Awesome! Great guy.

Cooper will challenge Shadid in Ward 2 | okgazette.com (http://okgazette.com/2014/10/27/cooper-will-challenge-shadid-in-ward-2-race/)

Wow, 32 years old.

Should be an interesting race.

Should be an interesting race.

Ed up against a Bi-racial, openly gay, college educated millennial who will probably be supported by a broad swath of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents....

What could be interesting about that?

James is a great person, first and foremost, with a passion for public service. He will LISTEN to the constituents! He will be a great new voice for OKC! So excited he's running!

It will be very interesting to see how the people of Ward 2 react to this.

I know Ed is well-liked in that Ward but of course, he also has alienated some.

I really do respect how Shadid pays attention to details and challenges the status quo. Even though some on the horseshoe just tune him out, that perspective is badly needed in City government and it would be missed if he doesn't get reelected.

The best news is that we have good candidates running for these positions -- very encouraging.

Ed asks questions, but he has lost influence on the horseshoe. It's possible to ask questions AND work with others to reach consensus. Cooper gets this. He's going to be a great councilman!

You guys are being too kind. Maybe there is a perception with some folks that Ed is simply asking questions. My observation is that a great deal of Ed's "questioning" is oriented more towards proving conspiracy theories. He has so badly badgered the other councilors, city staff and appointees, that it has shifted folks away from critical thinking into outright defensive civic boosterism.

That is unfortunate. Critical thinking, questioning, and alternative opinions are always needed when an annual 1 Billion dollar budget is at hand. What Ed has done is to alienate himself to such an extent that he does not have the influence to stimulate debate or to properly represent the folks who live in Ward 2. That is going to be very important as the next GO Bond approaches if not a MAPS 4. Not to mention the annual 1 Billion dollar budget in which respect and influence is warranted to simply get your fair share of monies to fix pot holes.

After meeting James several times, I am confident that he will bring a healthy critical eye to governance issues while harnessing respect from the other councilors. We don't need a conspiracy theorist representing the broader urban area of Oklahoma City. We need someone who can capitalize on this city's renaissance and expand the successes made downtown into the broader urban fabric. Ward 2 needs an actual leader, not a conspiracy theorist.

Shadid rubbed me wrong from the get-go. Lot's of folks I respect on this board jumped on the bandwagon, but I've never seen anything besides a smarmy self-important naysayer that had no interest in constructive progress. He came against everything with a bunch of paid talking heads that hadn't spent any time in OKC and were clueless in a local context. Never once did I see any seriously considered alternative offered by him as a solution, only sloppy criticism from hired guns with no skin in the game. Sorry Ed, sit the hell down.

Serious questions do need to be asked...but for the right reasons...

Ed seems to ask questions in a tone that elevates himself as the sole authority, and that he stages his questions to make himself appear to be the smartest man in the room.

He seems to ask questions like a lawyer would -- like he already knows the answer but is poking and prodding to get the answer he wants to prove his point. We do not need that level of divisiveness and negative tone. City council needs to work together to achieve a common goal of progressing OKC forward. We do not need to have every council meeting be some court-like trial, where Ed is assuming the role of the prosecuting lawyer, the judge, and the collective voice of the jurors.

We need someone who asks questions because they want to learn and educate others in the process. Not ask questions for the sole purpose of holding trial at city council meetings.

I've met James several times, and am very excited to see he his running. He will be a welcome change and breath of fresh air to the Ward 2 seat on City Council.

You guys are being too kind. Maybe there is a perception with some folks that Ed is simply asking questions. My observation is that a great deal of Ed's "questioning" is oriented more towards proving conspiracy theories. He has so badly badgered the other councilors, city staff and appointees, that it has shifted folks away from critical thinking into outright defensive civic boosterism.

Ward 2 needs an actual leader, not a conspiracy theorist.

I'm with Urban Pioneer on this. His tendency toward conspiracy theories is what really hurts him in my eyes. I can disagree with a politician on issues and still appreciate what they say and, many times, still vote for them. I've spoken with Shadid on several occassions and just can't shake the sense that he thinks he knows "the real truth they don't want you to hear." Also, his opposition early in his campaign to the the streetcar didn't help.

I'd like to meet with Mr. Cooper first, but if he's as sharp as I've heard, this Republican will be ready with my checkbook to support him in that race.

I contend that much of what Ed voiced concern about with the convention center process is true and we will be wishing we had paid attention sooner. Do you really believe that power politics doesn't exist in OKC? It is true that big money and big oil have most of the influence in this city, no?

