View Full Version : OKC Ward 3 City Council Race Information



emtefury
01-27-2021, 10:39 AM
I have not seen any information on OKC Talk on the upcoming City Council Elections. I live in Ward 3, so posting information for this election. I am posting in this area and not the political area because this is a non-partisan race and do not want to have a toxic discussion. Also, my post is more informational. In my opinion, local elections are just or even more important than national elections. I am always disappointed with how low the vote is for local elections. Local elections can affect your life much greater than national elections.

The election is on February 9th. If a candidate does not get a majority (50%) of the vote, there will be a runoff of the highest two vote-getters. The runoff will be on April 6th. You will vote in the same poll location as the general election.

This is a link for information on the candidates and other election information.

https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3681/18

The candidates are listed as the same order as the website.
Allen Swanda
Jessica Martinez-Brooks
Barbara Young
Trey Bishop
Tim Long
Kelli Payne

The NEOKC Chamber, WesTen District, and Windsor District had a candidate forum and can be viewed at the following Youtube link. Four of the candidates participated, Allen Swanda, Jessica Martinez-Brooks, Trey Bishop, and Kelli Payne.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=m7D4PDzQHu0

Nondoc has a good summary of the candidates and their websites (if the candidate has one).

https://nondoc.com/2020/12/10/16-candidates-file-for-2021-okc-city-council-elections/

Laramie
01-27-2021, 02:59 PM
I also live in Ward 3.

Jessica Martinez-Brooks is the only candidate for which I received a visit. Impressed with her resume.

LocoAko
01-27-2021, 06:37 PM
I also live in Ward 3.

Jessica Martinez-Brooks is the only candidate for which I received a visit. Impressed with her resume.

She seems very highly regarded by many people I know, as well as the mayor.

HOT ROD
01-27-2021, 06:48 PM
where in the city is Ward 3?

LocoAko
01-27-2021, 07:14 PM
where in the city is Ward 3?

Pretty much everything south of I-40 and west of I-44, with the addition of north of I-40 just SE of Bethany.

Wards 1 and 4 also have competitive races.

16696

Plutonic Panda
01-27-2021, 11:06 PM
https://freepressokc.com/okc-ward-3-candidates-weigh-in-on-infrastructure-sprawl-other-issues/

emtefury
01-28-2021, 10:49 AM
She seems very highly regarded by many people I know, as well as the mayor.

In 2018, the Mayor appointed Jessica Martinez-Brooks to the OKC Water Utilities Trust. In 2017, her spouse, Senator Michael Brooks was elected the state senate for District 44. I am not saying it is nepotism or just a coincidence. I am showing the facts and dates. I don't actually know if they are related.

emtefury
01-28-2021, 10:52 AM
I received my fourth or fifth mailer for Barbara Young with Larry McAtee as her endorser. I don't know if McAtee endorsing is good or bad. Some in Ward 3 have soured to Larry due to how Ward 3 seems to be neglected within the city.

Laramie
01-28-2021, 02:41 PM
https://tangivotes.com/portals/0/images/voterIDcard.png

Just a reminder: If you received a new Oklahoma voter ID check it carefully--your polling place probably has changed.

HOT ROD
01-28-2021, 05:06 PM
really seems to be that either:

1) OKC really needs to de-annex
a) most of the NE beyond Bryant or Sooner Rd
b) all area E and S of about a mile from Lake Draper
c) all area of the SW, W of Sara Rd
d) the far north and NW at points

and/or

2) OKC needs to create urban and suburbanl Wards.

I'd vote for both, carve out the rural I highlighted in 1) it doesn't add ANY tax dollars at all (since there's no businesses there and city gets no property tax) and create real suburban wards and define the urban core with wards for it. That would not only ensure the city has resources at say 400-450 square miles (still PLENTY) but also would increase representation for actual city residents. You really dilute things the way we have it now with only two urban wards and even they cross neighborhoods/demographics so you don't really capture needs.

