Issues

Turnpike

The proposed turnpike projects in Norman threaten the livelihoods and property rights of hundreds of families within our city limits. This is in addition to the immense destruction of our rural natural environment and wildlife habitats, as well as the harmful impacts on waterways that feed Lake Thunderbird.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) never attempted to work with the City of Norman or our residents on this proposal before publishing the route maps in February 2022. As a result, we have seen a significant backlash that has united residents of our community across the political spectrum more than any other issue I’ve ever witnessed in Norman.

I supported the City Council’s 2022 resolution declaring our official objection to the OTA’s plan, and I still stand firmly behind that vote. As Mayor, I will always be willing to talk with the OTA or any other group, but Norman residents come first.

The feedback I’ve received over the last two years remains overwhelmingly opposed to the City cooperating with the OTA in any way that would result in more land taken from residents and more destruction of the natural environment in rural Norman.

Opposing the OTA Turnpike Expansion - Protecting Norman's Future

The proposed OTA turnpike expansion is a direct threat to Norman's residents, environment, and long-term growth. This plan would displace families, destroy neighborhoods, and burden our city with unnecessary infrastructure that does not serve our best interests. Here's why I oppose it:

1. Threat to Homes & Neighborhoods - The OTA's plan would force people out of their homes through eminent domain, devastating families who have lived in Norman for generations. No infrastructure project should come at the cost of displacing our residents.

2. Environmental Destruction - The proposed route would cut through sensitive environmental areas, damaging natural habitats, increasing runoff pollution, and contributing to long-term ecological harm. Norman must prioritize sustainable development over destructive expansion.

3. Lack of Transparency & Local Control - The OTA has repeatedly moved forward with little accountability to the people of Norman. Decisions about our city's future should be made by Norman residents and local leaders, not a state agency acting without proper oversight.

4. Financial Burden & Misplaced Priorities - The turnpike does not address our real transportation needs. Instead of investing in local road improvements and infrastructure that benefits Norman residents, the OTA is pushing a costly project that primarily serves outside interests.

5. Quality of Life Impact - Increased traffic, noise pollution, and disruptions to established neighborhoods will hurt Norman's unique character and livability. Our focus should be on preserving and enhancing the community we love, not carving it up for an unnecessary toll road.

Conclusion: A Better Path for Norman

Norman deserves responsible, community-driven infrastructure planning—not a turnpike that displaces residents, harms the environment, and fails to meet our real needs. Investing in local road improvements, public transit, and sustainable growth strategies will better serve Norman’s future without sacrificing our homes, communities, and quality of life.

As Mayor, I will stand with Norman residents against this harmful turnpike plan. I will fight for responsible, community-driven infrastructure investments that respect our homes, environment, and future. We deserve better than a project that prioritizes profits over people.


Arena/Entertainment District TIF

Let the voters decide. 

As a lifelong OU fan who grew up near campus and has been going to games with my dad since I was a kid, I have countless great memories tied to this university and its athletics. Because of that connection, I’d love to see a new arena built right here on campus. It feels like the perfect place to honor the tradition and passion that OU fans like me have cherished for years.

 I am not opposed to a new arena and entertainment district being built in Norman especially if done through private investment which is why I supported the zoning change and site plan at University North Park when it came before City Council.
 However, if public financing—in the form of 100% of sales and property tax TIF, amounting to up to $600 million over 25 years—is to fund the project, then the voters of Norman should make that decision through a public vote.

This stance reflects the overwhelming feedback I’ve received over the last few years from residents across Norman and was the primary factor in my vote against the TIF funding proposal as it was written. I supported the citizen petition initiative to bring this issue to a public vote, and as Mayor, I will honor and support the will of the voters, no matter the outcome.


Homelessness

Addressing homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue requiring collaboration across government, community efforts, and individual contributions.