I contend that much of what Ed voiced concern about with the convention center process is true and we will be wishing we had paid attention sooner. Do you really believe that power politics doesn't exist in OKC? It is true that big money and big oil have most of the influence in this city, no?

Respectfully, a lot of the questions about the convention center were asked here before Ed even went on Council. Those of us who ACTUALLY VOTED in the MAPS election asked them. Unfortunately, Ed didn't even bother voting in that election.

All cities have powerful interests. But that doesn't mean voters don't hold sway. We voted for MAPS III because we thought it was better for the city. I'm sure you could find at least one or two projects that didn't excite the voters. We don't get everything we want.

As for the Convention Center, I think it will be good for an aspirant city to have a quality convention center. Does that excite me? Not really. But it will be good to have -- not only to host better and more interesting conventions -- but also to have a nicer facility for our citizens to use.

Is it the be-all, end-all when it comes to economic development? Of course not. But that doesn't mean it will not be a valuable asset. It will. Hosting events like the National Conference of Mayors, or a party convention, or something high profile like even a gamer convention would be very cool for our city. Since sales tax and hotel / motel tax are really the only ways our city can raise revenues, it helps to keep the hotels full and the restaurants full and visitors landing at our airport, renting cars, and visiting our small, medium and large businesses. That's good for our city. Those revenues can be reinvested into improving roads and neighborhoods, hiring more public safety employees, and adding more to our public transit budget. Cities with high tourism impact have more money to spend on services for their citizens; their services are being subsidized by people who live elsewhere.

I see no use in relitigating MAPS. It's been voted for. It's being built. Studies were shared. Some were disbelieved. Some may have been off the mark. So what? The voters supported MAPS 3 and among the projects MAPS 3 included was the convention center, just like the previous MAPS included a downtown arena "capable of supporting an NBA team." We voted for that MAPS, too, even though we secretly thought the NBA part was a fantasy. Look what happened!

We have a tier-four convention center and we are moving toward becoming a tier-two city. I see no reason we would not want to offer an amenity that will boost our city's profile, add revenues to our service economy, bring more visitors to our city, and provide a high-quality venue to use for ourselves.

There is still much more to be decided about MAPS.

Council votes next Tuesday whether to allocate another $30 million to the convention center, for example.

And the three largest projects -- fully 2/3rds of the entire MAPS budget -- have yet to be even bid. Every other project has come in way over estimates, so hold on to your hats.

You can bet there are going to be tons of choices to be made and that the streetcar project is going to be the one that suffers the most.

Respectfully, a lot of the questions about the convention center were asked here before Ed even went on Council. So how does that make Ed a conspiracy theorist when he is asking the same questions you have been asking?

It's not that he asks them, it's the arrogant, divisive, accusatory manner he uses to do it. He has spent all his political capital and for my Ward 2 vote has rendered himself useless.

So how does that make Ed a conspiracy theorist when he is asking the same questions you have been asking?

They weren't the "same questions." But I suspect you knew that. :) Krisb, you seem like a really cool guy. I simply suggest that you consider the kind of councilperson James Cooper could be. I suspect you will really like him.

As for Pete's comment: Pete do you have inside information to share that the streetcar is going to be shafted by the convention center?

The streetcar is at the very end of line when it comes to allocations and every project that has gone before is has gone way over budget -- and then cut back.

The convention center is not going to be cut back; in fact it will likely be expanded.

I anticipate it will come in over budget -- probably way over, as much smaller projects have all missed the mark by pretty substantial margins.

So, that means the streetcar and park would likely take it in the shorts; especially if/when the Council votes on Tuesday to give the CC another $30 million.

There is still much more to be decided about MAPS.

Council votes next Tuesday whether to allocate another $30 million to the convention center, for example.

And the three largest projects -- fully 2/3rds of the entire MAPS budget -- have yet to be even bid. Every other project has come in way over estimates, so hold on to your hats.

You can bet there are going to be tons of choices to be made and that the streetcar project is going to be the one that suffers the most.

What does this have to do with Ed? He has so badly handled his criticisms he has no meaningful influence. Which is exactly why someone like James Cooper would be a breath of fresh air.

Regarding the streetcar, saying the project would suffer the most is a bit of a stretch. We have a contingency and we have a "phase 2" that we have gained efficiencies on. That leg can also be cut and rolled into "phase 1" and we would still meet our objectives. Plus there have been annual surpluses. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if another "finish MAPS right" type extension of the sales tax would easily pass should one be proposed. As it relates to Ed, I find it ironic that someone who tried to cancel the streetcar project entirely might now be implied to be a positive element in "saving MAPS".