Say we made 4 urban wards, inside the loop then 4 suburban wards outside then perhaps 2 at-large carving off the rural that IS NOT even anything to do with Oklahoma City as a city!!. Oh, and increase the pay and make them full-time jobs while we're at it. THEN we can get real leadership vested in the residents of the city and not just retired people continuing the deep state of OKC. ...

Laramie
01-29-2021, 01:15 PM
De-annexation?

Sure, it sounds so easy to want to break-away because a few vocal disgruntled residents push for de-annexation. It's not as simple as it sounds.

Some areas that wanted to de-annex from OKC found in studies they conducted the complexities of providing basic city services with safety (police & fire) to be more of a challenge than they were able to undertake.

Oklahoma City has invested in many of these small areas for years especially when they couldn't provide for themselves; continue to support, stick with the city that brought you this far. If you have concerns, go to the council and air those concerns through the proper channels. Wouldn't hold my breath on the city creating new wards.

Plutonic Panda
01-29-2021, 01:29 PM
I’m opposed to de-annexing any parts of the city. The more land the better. Just because the land is there doesn’t mean it has to be low density suburban usage. Farmland and other industries requiring large chunks of land are a thing too.

emtefury
01-30-2021, 03:29 PM
Campaign contribution reports can be found here. You can generally see where loyalties are with contributions.

https://www.okc.gov/departments/city-clerk/elections/ethics-reports-campaign-contribution-reports/-folder-2012

HOT ROD
02-02-2021, 03:00 PM
De-annexation?

Sure, it sounds so easy to want to break-away because a few vocal disgruntled residents push for de-annexation. It's not as simple as it sounds.

Some areas that wanted to de-annex from OKC found in studies they conducted the complexities of providing basic city services with safety (police & fire) to be more of a challenge than they were able to undertake.

Oklahoma City has invested in many of these small areas for years especially when they couldn't provide for themselves; continue to support, stick with the city that brought you this far. If you have concerns, go to the council and air those concerns through the proper channels. Wouldn't hold my breath on the city creating new wards.

No reason why those rural investment OKC has made wouldn't go to the county. ...

HOT ROD
02-02-2021, 03:03 PM
I’m opposed to de-annexing any parts of the city. The more land the better. Just because the land is there doesn’t mean it has to be low density suburban usage. Farmland and other industries requiring large chunks of land are a thing too.

Farmland and other industries would still be there regardless if it were in the city limits or not. In fact, we likely could have more if the city limits were not so rural since they could adopt their own zoning without restriction or 'delays' from downtown. ...

De-annex is a win win; in my idea - OKC would still have between 400-450 square miles; about the size of LA or Houston with 1/4 the population. ...

soonerguru
02-03-2021, 12:03 PM
I received my fourth or fifth mailer for Barbara Young with Larry McAtee as her endorser. I don't know if McAtee endorsing is good or bad. Some in Ward 3 have soured to Larry due to how Ward 3 seems to be neglected within the city.

He used to provide some modicum of constituent service, but hasn't in years. He doesn't listen to anyone and is a homophobic anti-masker. Literally counting down the days until he's gone.

I will absolutely not support Young for any reason, least of all her endorsement from Larry. Talk about a mark against her.

Barring anything unforeseen, Jessica Martinez-Brooks will be getting my vote.

HOT ROD
02-03-2021, 05:58 PM
Jessica Martinez-Brooks for City Council Ward 3 (jessicaforokc.com) (https://jessicaforokc.com/)

emtefury
02-04-2021, 01:07 PM
Yesterday there was a candidate forum held by Rock the Native Vote. The two participants were Jessica Martinez-Brook and Allen Swanda. Recommend watching prior to 9 Feb.

The post does not call out Ward 3. The post is titled, "Join us Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, to hear from additional candidates running for Oklahoma City Council seats."

https://www.facebook.com/RNV2020

David
02-10-2021, 11:00 AM
According to the state election results page (https://results.okelections.us/OKER/?elecDate=20210209), it looks like we'll have a runoff for Wards 1 and 3 but Todd Stone won a commanding 64.29% in his race.

