Susan Neal leaves the Bartlett administration

[akupetsky]

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20100412_11_0_SusanN426505

This worries me a lot.  Ms. Neal has remained a constant in the different administrations, and her departure will leave a void.  I worry especially about PlaniTulsa, since Ms. Neal has spearheaded that effort and sought to propel Tulsa forward in a way that attracts investment while maintaining Tulsa's history and neighborhoods.  Will anyone else in the administration be able to carry the torch?  Does anyone who has Bartlett's ear understand PlaniTulsa, and how critical it is to Tulsa's future?  Will she stay involved?

[sgrizzle]

Despite the Mayor's staff being over budget, they also "reassigned" the staff member who said Simonson was lying and hired Clay Bird.

[RecycleMichael]

I am a fan of Susan Neal as well. I have known her since the early 90s when she was with Mayfest.

I wish her well with this new job.

[fotd]

Po girl....couldn't take the heat.

Agreed, a lost good public servant.

Don't they all lose their innocence sooner or later?

Only the bad remain. Only the co dependents....

[Conan71]

Po girl....couldn't take the heat.

Agreed, a lost good public servant.

Don't they all lose their innocence sooner or later?

Only the bad remain. Only the co dependents....

You still refuse to admit or deny your culpability. This demon has a clear conscience.

[Rico]

Despite the Mayor's staff being over budget, they also "reassigned" the staff member who said Simonson was lying and hired Clay Bird.

Well with "Skeet" back in action you need not worry about the Bartlett team doing anything illegal or unethical.

Got it Pardner...........

A man from team "brownfield" to aid with "PlaniTulsa"..... Just the ingredient that was missing.

Dewey could at least hire smart crooked politicians.

[PonderInc]

I understand why Ms. Neal would want to take a job at TU, but I'm sad to see her go.  She seems to be one of the people who sincerely cares about Tulsa, and isn't in politics b/c of ego.  She's kept an exhausting schedule for many years.  You always see her at evening meetings related to PlaniTulsa, downtown, neighborhoods, parks, whatever.  I don't see anyone else from Bartlett's office sticking around until 9:00 PM every night of the week to attend community meetings.  (Heck, I don't even see them during the day!)  This lady is everywhere! 

I've also observed that some of the hardest working and most passionate people at the City work for Susan Neal.  These are the folks who come in on their unpaid furlough days to get stuff done, and are always ready to talk to citizens, answer questions, or attend night meetings.

I'm sure the TU position will be a relief after the "endurance sprint" of her current job.  Hope we can find someone to fill her shoes.