With all due respect to you Pete, I appreciate the fact that you want someone to stimulate meaningful debate and healthy criticism. We both regularly share frustrations about Project 180 and other moving goal posts. I would be fired by my clients if I administrated projects the way some of these projects, timeliness, and budgets have been handled. But Ed hasn't helped create meaningful debate. He has agitated the naysayers and driven everybody else into the "Rah, Rah, OKC!" corner.

I know you talk to Ed. I get it. But I think you will be surprised in James Cooper. The guy isn't going to be a rubber stamp. At the same time, I truly believe that others will respect him and as our city council evolves, meaningful and substantive critical debate will return.

The difference between these guys is someone who really knows who he is as an individual and the current councilman. Someone I deeply believe is a meglomaniac overcompensating for some sort of inherent loss for self direction and control (my opinion). That is not who should be representing OKC's densest populated Ward. By contrast, James seems shockingly humble while retaining the needed leadership qualities to represent a large number of people.

Ed talks transparency, when he and his hired hands were the ones behind busing in any kind of opposition they could find as he tried to stop the streetcar. He even brought people in from Tuttle, .....go figure.

What does this have to do with Ed? He has so badly handled his criticisms he has no meaningful influence. Which is exactly why someone like James Cooper would be a breath of fresh air.

I was merely replying to the idea that the MAPS 3 issues are behind us, when in fact the most important ones still remain.


I don't think it's a fair characterization to say I "talk with Ed". I think I've spoken to him twice in my entire life. May have exchanged 2 or 3 short emails over the last several years.

I could say the same about virtually every other decision maker in OKC.


Look forward to meeting James in person. As I said from the outset, it's great to see such a sharp, young guy throw his hat in the ring.

I don't think it's a fair characterization to say I "talk with Ed". I think I've spoken to him twice in my entire life. May have exchanged 2 or 3 short emails over the last several years.

Ok. Well then I have been misinformed about this. I apologize.

And yes, I am excited for you to meet him too. While we have had broad support for the streetcar and other urban projects from our current council members, I am excited to see an actual Millennial sit up there. I think it would speak well of our city and send a signal to the younger generation that we are trying to both retain and attract.

I really like Ed's frankness and transparency. I wish he was my councilman ( Meg is mine. I like her personally but she is horrible as a representative unless you are a corporate downtown entity) to vote for. I totally agree with him on the streetcar system. It will be going by our properties within 1 block but it has been so gerrymandered it is sickening. We own property in both ward 6 and ward 2. I have not seen anything about this James Cooper to warrant serious endorsement.

I think you will be shocked at how successful and effective the Phase 1 of the streetcar system will be. An incredible amount of scientific assessment was applied to come up with the design. Perhaps that is not apparent enough due to the protracted planning and design process.

And Ed is far from transparent. Just look at his history.

I really like Ed's frankness and transparency. I wish he was my councilman ( Meg is mine. I like her personally but she is horrible as a representative unless you are a corporate downtown entity) to vote for. I totally agree with him on the streetcar system. It will be going by our properties within 1 block but it has been so gerrymandered it is sickening. We own property in both ward 6 and ward 2. I have not seen anything about this James Cooper to warrant serious endorsement.

See post # 19. Ed was so transparent he was hiding not to get caught. Ed is no champion here.

Ed seems to ask questions in a tone that elevates himself as the sole authority, and that he stages his questions to make himself appear to be the smartest man in the room.

This is my biggest issue with Ed. I remember him talking about the streetcar and the two conferences he went to on them. The way he handled it, it felt like we are supposed to believe he is the authority on this subject over people who get paid a lot of money to do this all the time.

This is my biggest issue with Ed. I remember him talking about the streetcar and the two conferences he went to on them. The way he handled it, it felt like we are supposed to believe he is the authority on this subject over people who get paid a lot of money to do this all the time.

I'm in the same camp. I've only met Ed once, and he was perfectly pleasant to me, but some of his behavior as a councilman has rubbed me the wrong way. I get the feeling he would be the person on a project team who is really good at pointing out problems with other people's ideas without providing any solutions.

I look forward to learning more about James in the coming months.

I will be honest that I still like Ed, and though I disagree with him on MAPS sabotage, I personally know how transparent and thoughtful Ed is. You could argue too thoughtful.

However, I have worked under James before, and have always had immense respect for him. James is one of the best writers and editors to ever come out of OSU. I'm rooting for James big-time, but I wish he could run against a worse councilperson like Greiner.

This is my biggest issue with Ed. I remember him talking about the streetcar and the two conferences he went to on them. The way he handled it, it felt like we are supposed to believe he is the authority on this subject over people who get paid a lot of money to do this all the time.