This is a national issue impacting cities and towns of all sizes across the Country. Oklahoma reported an over 20% increase in homelessness last year, and in Oklahoma City it grew by nearly 30%. Norman has doubled in population since the 1980's and has grown by 20,000+ in the last decade. As our city and metro area continues to grow and housing costs continue to rise, we will see people continue to struggle to stay in the homes they have and not become homeless to begin with. There are local solutions we can support to help prevent this now and in the future. 

I grew up in Norman and was primarily raised by a single dad. It is important to me on a personal level that Norman remain a place where a single parent can afford to raise kids. 

It's also important to have a housing stock and resources in place that allow seniors to stay in the homes they have for as long as possible. One of the fastest rising groups of people experiencing homelessness in Norman are senior citizens. Home repair programs that allow low income and elderly residents stay in their homes longer can help reduce homelessness.

As a longterm solution to the need for a low barrier shelter to keep people off the streets, I support moving the current shelter from Downtown to the Griffin Hospital property. The best location in my opinion would be south of Main Street and near the existing Food & Shelter for Friends, County Health Department, Red Rock Behavioral Health, Central OK Community Health, and the many other existing services in that area who work on housing, addition, mental health, and other issues.

If someone has a safe place to sleep at night, it significantly increases the chances they will seek out and be receptive to help for mental health and chemical dependency issues.  

Here are some key approaches I support:

  • Affordable Housing: Ensure access to affordable housing. Preventing homelessness starts with policies that increase low-income and supportive housing options.
  • Supportive Services: Provide mental health counseling, addiction treatment, job training, and healthcare to address the root causes of homelessness.
  • Prevention: Offer temporary financial assistance through nonprofits and state services to those at risk of homelessness. Address factors like domestic violence and job loss.
  • Coordination: Foster collaboration between government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to maximize resources and efforts.
  • Education and Awareness: Reduce stigmatization by educating the public about homelessness and its root causes.
  • Employment Opportunities: Create job programs and vocational training to help homeless individuals achieve financial stability.
  • Wraparound Services: Provide comprehensive support for veterans, families, youth, and those with disabilities.
  • Housing First: Prioritize stable housing first, then offer necessary services like addiction treatment and mental health care.
  • Community Engagement: Involve the community in supporting shelters, volunteering, and fundraising.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness. It requires sustained, collaborative effort across stakeholders. As Mayor, I will listen, lead with compassion, and foster collaboration with our local non-profits, religious organizations, State agencies, and residents to pursue real solutions.

Public Safety

A healthy city requires an efficient and responsive public safety system.

Police Services:

Transparent, accountable police services are essential for building community trust. Every resident should feel confident that seeking help will result in a quick, professional, and timely response.

I support continued de-escalation training and ensuring that our officers are equipped to appropriately handle mental health and crisis response situations when needed. It is vital for the Norman Police Department to maintain strong partnerships and working relationships with other service providers who can help reduce the call load on the police for these issues. Additionally, prioritizing the mental and physical health of our officers is crucial so they can perform their jobs at the highest level.

In my 12 years on Council, I have voted to approve over a quarter billion dollars in funding for the Norman Police Department through their yearly budget and the Public Safety Sales Tax. Since 2013, we have replaced nearly the entire fleet of vehicles and invested in updated equipment and personnel, including a new emergency communications system, an emergency communications center, additional dispatchers, bomb robot, software updates to increase transparency and make police data public, a new investigations center, enhanced training for responding to mental health crisis calls, motorcycle units to reduce fuel consumption and improve traffic safety enforcement, a secured parking lot for police vehicles at the department, and, most recently, a citywide public safety assessment to provide a detailed plan for addressing staffing levels and facilities over the next 20 years.

I attend every police academy graduation, awards ceremony, and memorial service, and I have participated in more than a dozen ride-alongs to witness firsthand what the police face on a day-to-day basis.
As Mayor, I will continue to show up and support accountability, accessibility, and transparency with the Police Department.

Fire Protection:

We’ve made significant progress in reducing response times and lowering insurance rates, earning the highest possible ISO public protection classification. The Norman Fire Department is now among a select few nationwide with this recognition.