Ward 1: runoff between Shay Varnell and Bradley Carter.
Ward 3: runoff between Barbara Young and Jessica Martinez-Brooks.

AnguisHerba
02-11-2021, 11:15 AM
According to the state election results page (https://results.okelections.us/OKER/?elecDate=20210209), it looks like we'll have a runoff for Wards 1 and 3 but Todd Stone won a commanding 64.29% in his race.

Ward 1: runoff between Shay Varnell and Bradley Carter.
Ward 3: runoff between Barbara Young and Jessica Martinez-Brooks.

Other than maybe Martinez-Brooks, none of these candidates are particularly exciting. She will likely be far more engaged than McAtee was. She also might support an extension of the mask mandate (McAtee did not), but there's already enough votes for that without Wards 1 and 3. Both the folks in Ward 1 are using the typical "conservative values" messaging. So, I would say expect more of the same in terms of votes from Wards 1 and 3 for most council votes, including the hot button issue of policing.

TheSteveHunt
04-11-2021, 08:41 AM
election was funnier than a comic strip

will be interesting to see if Holt tones down his pretend progressive image seeing apparently it doesn't win elections here hahahahh

HOT ROD
04-14-2021, 01:18 AM
btw, what were the results?

Paule4ou
04-14-2021, 09:57 AM
16823

HOT ROD
04-14-2021, 04:44 PM
so what's the feeling of the results?

Laramie
04-14-2021, 08:01 PM
so what's the feeling of the results?

Just want to see our city get more council members who are commented to more impact growth venues like a 1,000 room Omni Hotel--add 400 more rooms on site; a large expandable multipurpose stadium (MAPS 4 - $37 million committed), will need $500 million + for a future 75,000 seat stadium to bid for events like the NCAA Final Four Basketball and other events that will fill existing hotel rooms.

OKC could duplicate what cities like New Orleans, Nashville, Indianapolis & Kansas City are doing as their MSA population eclipse 1.2 million - 2.2 million in preparation for the next level. Bring more high paying high tech jobs to the Metro--does our city have a corporate & housing growth expansion plan...

We have 100 acres deeded to the Chickasaw Tribe near the FAM museum where a large resort style hotel possibly 500+ room range could be built to support year round events for a future stadium and more events at The Peake and the new State Fair Coliseum.

If we could allow the Chickasaw Tribe to build just one large hotel on the 100 acres near the FAM museum it will draw more out-of-state visitors with more attraction built in the FAM area.


The Key to support our future growth is in place: MAPS 4's - 16 projects that expire April 2028.

Are we ready to advance to the next level: 1.5 million to 1.6 million (Challenge Milwaukee) or more projected MSA in 2030.

HOT ROD
04-16-2021, 04:17 PM
well get there in a year or so not just 2030, OKC may already be ahead of Milwaukee. I agree about the hotel being shortsized, should definitely build another 400-650 tower, don't need to be Omni and could be across the street or anchor the south cc expansion. .. I liked how Denver had a collection of brand new CC hotels next to their convention center, would love to see Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton full-service next to Omni in the Ford Lands.

On diversification - yes I totally agree with you. OKC needs to get with not just diversifying which the city is doing but diversifying in a variety of industries and not just aerospace and health services/research. ... I've always thought OKC should really go after more back offices. Costco is a great example but there's many more. IMO OKC should open a California and NY office that courts companies in those states to relocate or open office(s) in OKC. It would be a good use of incentives that actually incentivize such an effort. Most folks agree once they come to OKC that it is viable and that will only continue to get better as more and more inmigration happens. Let;s not only THINK Big but let's ACT (develop) Big. Then we can start being in the picture with regard to NBA All Star, appropriately geared for NBA Finals, NCAA and Big 12, medium to large conventions, and so on.