That's because doctors frequently go to a conference to learn a procedure and are immediately given privileges to perform it upon return. Ed doesn't have enough understanding of transit and its technology to see the difference. As far as city services go, he is definitely attempting to be a jack of all trades, without the insight to realize he is master of none.

but I wish he could run against a worse councilperson like Greiner.

What are the general thoughts of Greiner as a councilman?

Shadid may only be one vote on the council and frequently a lonely one when they're tallied, but you have to love the bright light he shines on the secretive plutocracy that is OKC city governance. Calls out Cornett on his duplicitous bs as well. OKC needs people like Shadid.

Shadid may only be one vote on the council and frequently a lonely one when they're tallied, but you have to love the bright light he shines on the secretive plutocracy that is OKC city governance. Calls out Cornett on his duplicitous bs as well. OKC needs people like Shadid.

So bright people shield their eyes and look the other way from discomfort.

What are the general thoughts of Greiner as a councilman?

Well just like Ed, he promised to "build maps as promised" and "honor the vote of intent by the people" (Gwin Faulconer Radio interviews and in ads/mailers sent by the candidates). In both cases, both men have flipped and waged war on the streetcar project and want it entirely rescinded.

So in both politicians, they pretty much lied to the public to help themselves get elected.

Greiner isn't the brightest bulb in the attic.

... I get the feeling [Ed] would be the person on a project team who is really good at pointing out problems with other people's ideas without providing any solutions.
...

Anyone else just get a mental image of the councilman having a guest appearance in the Dilbert comic strip, or is that just me?

What are the general thoughts of Greiner as a councilman?

51 cards short of a deck, as my father says.

Looks like Bill Crum talked to James. A bit more about what he wants to do.

Community activist to run for Oklahoma City Council | News OK (http://newsok.com/community-activist-to-run-for-oklahoma-city-council/article/5361819)

Shadid may only be one vote on the council and frequently a lonely one when they're tallied, but you have to love the bright light he shines on the secretive plutocracy that is OKC city governance. Calls out Cornett on his duplicitous bs as well. OKC needs people like Shadid.

What about the Chamber Junta?

I know several members of Ed's extended family, all of which have very little good to say about him and A LOT of bad. I think that says a lot about the kind of person he really is. His assault on the streetcar and MAPS in general have made me dislike Ed about as much as it is possible to dislike a politician. I'm all for criticizing parts of MAPS, it is definitely necessary on a project of this magnitude, but that criticism should be followed by a plan of action to address the issues, not a reckless attempt to blow it up altogether.

Good luck to James, hopefully he can knock Ed out of OKC politics.

Looks like Bill Crum talked to James. A bit more about what he wants to do.

Community activist to run for Oklahoma City Council | News OK (http://newsok.com/community-activist-to-run-for-oklahoma-city-council/article/5361819)

So he sounds like he's for the same things Ed always said he was for, but with more tact. I'd welcome that, and not the divisive abrasiveness that Shadid brought.

What about the Chamber Junta?

I know several members of Ed's extended family, all of which have very little good to say about him and A LOT of bad. I think that says a lot about the kind of person he really is. His assault on the streetcar and MAPS in general have made me dislike Ed about as much as it is possible to dislike a politician. I'm all for criticizing parts of MAPS, it is definitely necessary on a project of this magnitude, but that criticism should be followed by a plan of action to address the issues, not a reckless attempt to blow it up altogether.

Good luck to James, hopefully he can knock Ed out of OKC politics.

Which is interesting because I know one of Mick family members (not Casey, oddly enough) and when I asked what he was like, she said he was really nice, a politician, but really cared about the city, how it was perceived to the rest of the nation and trying to do what is best for its citizens.

I assume you mean the Mayor.

I'm amazed that many of you still believe Ed is fundamentally against MAPS. He is a true independent which is why he is so difficult to pigeonhole. In between the pro-MAPS and anti-MAPS camps are thoughtful, engaged citizens who care about the city and are not afraid to question the process. When the quality of life projects get shortchanged and when voters are misled about the economic impact of a convention center, there should be cause for concern. Many of you on this thread like to criticize Ed's tone while (at the same time) assassinating his character.

I'm amazed that many of you still believe Ed is fundamentally against MAPS. He is a true independent which is why he is so difficult to pigeonhole. In between the pro-MAPS and anti-MAPS camps are thoughtful, engaged citizens who care about the city and are not afraid to question the process. When the quality of life projects get shortchanged and when voters are misled about the economic impact of a convention center, there should be cause for concern. Many of you on this thread like to criticize Ed's tone while (at the same time) assassinating his character.

