The Grassroots vs. the GrassTops

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Former Tulsa City Councilman, and Local Talk Radio Show Host, Chris Medlock, has decided to run for Mayor of Tulsa, again. After a hard fought, and remarkably close campaign against incumbent, and MidTown “old Family Money” guy, Bill LaFortune, in the last Mayor’s race, Chris Medlock parlayed his success into a morning Talk show on KFAQ 1170, and became an almost “instant hit” with the “Q” Nation. Chris’ populist, yet ultra-conservative, viewpoint, struck a chord with many Tulsans. Now, armed with a better understanding of what it takes to win a Mayor’s race, and much wider name recognition, Medlock is back for another go ’round.

When Mayor Kathy Taylor announced that she was not seeking a second term, it through the race WIDE OPEN, and names started popping up all over the place. Democrat State Senator Tom Adelson, former City Councilor Dewey Bartlett, Jr. and 28 yr old entrepreneur Clay Clark were the initial 3 entrants. On July 4th, at the OKforTea Party, with Clay Clark emceeing, Chris Medlock unofficially announced that he was in. Later that week he made the announcement official with a Press Conference at the Tulsa Press Club. Within days, Clay Clark dropped his campaign and endorsed Medlock, saying

“After talking with our supporters and directly to Chris, it has become apparent that Chris and I agree on nearly all the major issues facing Tulsa. I believe that running against Chris would split the truly conservative vote, which would lead to the Mayor Taylor supporting candidate (Mr. Bartlett) being elected, and that would be like voting for Kathy Taylor Part 2.”

Clark had been vocal in his stances against Kathy Taylor’s running of Tulsa. When Bartlett came out and endorsed her, without knowing any of the Republican candidates for mayor, and then jumped into the race as soon as she was out, Clark issued a statement calling for Bartlett to “change parties, and run as a Democrat”.

Now, after the filing period of July 13th-15th has passed, we have a total of 19 candidates. 11 Republicans, 5 Democrats, and 3 Independents. On the Republican side we have, Anna Falling, David O’Connor, Paul Roales, Michael Tomes, Norris Streetman, Kevin Boggs, John Todd, Nathaniel Booth and Michael Rush. On the Democratic side, we have Robert Gwin Jr., Paul Tay, A. Burns and Prophet Kelly Lamar Clark. And our 3 Independents are Mark Perkins, Cleon Burrell and Lawrence Kirkpatrick.

But, we REALLY still only have 3 candidates, Chris Medlock, the Conservative Republican from South Tulsa, Dewey Bartlett, Jr., the Mid Town RINO (Republican In Name Only) who endorsed the Ultra-Liberal Kathy Taylor, and State Senator Tom Adelson, a typical “tax & spend” Democrat, and another of the Mid Town old money “good ol’ boys club” members, like LaFortune, Taylor, and Bartlett. Not that Party affiliation really matters in Tulsa. Like Chris Medlock said in his Interview with the UrbanTulsa Weekly,

“There are two parties in this town, but they’re not Republican and Democrat,” he said. “You really do have sort of the grassroots and the grasstops in this town.”

Well, as far as I am concerned, Chris Medlock is the choice of the GrassRoots! No more being ruled by the “grasstops” Mid Town minority! If you live in Tulsa, VOTE CHRIS MEDLOCK! If you live in the surrounding areas, this still affects you, tell all of your friends & family that live in Tulsa to VOTE FOR MEDLOCK.

Businesses Suing the City ofTulsa Over Arbitrary, and Unfair Taxation

More Join Lawsuit To Stop Ballpark Assessment Fees|NewsChannel 8

The City of Tulsa has decided that ANY business in the Downtown Assessment Area is going receive extra benefits from having the new Ballpark near them, so it’s only fair that they should all have to pay more taxes for it. A LOT MORE TAXES!

William Tabler of Chromium, a chrome plating business, has seen his assessment go from a couple of hundred dollars, to more than 12 THOUSAND DOLLARS! That’s basically like forcing them to make a contribution to the park, and yet receive ZERO benefit. Ballpark attendees are not going to stop in to get a little chrome work done, on the way to the game. SERIOUSLY, where is the “benefit” to Mr. Tabler’s business? Why should he have to foot the bill for the rest of the City?