I personally think the OKC airport should fully build out the full E expansion, they could just add the jetways as necessary but the building would be done. ... Also add an onsite midrise hotel or two and demo/redo the existing one. Ridiculous that OKC has a captive audience there (in the FAA training center - worldwide students) yet no accomodations, not to mention for travelers.

One other thing OKC should really champion is education. And I'm not just talking about more $$ but better spent $, and we could do that very easily by consolidating districts or having single county executive/administration for rural districts.

emtefury
04-16-2021, 11:16 PM
Just want to see our city get more council members who are commented to more impact growth venues like a 1,000 room Omni Hotel--add 400 more rooms on site; a large expandable multipurpose stadium (MAPS 4 - $37 million committed), will need $500 million + for a future 75,000 seat stadium to bid for events like the NCAA Final Four Basketball and other events that will fill existing hotel rooms.

OKC could duplicate what cities like New Orleans, Nashville, Indianapolis & Kansas City are doing as their MSA population eclipse 1.2 million - 2.2 million in preparation for the next level. Bring more high paying high tech jobs to the Metro--does our city have a corporate & housing growth expansion plan...

We have 100 acres deeded to the Chickasaw Tribe near the FAM museum where a large resort style hotel possibly 500+ room range could be built to support year round events for a future stadium and more events at The Peake and the new State Fair Coliseum.

If we could allow the Chickasaw Tribe to build just one large hotel on the 100 acres near the FAM museum it will draw more out-of-state visitors with more attraction built in the FAM area.


The Key to support our future growth is in place: MAPS 4's - 16 projects that expire April 2028.

Are we ready to advance to the next level: 1.5 million to 1.6 million (Challenge Milwaukee) or more projected MSA in 2030.




I understand your desire for this growth that is mostly centered around the city core. I live in ward 3. There is one thing we care about and that is roads. I understand there is a MAPS for roads or whatever it is called and other bond programs. However, it is not enough out here. SW 29th street is a disaster from Macarther to Mustang Road. It is not supposed to be resurfaced until 2025/2026. Morgan road was four lanes from I-40 south to SW 29th St. The city planned to widen Morgan to four lanes between SW 29th and SW 44th to then feed into the turnpike entrance. However, the city ran out of money during the project, so Morgan between SW 29th and SW 44th is only four lanes half way. It goes back to a two lanes road before the stop sign at SW 44th going south, which is before the turnpike entrance. A few years ago on County Line road between SW 44th and SW 29th instead of repaving the road, the city put down chip seal. It is now turning into put hole junction. County Line road between SW 59th and Hwy 152 will probably damage a few car wheels due to the size of pot holes. I literally have to drive on the other side of the road or go five miles per hour over certain sections or else I will damage my car wheels. Czech Hall Road is also a disaster from I-40 south to the City of Mustang (the City of Mustang mostly has nice roads...you can tell the difference when going from Mustand to OKC).

I can go on and on and I know other areas of the city are like this too. The point is the city has neglected its first responsibility to provide basic road infrastructure. Before any more fancy core projects, the city needs to fix the roads. I know MAPS 4 funds can be used for whatever the city wants because that is how the measure was passed so not logrolling. The city council needs to allocate the MAPS 4 money to roads. Road should come first. My guess is the city will want to pass another MAPS for roads and takes another 1% in sales tax.

Roads are priority 1, 2, and 3 for Ward 3.

David
04-18-2021, 04:56 PM
The city council needs to allocate the MAPS 4 money to roads.

Not just no, but hell no. MAPS 4 was approved by voters by nearly 72% of the people who cared to go out and vote in that election and it was for the set of promised projects that was stated up front, changing it now would destroy the public's trust in the MAPS brand. We already have electorally allocated money going for street work from the 2017 bond issue.

