City of Tulsa Council Member District No. 9 Choose 1
About the Tulsa City CouncilOn February 14, 1989, Tulsa voters approved the most sweeping changes in city government since the original 1908 charter. A new council-mayor form of government was chosen to replace the outdated city commission.The mayor acts as chief administrator, prepares the initial draft of the operating budget for City Council review, and is in charge of all administrative departments, including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Finance, Human Resources, Airport, Working in Neighborhoods, Planning and Development and the City Attorney s Office.The city auditor regularly reviews the city s financial activities for efficiency, effectiveness and legality. Findings of any investigations are reported to the mayor and the City Council.The Tulsa City Council functions as the legislative branch of city government, is the governing body of the City of Tulsa and essentially acts as the Board of Directors for the City of Tulsa. The City Council passes all local laws, reviews and approves the city s annual budget, monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of city operations and conducts investigations. Councilors also listen to concerns and suggestions from the residents of their districts.In November 2009, Tulsan s voted to change the City Charter to end staggered terms for city councilors. Since 2014, all city councilors elected serve two-year terms.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
3701-A South Harvard #523
Campaign Phone
9183811961
Campaign Website
http://votecarolbush.com
Campaign Email
cb4tulsa@gmail.com
Age
63
Education
BS in Business from ORU
Volunteer Service
Parent Child Center, OICA, Trinity Woods, Tulsa Police Foundation, SB1671 Holocaust Coalition, Tulsa Leadership Vision, Opioid Abatement Board
What experience, insights and abilities will you bring to the City Council that make you especially qualified for the position?
My career path has afforded me many opportunities that makes me uniquely qualified to lead as a City Council member. I worked for the Tulsa Health Department in the area of community development before going to the State Health Department. At the state I served as a community development planner for 19 counties and served as the Chair of Turning Point. After 10 years in public health, I served as Executive Director of the Crime Commission’s Crime Prevention Network for 10 years. The non-profit coordinated the Alert Neighbor program and Crime Stopper program for the Tulsa Metropolitan area. Most recently I served as State Representative for six years for House District 70.
What would you do as a City Council member to positively impact efforts to attract new employers and retain those we currently have?
There are 3 key areas the city can focus on to create a business-friendly environment:
* Simplifying and accelerating the process for obtaining permits and navigating zoning regulations can significantly reduce barriers for businesses looking to establish or expand operations in Tulsa. In this same area we need to foster an environment for affordable housing which is sorely needed to attract companies who want to move to our city.
* Ensuring robust infrastructure, including reliable transportation networks, modern utilities, and broadband access, supports business operations and enhances the city's overall competitiveness.
* Collaborating with educational institutions and businesses to develop a skilled workforce
tailored to industry needs attracts companies seeking qualified talent and fosters long-term economic growth.
What do you see as the top priorities for the City as a whole?
We need to invest in our infrastructure. Ensuring robust infrastructure, including reliable transportation networks, modern utilities, and broadband access, supports business operations and enhances the city's overall competitiveness. Our cities infrastructure is aging at a dramatic rate. There needs to be a comprehensive plan to address the many issues needed to move forward.
What are the top priorities for your District? What will you personally do toward accomplishing those goals?
I have knocked on thousands of doors and met with several business owners in my district. The first issue that I hear repeatedly is in permitting and zoning. We need to be more efficient, consistent, and accountable in this department. We need to streamline the permitting and zoning processes to reduce delays and bureaucratic red tape. There needs to be clear timelines for approval processes and ensure accountability within city departments to expedite decisions.
My vision for Tulsa includes fostering an environment where businesses thrive, job opportunities abound, and our neighborhoods flourish. I am dedicated to advocating for initiatives that support entrepreneurship, attract new industries, and enhance our infrastructure to ensure Tulsa remains competitive and resilient in a rapidly changing economy. I recognize the importance of effective governance and believe in promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in city decision-making processes.
Biographical Information
Campaign Address
7107 South Yale Ave, #302 | Tulsa, OK 74136
Campaign Phone
9183220120
Campaign Website
http://www.fowler-for-tulsa.com
Age
65
Education
BSBA Finance, University of Arkansas, CIMA (certified Investment management analyst) Wharton
Volunteer Service
Reading Partner, McClure Elementary, Deacon, Harvard Avenue Christian Church, President MHS Endowment
Campaign Twitter Handle
@FowlerforTulsa
What experience, insights and abilities will you bring to the City Council that make you especially qualified for the position?
Tulsans, I'm running for reelection with a unique perspective. I was born and raised in District 9, and I've also lived and worked in major cities across the U.S. - Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and more.
This experience has shown me how different cities approach growth and urban issues. While Tulsa is unique, we can learn from others' successes and challenges.
I returned home in 2007, bringing back insights from my time away. I understand our local needs and have seen innovative solutions elsewhere.
With your support, I'll use this blend of local roots and broader experience to make informed decisions for Tulsa's future. Let's build on our strengths while embracing new ideas to keep our city thriving.
What would you do as a City Council member to positively impact efforts to attract new employers and retain those we currently have?
As a City Council member, I'll drive economic growth through smart, cost-effective strategies that benefit all Tulsans. Here's my proven track record:
1. Brookside Breakthrough: I led the charge to update flood maps, unleashing millions in development without burdening taxpayers.
2. Airport Expansion: By applying the same flood amendment plan to Tulsa International Airport, we're seeing new hangars for the first time in 20 years and unlocking land for job-creating businesses.
3. Entrepreneurial Focus: Instead of costly tax breaks for out-of-state corporations, I'll champion an environment where local startups and relocating businesses can thrive organically.
My approach: Create conditions for success across the board, not just for a select few. By removing unnecessary barriers and leveraging our city's strengths, we'll attract and retain employers while keeping Tulsa's economic engine running strong – all without shifting costs to our citizens.
My pledge: Tulsans first, always.
What do you see as the top priorities for the City as a whole?
Tulsa's top priorities demand bold action:
1. Tackling Homelessness Head-On:
- Mental Health: A game-changing $50M+ mental health wing, partly funded by city ARPA dollars.
- Housing: Streamlining building permits and amending zoning for ADUs to boost affordable options.
- Low-barrier Shelter: Providing immediate support for those in need.
2. Slashing Red Tape:
- Ongoing reform of permitting and inspections to fuel growth and development.
3. Empowering First Responders:
- Attracting top talent while maintaining high standards.
- Innovating recruitment: Hiring associate degree graduates, supporting their path through the academy and beyond.
These priorities reflect a Tulsa that's compassionate, efficient, and safe. By addressing homelessness comprehensively, cutting bureaucratic hurdles, and investing in our first responders, we're building a city that works for everyone.
Let's turn these priorities into realities, creating a Tulsa that's not just livable, but thriving.
What are the top priorities for your District? What will you personally do toward accomplishing those goals?
The top priorities for District 9 are addressing homelessness, enhancing public safety, and fostering vibrant neighborhoods. Personally, I will work to ensure homelessness is tackled through a unified approach, linking mental health services and housing solutions to provide long-term support.
On public safety, I will advocate for not only recruiting top talent but also ensuring our first responders receive the training and resources they need to protect our community effectively. Lastly, I will push for investments in public parks and neighborhood infrastructure to create spaces where families can thrive and businesses can grow.
By uniting these efforts, we can make District 9 a model of success for the city.