William Tabler’s story is not unique. In fact, seventeen other businesses in the Downtown Area, have filed a Class-Action lawsuit against the city over it, claiming the “Assessment Zoning” is unfair. The lawsuit includes an injunction to prevent the collection of the assessments.

If the lawsuit is successful, there is still enough money to build the Ballpark, but the other developments slated to be built on property surrounding the Ballpark, will have to be funded in another way.

Let me say that again…

If the lawsuit is successful, there is still enough money to build the Ballpark, but the other developments slated to be built on property surrounding the Ballpark, will have to be funded in another way.

So, the assessment isn’t REALLY for the Ballpark? It’s to pay for the development of new businesses, and improvement on privately owned properties?!?! Stop me if I’m wrong here, but doesn’t that strike anyone else as WRONG? Why are our tax dollars going to fund someone else’s business? I’d like to know who the business owners are, that are benefiting from this, wouldn’t you?

This seems really fishy to me.

What I do know, is this. If I want to build a building for my business, not only will I not get it paid for by the City, but they will make me jump through 9 kinds of red tape, and pay exorbitant “zoning fees”. So, why is the City, which is already several million dollars in the red, using tax dollars to pay for improvements for private businesses? The City Budget had to be cut in numerous areas this year, and we still don’t have the 200 more cops on the street that were promised, but Tulsa can afford a new 86 million dollar City Hall building, a 178 million dollar Duct Tape Arena (BOK Center), and another 60 million dollars to build a new Ballpark, and develop the area around it?

Someone is making a LOT OF MONEY at the expense of the City of Tulsa, and the taxpayers. Don’t be surprised when the final investigation turns up fraud and corruption on the level of Chicago and New York organized crime.

Mark my words.

Flag Day Tea Party a Success!

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The 3rd installment of the Tulsa TeaParty Ralllies, was another resounding success!

Talk Radio Station 1170 KFAQ was terrific in supporting us, including Elvis Polo, who was our moderator for the Q & A session with State Senator Randy Brogdon, who is running for Oklahoma Governor, Clay Clark, who is rinning for Mayor of Tulsa, and David Brumbaugh, who is running for the State House of Representatives.

The day started off with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a wonderful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by the LaCount family! Following that, Victor LaCount, our emcee, welcomed everyone to the Rally ‘Round the Flag Tulsa Tea Party. Several speakers followed, including Jai Blevins (Tulsa Tea Party Founder), Ken Yazel (Tulsa County Tax Assessor), Tim Miller (Highly Decorated former Green Beret), Nancy Parsons (Speaking about Universal HealthCare), and RJ Harris (Iraq War Veteran, running for Congress). We also had “Betsy Ross” speak on the history and importance of the American Flag. Interspersed were several wonderful renditions of patriotic songs, with the high point being Victor LaCount singing “Proud to be an American”. He called up all of the Veteran’s to stand in front of the stage, and sang a moving a powerful version of the song. One lady from the crowd stepped forward and shook hands with everyone of the Vet’s, and this started a spontaneous movement from the crowd, as everyone lined up to do the same. This made all of us feel that pride and honor, once more, that came from wearing that uniform!

Following the entertainment, and wonderful speakers, we had a crowd submitted Q & A Session with the candidates present. Each of the candidates were asked and given 2 minutes to answer. The candidates handled themselves very well, with Senator Randy Brogdon, and Clay Clark drawing some of the biggest applause.

Finally, we ended with a Patriotic costume, and Best Sign Contest. There were many great costumes and signs, and pictures of those will be posted ASAP!

The only negative for the day, was the fact that despite several press release emails, and postings on their community calendars, most of the local media, completely ignored us! The only news media that covered us at all were 1170 KFAQ, and KTUL Channel 8! The rest of the media basically pretended they didn’t know anything about it! I am personally boycotting the News programs on all other stations from this point forward! I urge those who support the Tulsa Tea Party to do likewise.

As Always, I Ask

DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE OF YOUR CONVICTIONS?

