Tulsa Topics

Homeowners for Fair Zoning (HFFZ) held their annual meeting at the Brookside Library this evening. One of the tasks tonight was to elect and confirm Officers and the Board of Directors. Here is the lineup:

HFFZ Officers
James S. Mautino - President
Brad Colvard - Vice President
Mona Miller - Secretary
Margaret Perrault - Tresurer

HFFZ Board of Directors
Mona Miller
Margaret Perrault
Herb Beattie
Brad Colvard
James S. Mautino

Highlights of the meeting:

• Greg Bledsoe reported on his presentation to the Citizens' Commission on City Government on behalf of Tulsans Defending Democracy. I posted a PDF of that presentation recently here at Tulsa Topics.
• If I heard correctly, Michael Bates will be addressing the same Commission at this month's meeting. I'll post more on this when I get the scoop.
• Updates of HB 2559 and SB 1324. Michael Bates of BatesLine.com has an entry regarding the negative impact this legislation will have on the citizens of Tulsa and Historic Preservation Zoning. At tonight's meeting it was announced that Jeannie McDaniel, State Representative - District 78, has withdrawn her support of this legislation. It is purported that these Bills were met with little or no resistance because misinformation was given to our Representatives and Senators. Apparently they were "marketed" as being housekeeping legislation with minimal impact, no opponents and no reason for debate. Make sure you write your State Representative and Senator and let them know that this type of catering to the local Good ol' Boys (GOB's) doesn't cut the cake. If you don't know who represents you at the State Capitol, there's an easy way to find out by going here.
• Maria Barnes, Councilor District 4, reported on the recent attempt of Charles Norman to short-circuit Councilors from speaking on behalf of their constituents at TMAPC meetings. Apparently there was some sort of meeting today regarding this subject with the public kept in the dark. Councilor Barnes stated that she would be against anything that would limit her rights, both as a citizen and as a City Councilor. Charles Norman is basically bemoaning the ethics of a Councilor speaking before the TMAPC and then ultimately being the one that makes the decision on the zoning application. It is my opinion that Charles Norman is calling the kettle black in that regard. Mr. Norman was the City Attorney for the City of Tulsa in the first half of his career. Since that time, he has made a living with his in depth and inside knowledge of how to exploit the same ordinances and codes he helped author. Once again, Michael Bates of BatesLine.com is on the ball with an entry about Charles Norman's absurdity.
• Jon Kirby, District 5 candidate, introduced himself and updated the members about some recent events regarding the District 6 election recount and his new election bid. Apparently Martinson's lawyers wouldn't return phone calls or sign off on Judge Fransein's decision. When you look into this case over at OSCN.net, some interesting names start coming up that read like a who's who of last year's recall attempt against former Councilors Chris Medlock and Jim Mautino: Kenneth Leonard Brune, David M. Messer, and Paul Prather. Another interesting name that shows up is Wilson Busby. Busby was the investigator that was hired by the City Council to investigate Great Plains Airlines and then later resigned from the investigation when it was learned that he had professional connections with Jim Burdge. BateLine.com has numerous entries that will give you some background on this issue.

  On Monday (5/1/2006), Bill Martinson filed an "OBJECTION TO PETITIONER'S PROPOSED JOURNAL ENTRY & REQUEST FOR ADD'L FINDINGS OF FACT." This move is thought to be a stall tactic to try and get the District 5 election scheduled in the Summer. This is just another example of the GOB's making a mockery of our legal system and trying to tip the scales of so-called justice in their favor.

  Jon Kirby seems to be reform minded and more concerned about representing all of his constituents and the citizens of Tulsa rather than the privileged few. Kirby has a website, KirbyForTulsa.com, where you can learn more. If you'd like to see a City Council that represents everyone, I believe Kirby is the best man for the job. The Tulsa Whirled will probably spin this upcoming election as political.... Republican vs. Democrat. I'm sure they'll find some angle about the Council becoming Democrat weighted if Kirby wins and then exaggerate that Bill Martinson's business experience is a needed element of the City Council. I offer up the following antidote for the poison the Whirled will print- Look at the lawyer team Martinson has enlisted and the people that have contributed to Martinson's campaign. If that doesn't have special interests and GOB written all over it, then you need to become a member of the Whirled's editorial staff.

  Jon Kirby deserves reform minded citizens' support and I plan on offering up my assistance. Hopefully you will do the same!