Editorial: The City of Tulsa’s Strong Mayor form of government should be changed to a city manager form, but sadly, that is not on the ballot next Tuesday. Voters will, at the least, likely narrow the field of candidates to manage a $1 billion organization (annual) with 3,500 employees. Only Brent VanNorman has experience worthy of the role.

At the June Women for Tulsa forum, VanNorman said, “I was a CPA and worked for a firm for about nine years then had my first midlife crisis and went to seminary and pastored for about ten years. I had my second midlife crisis and went to law school. I then went to work for an international law firm and became a patent attorney engaged in patent litigation work. In addition, I helped run three businesses: a title insurance company, an impact investment fund, and a software company.”

VanNorman continued, “I think the next mayor needs to be someone who has managed employees before, knows how to look at a budget, and knows how to cut fat from a budget and there is plenty of fat in the Tulsa budget. I have studied the budget for the next year and there are places we can cut.”

Editorial: Designed to be a part-time weak council, Tulsa’s group approved a ballot proposition to increase their salaries to $34,000-yr with automatic cost-of-living increases. The second proposition Tuesday will raise the auditor’s pay to $142,500 annually. Both should be refused by voters. This is the council that, contrary to state directives, imposed mask mandates and lockdowns. Until city officials make right with those harmed by the now proven unscientific, harmful, and unconstitutional policies – no increase is justified.

Now contesting for all Council offices, we encourage everyone to do their own research. The following are Tulsa Today’s recommendations and notes for your consideration.