Re: Chris Trail

[Limabean]

I was really shocked at the Tulsa World article concerning Chris Trail's legal record.

Someone took alot of time to go through the legal cases and prepare what essentially read like a legal brief.

Did Brian Barber do this? Jim Burdge could pay someone to write it. The word on the street is that Westcott and Eagleton were responsible.

Whomever is responsible, I think it is a sad commentary on how mean sprited Tulsa has become. I have met Chris Trail. He seems to be a nice guy who wants to serve the city. I would suggest that any business man has had legal issues. As to the personal problem, well it should be private.

So if this is the work of the Tulsa World then I would expect to be reading more articles about ALL of the candidates legal problems and arrest records. Nothing ever goes away, if a candidate has an arrest record someone has a copy. If there aren't anymore articles then this really was a political hatchet job.

Chris, if you are reading this, please stay in the race and stand up for the individual American's right to participate in his government and run for office. Let the public decide who will serve them not the newspaper or political hacks.

[RecycleMichael]

I felt bad for him when I read the story. Most of his problems seem somewhat common for a small business person (tardy on remitting sales tax, workman's comp payments, etc.) The fact that authorities detained him because he had two outstanding food code violations unpaid seemed awfully weird.

The good news is that now that it has been made public, the newspaper won't write the details again. They did the same type story on other candidates (Gomez, Westcott, etc.) but have moved on. How he handles it will be the clue. If he obsesses about it, feels compelled to explain it, or withdraws, then clearly he wasn't ready to serve in an elected position.

I agree that it seems mean-spirited, but disagree that it has to do with Tulsa. I see way meaner campaign tactics all across the country. Face it, politics are a combat sport these days. Martinson's campaign guy has a reputation of win at all costs. If Trail stays in the race, it will keep coming.

[DTowner]

I don't know Chris Trail and, before reading the Tulsa World article, knew nothing about him.  I suspect that is the case for many.

While I agree anyone in business may occassionally have a tax problem or other issue, the article left me with the impression that this is a guy who had more problems than were normal and who doesn't pay fines or deal with tax issues until the authorities up the pressure through legal action.  That seems pretty relevant if you are seeking a city council position that may impose and seek to enforce similar rules against others.

As for the personal issues, I prefer it not be part of a campaign, but a candidate exposes himself to such scrutiny if he touts his family as part of his qualifications.  Trail's website indicates through pictures and statements that he is a dedicated husband and father, etc.  Again, I don't know him, but it seems to me it makes his wife filing for a protective order relevant to filling out a complete picture of the man running for office.

[rwarn17588]

I've met Chris Trail a few times, especially when he was running an Ike's Chili on the west side. I like the guy.

Nevertheless, he was a moron to omit pertinent information in that questionnaire. Blowing stuff like that off raises a big red flag. It strikes to the heart of whether he's truthful and whether he's credible.

[Conan71]

This can't be a shock to Chris this has ended up in the media since a basic check of OSCN would reveal some issues and a simple trip or two to the courthouse and an hour or so would reveal the rest.

Ike's isn't exactly providing a million dollar lifestyle for his family and it can be a hand-to-mouth existence at times and cash flow can be erratic in the restaurant business.  I know from personal experience he's a hard worker and he's tried to expand the business and make it more profitable.  I like him and wish him the best but I am somewhat puzzled by his seemingly sudden interest in politics.

[DTowner]

Perhaps certain shadowy figures recruited him to run [cue scary music].

Ok, probably not.  But it would not surprise me if there were some around town who searched for a challenger to Martinson.  Unfortunately, they should have done a little more due diligence and Mr. Trail should have been a little more forthcoming about his past.

From today's Tulsa World article, it doesn't sound like Mr. Trail's heart is in sticking it out.

[RecycleMichael]

I think both Trail and Martinson are good guys. They both have small business experience and a desire to serve as councilor. I don't know why. It ain't that good a job. Martinson has hired a campaign guy who doesn't run his candidate, he attacks his opponent. That is unfortunately, common practice in politics.

You don't play blackjack to get to 21, you play to beat the dealer. I have won many a hand with 12 and this is a race between flawed candidates.

I believe that Chris Trail was convinced to run for this seat because so many people really were put off by Martinson during the last two years. He was uncompromising and quite rude to people at times. On the other hand, he asked hard questions that needed to be asked. He has some loyal followers for that.

Bottom line, who can best represent the voters in district five? Elections are not about the past, they are about the future. Do the voters of district five want a councilor for the next two years that is hard to work with, but works hard to make his point? Or do they want to try someone else who seems likable, but inexperienced in politics?

I don't have a vote here because they are both republicans and my party failed to find a democrat to run. I don't know who the republicans will vote for.

My guess is that if Trail gets past this story, campaigns hard and knocks on lots of doors, he will win. People in my district just don't trust gubmint and seem to want to give the new guy a chance.

If Martinson campaigns for what he believes in and focuses on the needs of the district instead of the city as a whole, he will win. If anything, district five residents don't care much about the city budget, new city hall, or downtown enough to be compelled to go to the polls.