Candidate for Ward 3
- What is your position on requiring masks to be worn due to Covid-19 concerns?
“There is no legitimate controversy regarding the efficacy of masks in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Masks are a vital public health tool in fighting this pandemic.”
- What are your views on policing in Norman, including the budget, FOP contract, and SRO program?
“As a member of Council, I have to be careful about discussing certain topics that are the subject of current litigation. Generally speaking, NPD has the largest share of General Fund dollars of any city department. The SRO program is a voter-approved initiative funded jointly by Public Safety Sales Tax and NPS. Should Norman residents desire to fully staff the vision of the ballot initiative with respect to SROs, additional voter-approved revenue will be required. Council intends to submit that question to the people in the coming year. Per the FOP contract, Council will continue to seek advisement from the City Attorney’s office and outside legal to better understand the city’s rights at the bargaining table.”
- What are your views on the militarization of police and acquisition and use of military-grade weapons by the police department?
“I am greatly concerned by the over militarization of local police departments nationwide. Police departments, irrespective of their level of training, are not intended to defend the home front. That is the job of our National Guard. Norman is fortunate to have an OK Army National Guard base nearby in Lexington, OK. If their expertise is ever needed, I have full faith that the Governor would deploy their expert services.”
- What should the city of Norman do to address the numerous racial justice issues that have come up in recent years?
“City Council must continue to address the issues of our residents who are crying out for justice. Our ears and hearts must be open to meaningfully hear their pleas, and ensure that residents who are the targets of bigotry are welcomed to the table to help craft solutions and pathways for justice.”
- How should Norman address the needs of the homeless population?
“Our homeless residents deserve a robust overhaul of the safety nets that failed them. Homelessness is a symptom of deep systemic failings. The conditions that ultimately result in a resident becoming unhoused vary greatly. A few commonly known examples of underlying conditions that often lead residents to homelessness are local economic conditions, lack of healthcare, and fleeing domestic violence.”
- What are your views on infrastructure and environmental justice issues in the city, including stormwater, public transportation, accessibility, and land use?
“Infrastructure and Environmental Racism are often first cousins. Our country, state, and city all have long sordid histories of neglecting the infrastructure needs of communities of color, while simultaneously exploiting their resources and leaving their lands and neighborhoods in uninhabitable conditions known as “sacrifice zones.” This is a moral failure on our people. Accessibility: We have a long way to go to become a truly ADA-compliant city. I am proud of the work that we completed at Ruby Grant Park to create an inclusive park for all abilities to enjoy. That said, we still have a long road ahead of us to retrofit existing buildings, sidewalks, parks, and many other areas to be accessible to all of our residents.”
7. What do you think about the numerous Inclusive Community Subcommittee of the Human Rights Commission recommendations surrounding the homeless, a sanctuary city, updating Norman’s history of oppressed communities, etc.? Which of the recommendations from the Inclusive Community Subcommittee would you support?
“The Human Rights Subcommittee has put forward a wide variety of policy proposals for community and council consideration. Their work has been vital to understanding our city’s shortcomings, as well as our successes. I look forward to continuing to seek understanding of each policy proposal and creating coalitions to push our community forward to a place where all residents feel safe, valued, and heard. I am particularly interested in moving forward to update our historical record to accurately reflect our community’s past. I look forward to learning more about their vision for accomplishing this important effort.”
8. More Oklahomans are facing housing and food insecurity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. How would you address this issue as a city council member?
“Housing and food insecurity resulting from the pandemic are an appropriate use of CARES Act funding. We need to work with our partner jurisdictions, schools, non-profits, and faith-based organizations to get resources to our people in need as swiftly and efficiently as possible.”
9. Do you support Unite Norman? Did you support any of their recall efforts? Why or why not?
“Because I am currently in active litigation with Unite Norman, I have no comment.”
10. What are your thoughts on the economic development of Norman, such as TIF, Norman Forward, and Norman central city and Porter Avenue areas?
““Economic Development” seems to be the buzz term of many modern politicians. In the interest of brevity for publication, I will answer this question in more general, philosophical terms. Public tax money should be spent to benefit the public. When public money is used to prop up already advantaged companies or industries, the government is engaging in market manipulation that picks winners and losers. Our city has suffered greatly in the past from many different methods of crony capitalist creations. Let’s steer clear of those divisive and often corrupting schemes, and focus on the betterment of quality of life for our people.”
11. What should the city do to be more inclusive of all residents in city governance and decision making?
“We need more new faces from communities who have been largely unrepresented in seats of power at City Hall. While on Council, I have had the opportunity to seat two residents in important committee seats. Both of those seats have been filled by strong women of color. I hope that future councils continue that good work into the future. Our halls of power should look like the people they govern.”