I will continue working to complete the construction of the new Fire Station #5, the last of the projects approved by voters in the Public Safety Sales Tax initiative. Additionally, the public safety assessment I supported will help identify staffing and facility needs, including new stations and optimal locations to maximize coverage and further reduce response times.

Transportation Safety:

Creating safer streets for all modes of transportation is vital, and ADA accessibility remains a priority.

In 2019, I supported funding for a Traffic Control Management Center, which voters approved and is now nearing completion. This center will improve traffic flow with signals that can be adjusted in real time based on traffic conditions and emergencies.

Furthermore, better street design can help reduce fatal and injury crashes, and I will continue supporting policies that address safety in all future street projects. I will continue to advocate to the State for safety improvements on Highway 9 especially. While we average less than two homicides per year, more than a dozen people are killed on our streets every year in crashes that could be preventable. We can save lives with safer streets for all modes of transportation. 

Strengthening IT & Cybersecurity for Public Safety:

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a critical component of public safety. As Mayor, I will work to ensure the City of Norman adopts state-of-the-art IT infrastructure to protect sensitive data, prevent cyber threats, and safeguard essential public services. By investing in robust cybersecurity measures, employee training, and community awareness, we can minimize vulnerabilities and build a more resilient and secure city for all residents.

Animal Welfare and Public Safety:

Animal welfare is a vital public safety issue that affects the well-being of our entire community. As a City Councilmember, I was proud to serve on the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee and help oversee the completion of Norman’s new Animal Welfare Center, providing a modern facility to care for animals and support responsible pet ownership. As Mayor, I will continue advocating for policies and programs that reduce stray animals, promote adoptions, and enhance public safety through effective animal control efforts. Together, we can ensure a safer and more compassionate environment for both residents and animals.

Housing and Public Safety:

Housing is a fundamental public safety issue because stable, affordable housing directly impacts the well-being of individuals and communities. When people have secure housing, they are less likely to experience crime, health emergencies, and financial instability.

Homelessness and housing insecurity increase interactions with emergency services, strain public resources, and contribute to higher crime rates. Without access to safe and stable housing, individuals are more vulnerable to exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health crises. Additionally, overcrowded or poorly maintained housing can lead to health hazards such as fire risks, mold exposure, and structural failures, putting residents in danger.

Investing in affordable housing, tenant protections, and smart urban planning enhances public safety by reducing homelessness, lowering crime, and creating stronger, healthier communities. A city that prioritizes housing security is a city that prioritizes public safety for all.

Water Resources

Maintaining and preserving our most precious natural resource - water - is vital. I remain committed to making informed, forward-looking decisions to secure Norman’s water future for the next 50-100 years.

Having served on the 2060 Strategic Water Supply Committee, I’ve worked to explore every possible option for ensuring sustainable water resources including conservation and reuse. This challenge will span generations, and we need leaders who can make informed decisions and work collaboratively for the best outcomes for all Norman residents.

Reuse and conservation are two of the best ways we can maintain our water independence now and for decades to come. This will help keep rates low and increase reliability.

During my time on the Council, we have invested nearly $100 million in improvements to both our water treatment and wastewater treatment plants. These projects have increased capacity and enhanced our ability to ensure that not only is the water we drink safe, but the water we send downstream is safe as well.

 

Stormwater 

Stormwater Management: Protecting Norman's Future

Effective stormwater management is essential to preventing flooding, protecting water quality, and maintaining safe infrastructure in Norman. With aging drainage systems and increasing development, we must take proactive steps to address stormwater issues before they become costly disasters.

Key Priorities for Stormwater Management

1. Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades

  • Repair and modernize Norman's outdated stormwater drainage systems to reduce flooding risks.
  • Implement green infrastructure solutions like permeable pavement, rain gardens, and expanded detention areas to improve water absorption and reduce runoff.

2. Protect Water Quality & the Environment

  • Strengthen protections for creeks, rivers, and watersheds to prevent pollution and erosion.
  • Increase public education on stormwater impacts and encourage sustainable landscaping practices to reduce runoff pollution.

