyone.

Welp, something tells me George Young won't be running....

https://www.facebook.com/HoltforMayo...type=3&theater

GEORGE YOUNG ENDORSES HOLT

Following the decision by Mayor Mick Cornett not to seek re-election, Oklahoma House Representative George Young publicly declared his exploration of a mayoral candidacy. Last week, Young announced he will instead seek election to the Oklahoma Senate in 2018. Today, he is announcing that he is endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor of Oklahoma City.

"After considering a run myself for Oklahoma City Mayor and receiving great encouragement to do that, I have decided to pursue a different path and run for the Oklahoma Senate," said Young. "But I am still passionate about the future of Oklahoma City, and that is why I am endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor. He is the best candidate. I have worked alongside David in the Legislature, and I know him to be someone who cares about many of the things I care about. I also know from his record of service that he will work hard to include all parts of our city in major decisions, and that's important to me. David and I both envision a strong working relationship in our future roles, and we will collaborate to move all of Oklahoma City forward.”

"George Young is someone I greatly respect and admire," said Holt. "There is probably no one more universally loved by his fellow legislators, and that affection comes from both sides of the aisle. I am deeply grateful that George believes in my campaign and is willing to give it his public support. George will be someone I turn to in the years ahead for advice and counsel. I am also very excited he is seeking election to the Senate, where we always need strong voices fighting for Oklahoma City."

Young is serving his second term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and he is seeking election to Senate District 48 in 2018. Prior to his elected service, he was a prominent pastor in Oklahoma City, and also actively served as a community volunteer. Young served on the board of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, the board of United Way of Greater Oklahoma City, and as commissioner for the Department of Human Services. Young is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership Oklahoma City. Additionally, he has been nationally recognized for his legislative leadership from the Council of State Governments and the Southern Legislative Conference.

Young's endorsement of Holt continues the momentum of Holt's candidacy, which launched out of the gate with 450 bipartisan endorsements from across OKC, followed by subsequent announcements of support from Oklahoma City's firefighters and former OU football coach Barry Switzer. The election to choose Oklahoma City's next Mayor will be held February 13, 2018. For more information about David Holt's campaign for Mayor, visit holtformayor.com.

[king183]

Yep. I can't think of anyone else that can pose a serious challenge to David, but I think Brian Maughan can at least give us a good debate on certain issues if he runs a more serious campaign, which I think would be good for the city.

[Urbanized]

Full disclosure (sure would be great if others who shared opinions - especially negative - would at least disclose if they have ties with said candidate or an opponent): I have known David for more than a decade, have a friendly relationship with him, and I also worked for the Hall family for five years, a couple of decades ago. In my experience David is incredibly approachable, even via social media. As far as what he does for Hall Capital I'd be lying if I said I knew (I haven't asked), but knowing him I'm sure he'd be happy to answer anyone who inquired about it.

I have a very high personal opinion of both David and of the Halls. I've never seen anything that makes me question the integrity of either. And I do personally support David's run for Mayor. Besides the years he recently spent as an elected official, he also worked for years in the Mayor's office, during a very key time in OKC's growth, and very closely with the longest-running Mayor of OKC; one who is largely very respected at that. Not to mention he has more than a little Washington-related public service.

Now that I have that out of the way, I'd like to know exactly what might make him unqualified to be a "Managing Director of Investor Relations." To me that sounds like a very different job than, say, CFO, or an equity or fund manager. Those are jobs I would expect would be typically held by people with finance backgrounds. Someone with his title I would expect to have expertise in relationship management, which he unquestionably does.

I guess what I am saying is that if you come here to suggest something negative about a person, their position or their character, it's only fair for there to be some pushback if you can't provide specifics. Otherwise it's just character assassination.

[LocoAko]

In my experience David is incredibly approachable, even via social media.

This definitely seems to be the case. I don't want to get too political and many won't care, but in the wake of President Trump pulling out of the Paris agreement and numerous cities publicly announcing they'd continue to fight climate change on their own, I tweeted at him asking what he'd do as mayor of OKC to ensurse that we, too, fight climate change by doing what we can locally. He responded almost immediately and, while I didn't love the answer as someone who thinks there's only one way to "feel" about CC, it was a very good answer for a politician who needs broad appeal and he's right that it's something everyone can get behind, so I have to give him that.

Hey @davidfholt -- if elected as mayor of OKC in 2018, what will you do to ensure that OKC combats climate change at the local level?

@davidfholt
Energy conservation & continuing transit improvements are things I will pursue, and are good ideas regardless of how one feels about CC.

[LocoAko]

So is it correct that, with Brian Maughan dropping out due to an injury, there is nobody running against David Holt for this race? Not that it wasn't going to be a blow out anyway, but wow.

[shawnw]

Are we past the filling deadline?

[LocoAko]

Are we past the filling deadline?

Just looked, and I hadn't realized the filing period was Dec 4-6, 2017 (much later than I thought). I'd only been looking at campaign finance reports filed thus far. So, looks like there is time for additional candidates to step up, though they have quite the obvious uphill battle ahead...

[ChowRunner]

Three candidates for Oklahoma City Mayor to stand in Feb. 13 election



Three candidates filed to run in the City of Oklahoma City’s mayoral election, setting up a primary election Feb. 13.



The candidates are:



· David Holt

· Randall Smith

· Taylor M. Neighbors



Oklahoma City’s next Mayor will succeed current Mayor Mick Cornett, who isn’t seeking re-election after four terms. He has served as Mayor since 2004.



If the winner of the Feb. 13 primary election earns a majority of the votes, that candidate will be sworn in to a four-year term as Mayor in April. If no candidate receives a majority, the two candidates with the most votes will stand in a decisive general election April 3.



The Mayor is one of nine members of the Oklahoma City Council. The other members represent each of Oklahoma City’s eight Wards.



The Council is nonpartisan and members serve part-time at the head of the City’s Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor’s annual salary is $24,000, and Council members’ annual salary is $12,000.

[Laramie]

David Holt knows Oklahoma City; he will be a great ambassador as he has been in the past. He will continue to support what's in the best interest of OKC:

As a lifelong democrat; my confidence in Senator Holt will be the same as with Mayor Mick Cornett--he doesn't wear his party affiliation on his sleeve.