I will make budget decisions like I make all decisions: after thorough consultation with knowledgeable professionals, armed with all the information and carefully calculated to produce results. My approach: 1) What are the primary expectations of the taxpayer citizens? 2) Is the funding directly related to fulfilling those expectations? 3) Are the allocated funds being used efficiently and effectively to satisfy those expectations? 4) Can we make modifications that enable us to produce the same results at a lower cost?

Tulsa World, 10/25/09

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He said his administration would immediately examine “our municipal protocols, contracts, positions, and procedures so they can make recommendations to me for improving efficiency and eliminating waste.”

“The financial health of the city is my first priority,” he said.  ”I believe it is the fundamental responsibility of government to respect every taxpayer dollar by maximizing efficiency in every government function.”

Perkins said the city needs to support “intelligent economic development initiatives” designed to increase revenues.

Tulsa World, 10/24/09

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“I think most businesses just want you to stay out of the way, and so long as we maintain and respect our safety and health requirements, I think we should do that,” said Independent candidate Mark Perkins.

Channel 6, 10/23/09

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KWGS 89.5, 10/20/09

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Perkins said he favors energy audits, discussions with the state about tapping the “rainy day” fund, and modifying permit regulations and zoning codes to ease the way for businesses.

[Actually, what I said, after days of hearing Bartlett's "outside the box" energy audit "proposals", was that energy audits are nothing new but already city law under Title 12.  Of course there was an article about Bartlett's "proposals", silence when I pointed out they were already city law...]

“If you want to expect different results, you need to elect a different kind of leader,” he said. “I want to unite Tulsans in a nonpartisan way to overcome our nonpartisan challenges.”

Tulsa World, October 20, 2009

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And then there’s independent candidate Mark Perkins offering ideas and plans for how he would like to see the city evolve under his tenure as mayor and refusing to enter into the nasty little war, something not interesting to most Tulsa media outlets judging from the coverage his candidacy has received to date.

To date independent candidate Perkins has stuck to his message of bi-partisanship and cooporation as preferable to the rancourous and debilitating effects of old school local party politics he refers to as “partisan fraternities.” When asked to specify areas he would focus on he answered, “The primary focus of my campaign will be on public safety, roads and infrastructure, education and economic development. I believe these are the core issues that impact quality of life for Tulsans, and are the most appropriate areas of focus for government.”

GTR, 10/19/2009

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The city is just beginning its $451.6 million, five-year, Fix the Streets initiative. As mayor, would you lay the groundwork for a second phase to continue the effort beyond that and what else would you do to improve the condition of streets in the city?

The effort must continue. The Fix the Streets package only improves existing streets, does not pay for widening projects, and will only raise our overall Pavement Condition Index to a “D” grade equivalent. My goal is to craft a comprehensive, long-term game plan incorporating best practices and addressing prevention, maintenance, repaving, construction, planning, operations, and funding. The forthcoming independent performance audit of the Public Works Department will yield helpful information for getting started. There is no magic bullet. A smart, systematic, long-term strategy is required to pull us out of this failing road-to-tax package cycle.

Tulsa World, 10/18/2009

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“We need more boots on the ground,” Perkins said, “but we also need to look at the way we allocate them. A presence will do a lot to deter crime.”

Perkins said neighborhoods “are a critical component of the city.”

“I’m a big supporter of neighborhood watch programs, too,” he said. “I think they would help us with our public safety efforts.”

Tulsa World, 10/16/09

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“It starts with education. If we educate the kids properly, they’ll have more economic opportunities and be less likely to turn to crime,” said Mark Perkins, (I) mayoral candidate.

Each candidate talked about improving public schools. Perkins wants more magnet schools. Adelson wants the city to help recruit new teachers to Tulsa. Bartlett wants to have a fulltime person work with the Tulsa school board.

Perkins was the only candidate solidly against consolidating city and county government.

Click Here for News on 6 Coverage

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I have been receiving several reports from supporters over the last couple weeks that pollsters have called asking “If the election were held tomorrow, would you vote for Bartlett or Adelson?” The question is manipulated like this to encourage a certain answer, and to keep my name out of people’s minds. The poll results are then used as a political PR tactic for one of the candidates.

Several supporters have reported that when they respond by affirmatively stating they are voting for Mark Perkins, the pollsters are rude and hang up on them. Hilarious. Oh the joys of democracy and free choice.

If you get a call, please politely tell them that you support Mark Perkins and ask why I was not offered as an option. I am curious to hear the answers.  Or, if you are feeling feisty, you could respond like Melissa’s grandparents….

“My grandparents stopped by today and said they have been getting calls from the Adelson and Bartlett campaigns asking who they would vote for if the election were held tomorrow. My Grandpoppie’s response…”Mark Perkins. At least he actually has something to say, and doesn’t waste time talking about the other guys he’s running against. Your men could learn a lot from Mark” I was cracking up. Rather than just hang up on the pollsters he started giving reasons why he thought you were better…gotta love that!  My grandparents are pretty active 80-somethings and have been telling all their friends to vote for you. Hope all’s going well!”

-Melissa