3. Improve Maintenance & Response

  • Ensure regular clearing of drainage channels and stormwater inlets to prevent blockages.
  • Improve coordination between city departments and emergency services to respond quickly to severe weather events.

How to Pay for It

1. Stormwater Utility 

  • Establish a fair and reasonable stormwater utility fee based on property impact, ensuring that large commercial properties contribute their fair share.
  • Offer credits or incentives for businesses and homeowners who implement stormwater-friendly practices.

2. Leveraging Grants & State/Federal Funding

  • Actively pursue grants from federal and state agencies to help fund stormwater infrastructure projects.
  • Work with environmental and conservation organizations to secure funding for green infrastructure improvements.

3. Public-Private Partnerships

  • Encourage responsible development by requiring new construction projects to incorporate stormwater mitigation measures.
  • Partner with local businesses and community organizations to invest in flood prevention and water quality initiatives.

A Smarter, Sustainable Future

Stormwater management is not just about preventing floods it's about protecting homes, businesses, and natural resources. As Mayor, I will push for a comprehensive and financially responsible plan that ensures long-term solutions while keeping costs fair for residents. By investing in smarter stormwater management today, we can prevent costly damage in the future and build a more resilient Norman.

 

Open Government

Open Government: Transparency, Accountability & Public Engagement

Norman's government should work for the people not behind closed doors. Transparency, accountability, and community engagement are essential for building trust and ensuring that city decisions reflect the will of Norman's residents. As Mayor, I will prioritize open government policies that make information more accessible, increase public participation, and hold city leaders accountable.

Key Priorities for Open Government in Norman

1. Increase Transparency & Public Access to Information

  • Ensure all city meetings, agendas, and documents are easily accessible online in a user-friendly format.
  • Expand video streaming and recording of city council and committee meetings to allow greater public access.
  • Require full transparency in financial decisions, including detailed reporting on how tax dollars are spent.

2. Strengthen Public Input & Engagement

  • Establish regular town halls, listening sessions, and neighborhood meetings to give residents a direct voice in decision-making.
  • Improve online public comment systems, making it easier for residents to provide input on city policies.
  • Ensure that major projects, like TIFs or turnpike expansions, require meaningful public engagement before moving forward.

3. Hold City Government Accountable

  • Support conflict-of-interest policies to prevent insider deals and ensure ethical decision-making.
  • Require clear reporting on campaign donations and financial interests of elected officials.
  • Establish independent oversight or citizen advisory committees for major spending and development decisions.

A Government That Works for the People

Open government isn't just about transparency it's about making sure Norman's future is shaped by its residents. As Mayor, I will fight for a city government that listens, informs, and acts in the best interest of the people. Norman deserves leadership that values honesty, accountability, and public trust.

A transparent civic process requires citizen oversight and involvement. Over the last twelve years, I’ve supported initiatives to improve accessibility and transparency, including:

  • Regular Ward and Town Hall Meetings
  • Consistent Social Media Outreach
  • Improved City Website Functionality
  • A Hearing Loop at City Hall
  • Live-Streamed and Recorded Meetings on YouTube

I believe in always being available to meet with or hear from residents who have concerns or wish to engage in local issues.

Financial & Economic Sustainability

Norman is a wonderful place to live, but our growth must be planned thoughtfully and incrementally. Our city faces ongoing challenges in mobility, water security, and infrastructure.

I will continue to evaluate the cost-benefit of proposed developments and their impact on our infrastructure and resources. Smart planning is essential for a sustainable future. As Chair of the Community Planning & Transportation Committee for the last six years, I’ve worked to address these challenges effectively.

The proposed turnpike projects have introduced uncertainty about our future development and the preservation of our rural character. I firmly believe in protecting rural Norman and the Lake Thunderbird watershed and will continue supporting policies that prioritize these values.


Central Library 

Norman Central Library: A Commitment to Accountability and Solutions

The situation with the Norman Central Library highlights the critical need for vigilance and accountability in managing large city projects. Our library is a vital resource for the community, and ensuring its safety and accessibility is a top priority.