Dob Hooligan
04-19-2021, 08:14 AM
I understand your desire for this growth that is mostly centered around the city core. I live in ward 3. There is one thing we care about and that is roads. I understand there is a MAPS for roads or whatever it is called and other bond programs. However, it is not enough out here. SW 29th street is a disaster from Macarther to Mustang Road. It is not supposed to be resurfaced until 2025/2026. Morgan road was four lanes from I-40 south to SW 29th St. The city planned to widen Morgan to four lanes between SW 29th and SW 44th to then feed into the turnpike entrance. However, the city ran out of money during the project, so Morgan between SW 29th and SW 44th is only four lanes half way. It goes back to a two lanes road before the stop sign at SW 44th going south, which is before the turnpike entrance. A few years ago on County Line road between SW 44th and SW 29th instead of repaving the road, the city put down chip seal. It is now turning into put hole junction. County Line road between SW 59th and Hwy 152 will probably damage a few car wheels due to the size of pot holes. I literally have to drive on the other side of the road or go five miles per hour over certain sections or else I will damage my car wheels. Czech Hall Road is also a disaster from I-40 south to the City of Mustang (the City of Mustang mostly has nice roads...you can tell the difference when going from Mustand to OKC).

I can go on and on and I know other areas of the city are like this too. The point is the city has neglected its first responsibility to provide basic road infrastructure. Before any more fancy core projects, the city needs to fix the roads. I know MAPS 4 funds can be used for whatever the city wants because that is how the measure was passed so not logrolling. The city council needs to allocate the MAPS 4 money to roads. Road should come first. My guess is the city will want to pass another MAPS for roads and takes another 1% in sales tax.

Roads are priority 1, 2, and 3 for Ward 3.

I hope someone on here knows for sure and will comment, but I recall reading that a portion of Ward 3 is in Canadian County, rather than Oklahoma County. This makes me wonder if some of the specific roads you are referring to are the responsibility of the county, rather than Oklahoma City?

TheSteveHunt
04-19-2021, 05:14 PM
Just want to see our city get more council members who are commented to more impact growth venues like a 1,000 room Omni Hotel--add 400 more rooms on site; a large expandable multipurpose stadium (MAPS 4 - $37 million committed), will need $500 million + for a future 75,000 seat stadium to bid for events like the NCAA Final Four Basketball and other events that will fill existing hotel rooms.

OKC could duplicate what cities like New Orleans, Nashville, Indianapolis & Kansas City are doing as their MSA population eclipse 1.2 million - 2.2 million in preparation for the next level. Bring more high paying high tech jobs to the Metro--does our city have a corporate & housing growth expansion plan...

We have 100 acres deeded to the Chickasaw Tribe near the FAM museum where a large resort style hotel possibly 500+ room range could be built to support year round events for a future stadium and more events at The Peake and the new State Fair Coliseum.

If we could allow the Chickasaw Tribe to build just one large hotel on the 100 acres near the FAM museum it will draw more out-of-state visitors with more attraction built in the FAM area.


The Key to support our future growth is in place: MAPS 4's - 16 projects that expire April 2028.

Are we ready to advance to the next level: 1.5 million to 1.6 million (Challenge Milwaukee) or more projected MSA in 2030.




workin on this https://youtu.be/uH9KrfmMKgc

emtefury
04-19-2021, 07:27 PM
I hope someone on here knows for sure and will comment, but I recall reading that a portion of Ward 3 is in Canadian County, rather than Oklahoma County. This makes me wonder if some of the specific roads you are referring to are the responsibility of the county, rather than Oklahoma City?

About half of the ward is in Canadian County. I live around this area I described and is in Canadian County. I have only ever seen Oklahoma CIty road trucks. At the time of Morgan Road not being completed with four lanes to SW 44th St, Larry Macatee provided the information that the City ran out of money to complete the project with four lanes. The Ward 3 City Council Representative has never referred to Canadian County with road issues in Canadia County.

Midtowner
04-19-2021, 07:27 PM
workin on this https://youtu.be/uH9KrfmMKgc

I think that's the second time you've posted that link. You're acting like there is some grand unknown conspiracy between the powers that be and that something needs be uncovered. I'm here to tell you that nothing really needs to be uncovered, it's being done out in the open and with massive public support.