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Kathy Taylor’s Decision Creates "Wild West" in the GOP

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Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor‘s decision not to seek re-election, has suddenly changed the race for the GOP nomination. Taylor, though unpopular with many Tulsans, was seen as unbeatable, prior to this surprising announcement. Last week, it looked like no one from within the GOP wanted challenge her, and her “Million Dollar War Chest”. Now, with her out of the race, it looks like every, “I’m retired from politics“, “my wife couldn’t put up with another run”, I’m happy where I am” Republican inside the city limits, is suddenly chomping at the bit, to be Mayor!

City Councilor Bill Christiansen said “I’m strongly considering it and very likely to run for mayor.”

“I’ve been interested,” said Jim Williamson, a Republican and former state senator. “I wasn’t going to run against (Taylor), but I may look at it now.”

Republicans who were reticent to challenge Taylor, now seem almost eager to throw their hats into the ring. Besides Christiansen and Williamson, City Councilors G.T. Bynum, Rick Westcott and Bill Martinson and former City Councilors Dewey Bartlett Jr. and Chris Medlock all say they will at least consider the race. Even former City Councilor Susan Neal and former Mayor Bill LaFortune are more cautious but didn’t rule out campaigns.

Bynum said he is being encouraged to run by a number of people throughout the community, which has him looking at the possibility.

Westcott said he’s always done what he believes is in the best interest of Tulsa.

“The determining factor for me on this race is whether it is best for the city that I continue to serve as a councilor or mayor,” he said. “I haven’t yet figured that out.”

Martinson said he isn’t ruling out a bid for the seat, but for now is focusing on getting a city budget approved.

Medlock, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate in 2006, said he owes it to his supporters to consider the race.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook the last 24 hours,” he said. “I’ve had Facebook messages. I’ve had people asking me for yard signs. Out of respect for those people, I have to at least give it consideration.”

And then there is the man who has the Courage of His Convictions, and had already announced he was running, and was willing to take on Taylor’s Big Money backers, Clay Clark.
Clark is a newcomer to the Tulsa political scene, and has been quickly gaining support amongst the “grassroots” and Tea Party crowds, with his message of “Smaller Government = Bigger Wallets” and “The Fight Against Socialism Starts in Tulsa” message. Clark is a two-time SBA Entrepeneur of the Year, due to his work in founding and running Tulsa’s DJ Connections. Clark’s message of common sense and Conservative Values, resonates with the same people who stand strong on Constitutional Principles, and the Christian Values, that our Nation was founded on.

His critics, and opponents, will point to his lack of experience in public office. But look around at the candidates running against him, do we really want more of the same, from the same old candidates? I say it’s time for more Clay Clarks to stand up, and run for major office. Who says you have to start in a low-level post, and work your way through it? That may be the accepted method, but the accepted method is very obviously BROKEN! What we do NOT need is more career politicians, looking for the next step up the ladder of politics.

Only two of these candidates have shown ANY support for the Tulsa Tea Party Movement, Chris Medlock, who spoke at the Tax Day Tea Party, and attended the first Tea Party on Feb 27, 2009, and Clay Clark, who attended the Tax Day Tea Party, and was inspired by that event to declare himself in for the Tulsa Mayoral Race, and will speak at the Flag Day Rally ‘Round The Flag Tea Party on June 13th, 2009.

We can win this, and show all of the established politicians that we mean business! As of the writing of this Blog, Chris Medlock was leading in all three polls, with Clay Clark 2nd in 2 out of 3, and City Councilman Bill Christiansen garenering the 3rd most votes. Conservative politics have the lead, and Tulsa would be well served by either Medlock, or Clark. However, my pick for the GOP nomination is Clay Clark, because he will bring a new, fresh perspective to running Tulsa!

It’s time that “We the People” became part of the process again, instead of just sitting on the sidelines, and watching the same group of people make the decisions for us! Get out there and VOTE FOR CLAY CLARK! Starting today in the surveys and polls placed on http://www.krmg.com and http://www.1170kfaq.com/patcampbell and on this page. Then at the primaries in September, and the Election in November!

DO YOU HAVE THE COURAGE OF YOUR CONVICTIONS?

Clay Clark Does.
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