As your Mayor, I will be dedicated to the following principles:

Accountability and Justice

•I supported a forensic investigation into the issues surrounding the library, which revealed that the building was not constructed as designed.

•When legal staff were unable to reach a resolution with the construction company, I backed the City Council’s decision to pursue litigation to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Repair and Reopening

•My focus will be on ensuring the library is repaired and reopened as soon as possible, restoring it to its intended role as a cornerstone of our community.

Prevention for the Future

•I will ensure that the City of Norman enforces greater oversight on all large-scale projects, demanding transparency, regular inspections, and adherence to agreed-upon designs.

•I will work with city staff, legal experts, and community stakeholders to establish stronger safeguards to prevent future incidents like this.

The Norman Central Library is a symbol of learning, connection, and opportunity for our community. Together, we will address this challenge, ensure accountability, and create a future where such failures are not repeated. As mayor, I will do everything possible to protect our city’s investments and restore trust in our public projects.


Public Transit

Building an Accessible and Sustainable Future for Norman

As your mayor, I will prioritize investments in public transit to create a city that is accessible, and connected for all residents. Public transportation is more than just a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a vital service that supports economic growth, protects the environment, and enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community.

My Record on Public Transit

•Leadership in Transitioning Norman’s Transit System: As your Ward 7 Councilmember, I worked tirelessly to transition Norman’s public transit system from the University of Oklahoma to city management. This shift ensured that Norman gained local control over its transit services, paving the way for improvements tailored to our community’s unique needs.

•Dedicated Funding Without Raising Taxes: I spearheaded efforts to establish a voter-approved, dedicated funding source for public transportation, the first of its kind in Oklahoma without increasing taxes on residents.

•Expanding Accessibility: I have consistently advocated for improving ADA accessibility in our transit systems, ensuring that every Norman resident, regardless of ability, has access to reliable transportation.


My Vision for Public Transit as Mayor

•Enhanced Service for All Residents: I will work to expand bus routes and increase frequency to better serve our growing population, including underserved neighborhoods.

•Regional Connectivity: Public transit doesn’t stop at city limits. I will collaborate with regional partners to establish stronger connections between Norman and neighboring communities, making it easier to work, and travel across the metro area. I’ve been an active participant in the Regional Transit dialogue for nearly twenty years and support moving forward with the RTA partnership between Norman, OKC, Edmond, Tinker AFB, and the Airport. 

•Green Transit Solutions: Investing in eco-friendly transit options, such as electric and hybrid buses, will reduce our city’s carbon footprint, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Norman. 

•Community-Centered Improvements: Public input is vital. I will work closely with residents to identify opportunities for transit expansion, prioritize safety, and ensure that the needs of riders are always at the forefront.

Public transit is a cornerstone of a thriving, and forward-thinking city. As your Mayor, I will ensure that Norman’s transit system meets the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to move freely and confidently, no matter where they are going.

Lets build a Norman that moves us all forward.

 

Additional Issues

 As your next Mayor, I will continue working on these important issues for Norman among many more. Public feedback and involvement are vital to identifying other issues and working towards solutions to them. 
 If you don’t see your issue listed please feel free to share it with me so we can add it to the list!

  • Future Drinking Water Supply/Quality Solutions and Strategic Plan Implementation
  • Storm Water Master Plan Update/Implementation and Voter Approved Utility for Annual Maintenance and Flood Prevention
  • Affordable and Accessible Housing
  • ADA and Accessibility Improvements Citywide
  • Adequately Maintaining and Improving Existing Infrastructure
  • Government Transparency Through Citizen Involvement and Oversight
  • Mental Health & Wellness/Crisis Response
  • Downtown/Core Area Revitalization and Protection of Historic Neighborhoods/Trees
  • Rail Crossing Safety Improvements
  • Public Health Enhancements (parks, trails, wellness centers)
  • Environmental Stewardship that Protects our Natural Spaces for Future Norman Residents
  • Balanced Budgeting, Strategic Financial Planning, and Economic Sustainability
  • Support and Encourage Local Small Businesses Growth