Now bring on some MAPS V. Some rich folks are going to get more rich and we're all going to have better amenities at the city core open to all. MAPS IV dominated because they brought police and fire into the fold with new dedicated sources of funding.

emtefury
04-19-2021, 07:35 PM
Not just no, but hell no. MAPS 4 was approved by voters by nearly 72% of the people who cared to go out and vote in that election and it was for the set of promised projects that was stated up front, changing it now would destroy the public's trust in the MAPS brand. We already have electorally allocated money going for street work from the 2017 bond issue.

I know many in Ward 3's opinion is this Ward sees very little in the way of MAPS and all of the funds are allocated to the core. This is while the city is negligent on its first responsibility to provide adequate infrastructure. The city should not be spending $978M from the general fund while it cannot properly maintain its roads. Remember MAPS 4 was a tax to the general fund and not to specific projects.

GoGators
04-20-2021, 08:06 AM
I know many in Ward 3's opinion is this Ward sees very little in the way of MAPS and all of the funds are allocated to the core. This is while the city is negligent on its first responsibility to provide adequate infrastructure. The city should not be spending $978M from the general fund while it cannot properly maintain its roads. Remember MAPS 4 was a tax to the general fund and not to specific projects.

Obviously that is never going to happen and it shouldn't happen. The voters told the city what they wanted their tax dollars spent on and the city will oblige like they have done with every other maps. If ward 3 is so concerned about their roads, make sure you and everyone in ward 3 go out and vote yes on the next proposed sales tax increase that addresses road maintenance. You cant have nice things unless you are wiling to pay for them.

Midtowner
04-20-2021, 10:55 AM
Obviously that is never going to happen and it shouldn't happen. The voters told the city what they wanted their tax dollars spent on and the city will oblige like they have done with every other maps. If ward 3 is so concerned about their roads, make sure you and everyone in ward 3 go out and vote yes on the next proposed sales tax increase that addresses road maintenance. You cant have nice things unless you are wiling to pay for them.

We do this every few years with the GO bond votes. It's always an ambitious collection of projects.

SouthSide
04-20-2021, 02:34 PM
Obviously that is never going to happen and it shouldn't happen. The voters told the city what they wanted their tax dollars spent on and the city will oblige like they have done with every other maps. If ward 3 is so concerned about their roads, make sure you and everyone in ward 3 go out and vote yes on the next proposed sales tax increase that addresses road maintenance. You cant have nice things unless you are wiling to pay for them.

Some areas of the city no matter how much money the city has see very little of it. To the point, basic services are in a permanent state of disrepair.

SouthOfTheVillage
04-21-2021, 08:04 AM
Some areas of the city no matter how much money the city has see very little of it. To the point, basic services are in a permanent state of disrepair.

Agreed. All future MAPS funds should go towards streets, schools and shumard oak trees.

SouthSide
04-21-2021, 08:12 AM
Agreed. All future MAPS funds should go towards streets, schools and shumard oak trees.

As long its not Bradford Pear trees!

SouthSide
04-21-2021, 08:13 AM
Agreed. All future MAPS funds should go towards streets, schools and shumard oak trees.

As long as its not Bradford Pear trees!

Laramie
04-22-2021, 11:12 AM
MAPS I (Arena, Ballpark, Library, Bricktown Canal & Civic Center Music Hall) did allow our city a jump start. Don't get me wrong, every city will never be perfect to the point that ALL of its basic needs are addressed. Amazed that Oklahoma City continued to grow (pre MAPS) in the 60s, 70s & 80s especially when our city's core did not look that appealing; let alone attractive.

We've got to chip away at getting the basic needs addressed as we grow and connect with neighboring cities like Norman (126,952) OU, Edmond (96,376) UCO, Moore (63,261), Midwest City/Del City (57,849)/(21,666) Tinker AFB/Rose State, Yukon (29,078) & Mustang (24,773). The neighboring cities that eclipse 100,000 population are your MSA game changers.

