I believe in solution driven politics. I believe in a Tulsa-centric approach that is not tainted by national agendas and divisions. At the local level, partisanship creates more obstacles than solutions. I believe it is important to work with anybody from any party who is willing and able contribute their time or talent to addressing our common challenges. I will also fill every position with the most talented and capable individual available, without regard to political party or tenure.

I also believe it is the primary responsibility of any elected official to respect every taxpayer dollar by maximizing the efficiency of every government function. I will re-examine every position, contract, protocol, and procedure to eliminate waste.  An efficient government is a good government, so this is always a priority.

I believe we must undertake responsible and intelligent economic development initiatives that promote sustained growth and expanded revenues. The increased revenues from these initiatives will go to our schools, our roads, and our public safety officials.

I believe one of the most important things we can do is sensibly modify our zoning and building codes, permitting regulations, and land use policies.  Our procedures should be user-friendly, our codes should make sense, and it should not be cost prohibitive for small business owners and entrepreneurs to open shop. Without raising taxes, we can encourage growth, increase occupancy rates, and attract businesses and consumers to all parts of town that otherwise would be home to empty buildings and rising crime rates. The increased revenues created by such redevelopment will be used to repair roads and pay for education and public safety in every part of town.

I will also encourage, nurture, and support our local and small businesses. Small and locally owned businesses are critical generators of city revenue, and supporting these businesses and buying local products is something the city can encourage. Not only will you be helping your friends and neighbors succeed, but doing so helps insulate our city from the fluctuations of the national economy by keeping more money right here in Tulsa. The products and services offered by these businesses are as good or better in quality than their counterparts, and the customer service is far superior.

I believe the development of our urban core is of critical importance to the economic health of the entire city. We already have an anchor in the BOK Center.  Now we must create conditions that will attract and encourage private investment.  A properly developed downtown will be a self-sufficient community, with a range of living accommodations to fit every budget, and the infrastructure to support its residents, such as a grocery store and a hardware store. Further, the heart of our metropolitan area should be easily accessible from all parts of the metropolitan area, as it is also a core business district and entertainment destination.

I believe our river is a massively underutilized asset and I will support responsible and sustainable development initiatives to bring the river corridor to its potential as a mixed use, retail, and recreational area. The development of our natural community resources will add to the quality of life of Tulsans and the citizens of surrounding communities. Intelligent development of our river will also expand our tax base and help attract and retain a young professional workforce.

I firmly believe in the importance of education. Until we improve the effectiveness of educating our children…until we make these things a priority our city will be caught in a cycle that includes poverty, crime, despondency, and racial and geographical tension. I will work tirelessly with our county, state, and federal partners to find long term solutions that will improve the effectiveness of our public school system.

I believe in a multifaceted approach to public safety involving short- and long-term solutions. I supported the increase in manpower provided by the federal grant. I also support utilizing technology to assist our resource allocation. We should also build relationships with residents through a visible and interactive police presence in the neighborhoods and by supporting watch programs. These tactics can yield the valuable intelligence used to prevent or solve crime. Since crime is usually about money, the key to long-term reduction in crime is through educational and economic opportunity.

I believe in these things and many more, and I believe in this city and its potential. But Tulsa is facing the same problems it has been facing for decades. If we are going to expect a different outcome, we need to elect a different kind of leader.

If you believe there are better solutions and a better means in finding them, then I need you to believe in me. So I am asking you to take ownership of your city by helping me give a voice to all the pragmatic and forward thinking Tulsans who can usher in a new era of prosperity. Please contribute to my campaign, sign up for our mailing list, and put a sign in your yard. Show the city that we are ready to let go of the status quo.

~ Mark Perkins

(I add content as often as I can…I don’t have a fancy paid staff to do all this for me, so please also read my blog posts and speeches, and come to the forums and debates)