The race to become Tulsa's new Mayor ended less than an hour after the polls closed Tuesday evening when Democrat Tom Adelson conceded to his Republican foe, Dewey Bartlett, Jr.
The office of the city's chief executive was up for grabs because incumbent mayor Kathy Taylor announced in June that she would not run for re-election so she could concentrate on the city's financial stability.
Mark Perkins, an independent candidate, also conceded to Bartlett about 8:15 p.m. The other independent in the race, Lawrence Kirkpatrick, has not issued a statement at the time of this writing.
Bartlett, a business owner, has previously served as a Tulsa city councilor. His four-year term will begin in December.
2NEWS will have much more on the city elections online and on the air Tuesday night at 10:00 pm on 2NEWS HD.
Statement from Tulsa Metro Chamber
The Tulsa Metro Chamber issued this statement on the city elections by email shortly after 9:00 pm:
Tulsa Metro Chamber: statements on City of Tulsa election results
Mayor’s race:
Congratulations to Mayor-elect Dewey Bartlett for a hard-fought victory. We have plans to meet tomorrow to offer the Chamber’s assistance in the transition process. We will offer our policy ideas, access to our volunteer business leaders, and insight on prospective economic development projects.
The chamber has a long track record of successfully working with both the Mayor and City Council and we are ready to work together to grow economic prosperity, create jobs, and ensure that our businesses and workers can compete around the world.
We are absolutely committed to a continuity of government during this critical period for our city, and thus will work quickly to engage the new Mayor in our successful One Voice legislative process and build critical relationships among regional partners.
As the city turns the page, the chamber shares the excitement of beginning a new chapter in our history. The Tulsa Metro Chamber vows to work with Mayor-elect Dewey Bartlett and the City Council to help ensure a smooth transition of power and tackle the many serious issues facing the city.
On candidates’ Tom Adelson and Mark Perkins:
The chamber thanks candidates’ Tom Adelson and Mark Perkins for offering to serve the city and I’m positive they will continue to be influential leaders in the community.
City Council:
We look forward to working again with Councilor-elects Maria Barnes and Roscoe Turner and appreciate the leadership Councilman Eric Gomez and David Patrick have provided to the citizens of their districts. (results pending on Councilman Troyer and Jim Mautino).
On Mayor Taylor:
We commend Mayor Taylor for her valuable civic service and are impressed by her efforts to bring Mayor-elect Dewey Bartlett up to speed as quickly as possible. She’s been an outstanding representative and dynamic community leader.
City Charter proposed changes:
The Chamber supported one and opposed two of the proposed City Charter changes. While we are encouraged that the citizens agreed with one of our positions, we do express concern about the passing of propositions two and three. These changes have the potential to cost the city more in the long run, but we certainly respect the taxpayers vote.