Mustangs' growth will be greatly enhanced by road access infrastructure.

There has to be a balance with roads, beautification and retaining homegrown talent. You embrace that balance when you are able to attract new businesses like Heartland Payments. Mayor Mick Cornett advocated for not having all of your businesses tied to one sector like the Energy sector because when things temporarily go south--it impacts the whole city.

There are many things our city needs to address. Sure we could do away with MAPS and do away with our dreams; slowly attract a small impact business here or there--finding balance is crucial. When OKC attracts an Omni Hotel for example; Omni wanted help with investment & infrastructure. We have to find a balance with basic services, dealing with crumbling infrastructure and investment in the future.

MAPS 4 places and emphasis on all city parks, $140 million improvements outside the core. OKC recognizes that parks need to be improved to entice beautification and healthy living and Wellness Centers to deal with the health of an aging population.

BoulderSooner
04-22-2021, 11:50 AM
Mustang (24,773).

Mustangs' growth will be greatly enhanced by road access infrastructure.



it is doubtful that mustang can even double in size .. the entire city is 12 square miles 75% +/- of which is already built out ..

HOT ROD
04-22-2021, 03:55 PM
annex/grow from OKC then.

Laramie
04-22-2021, 04:40 PM
it is doubtful that mustang can even double in size .. the entire city is 12 square miles 75% +/- of which is already built out ..

The road access infrastructure may not be a high priority according the the stats you presented; however, it still needs to be addressed. My question, who is responsible for road access to Mustang. City, County or State...

HOT ROD
04-25-2021, 02:18 PM
probably depends on the road. local road - OKC (if in city limit) or county (if not), state road or highway - state. my guess

soonerguru
04-26-2021, 10:29 AM
I understand your desire for this growth that is mostly centered around the city core. I live in ward 3. There is one thing we care about and that is roads. I understand there is a MAPS for roads or whatever it is called and other bond programs. However, it is not enough out here. SW 29th street is a disaster from Macarther to Mustang Road. It is not supposed to be resurfaced until 2025/2026. Morgan road was four lanes from I-40 south to SW 29th St. The city planned to widen Morgan to four lanes between SW 29th and SW 44th to then feed into the turnpike entrance. However, the city ran out of money during the project, so Morgan between SW 29th and SW 44th is only four lanes half way. It goes back to a two lanes road before the stop sign at SW 44th going south, which is before the turnpike entrance. A few years ago on County Line road between SW 44th and SW 29th instead of repaving the road, the city put down chip seal. It is now turning into put hole junction. County Line road between SW 59th and Hwy 152 will probably damage a few car wheels due to the size of pot holes. I literally have to drive on the other side of the road or go five miles per hour over certain sections or else I will damage my car wheels. Czech Hall Road is also a disaster from I-40 south to the City of Mustang (the City of Mustang mostly has nice roads...you can tell the difference when going from Mustand to OKC).

I can go on and on and I know other areas of the city are like this too. The point is the city has neglected its first responsibility to provide basic road infrastructure. Before any more fancy core projects, the city needs to fix the roads. I know MAPS 4 funds can be used for whatever the city wants because that is how the measure was passed so not logrolling. The city council needs to allocate the MAPS 4 money to roads. Road should come first. My guess is the city will want to pass another MAPS for roads and takes another 1% in sales tax.

Roads are priority 1, 2, and 3 for Ward 3.

I live in Ward 3 and nearly all the roads around my home have been resurfaced in the last year. We got new sidewalks on arterial streets. I see constant road construction / replacement. I don't understand your comment that the city is "neglecting" its role.

If you have more than a passing interest in factual data you can easily research the plans to resurface roads as a part of the Safer City initiative. Keep in mind, there are other initiatives paying for the largest road resurfacing plan in city history.