I'm not seeing that at all. Ed did in fact mislead voters when he ran for office about his stand on MAPS. That is absolutely factual. It's in black and white for all to see. Perhaps in your strong personal belief in Ed you are struggling to accept this fact.

I think people are just tired of him at this point. If he had been able to choose his battles more wisely, ask questions that truly needed to be asked, and done so without broad attacks on virtually all of city government, people might be less sanguine about him.

Remember, a lot of us on this board were enthusiastic supporters of him at one time.

It's also a little insulting for you to suggest that we're all just a bunch of stooges for The MAPS Man.

Ed has little to show for his term as a councilman beyond asking questions. To me that's not enough.

Ed doesn't need our help in assassinating his character, he has handled that just fine all on his own.

If I remember right, he came out as being a liar (remember all the drug use statements), so he more or less assassinated himself. Stop blaming the posters on this board for his faults.

Was it actually an assassination of character or was it perhaps a deliberate flogging of the ghost of character past?

More of a halloween question than anything else I suppose. Opinions will likely differ.

Greiner isn't the brightest bulb in the attic.

Using the old Walters play book.

What are the general thoughts of Greiner as a councilman?

He's trying to translate Tea Party-ism to municipal government. I'm not sure whether or not he's bright enough to understand how that really only translates into being in favor of a municipal government which actually does nothing. I sense that he doesn't give much thought to much of anything and is either intellectually lazy or just not a very smart fella.

I'm personally considering throwing my hat into the ring if no one better does.

... I'm personally considering throwing my hat into the ring if no one better does.

You strike me as being able to play well enough with others than the political sandbox wouldn't do violence to you physically or mentally.
And as I recall, you have mentioned considering this move a time or three before now. Though I admit eyeballing your area is not a particular hobby of mine, I do not recall anyone else waving their hat in the air to garner any attention. Maybe it is time to just go ahead and let your hat sail over into the ring.

Okay, seriously then, if anyone thinks some moderate lawyer has a shot at beating Hobby Lobby money, I'm willing to do what it takes. If anyone can help me win Ward 1, PM me... let's maybe do this?

I'm in his district and I don't remember anything that indicated there was a huge amount of money put into his campaign. I didn't vote for him but I think he spent a great amount of time knocking on numerous doors in the district.

i got a couple of mailers, but word is he spent a lot of time going door to door on the south side of Expressway in the ward to get the votes.

Midtowner we've already PM'd about this, I'd do what I can to help you out even though I'm on my way out of the ward.

James Cooper interviews with the Oklahoman.

#OKC Boxscore for Monday, Dec. 1, 2014 | News OK (http://newsok.com/okc-boxscore-for-monday-dec.-1-2014/article/5371665)

what happen during the Mayor election this past year it may hurt Ed chance of winning Ward 2 election

Ed's leadership on the oil drilling proposal has been exemplary.

Ed found a cause he knew was a slam dunk and jumped aboard. I was told privately by someone with reason to know that the drilling was never going to happen. I assume Ed knew as well but positioned himself to maximize exposure.

Ed's leadership on the oil drilling proposal has been exemplary.

... even a busted clock manages to be right twice a day.

Meh, sounds like unfair conjecture. Glad he took the stand he did.

True. I don't remember seeing any other comments by city officials until after it was decided. Ed isn't the devil and does have some good ideas. The problem is the bad ideas he also comes up with.

I recently met James cooper. He seems to be a sharp young man with a very "pro OKC" attitude. He seems to be the opposite of Ed. I live in his district and would consider voting for him based on what I have seen so far.

I know what you mean. I think it is important though to not let cynicism set the tone for each topic. Even people I vehemently disagree with make good choices. Not wanting to make a big deal out of this, just putting my stake in the ground and saying I'm glad he took the stand he did.

And to be fair, we had other councilmen say some dumb as hell things. James Greiner, for example, suggested he might be in favor of the rig because he was "pro-business." From other councilmen, silence is tantamount to consent on the issue.. or at least lack of leadership.

Of course the city leasing space for exploration isn't anything new. The huge catalyst was the very active group, Friends of Lake Hefner. Shadid was just present to speak at their microphone. Smart politically, but that doesn't make up for his attacks on MAPS.

Ed's leadership on the oil drilling proposal has been exemplary.

Congrats

Ed - 1, Everyone else - 1,000,000

After the way he handled himself in the mayoral race, there is no way in hell he should be reelected. The fact that you're standing by him is comical.