Tulsa Councilor Christiansen not running

[RecycleMichael]

Christiansen decides against re-election bid

Bill Christiansen
By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Published: 5/27/2011 

City Councilor Bill Christiansen announced Friday that he has changed his mind and will not seek re-election.

The Republican has held south Tulsa's District 8 seat since 2002.

Christiansen told the Tulsa World that he decided to reveal his decision now so that there's plenty of time for a "good candidate" to come forward for the July filing period of the fall elections.

"I have very much enjoyed serving the citizens of Tulsa for the last 9 1/2 years, and I greatly appreciate the support given to me by the citizens of District 8," he said.

Christiansen said he's leaving his options open about whether he will seek another political office in the future. The mayor's post is up for election in 2013.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20110527_334_0_CityCo186408

[jne]

for city council...

Christiansen decides against re-election bid

Bill Christiansen
By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
Published: 5/27/2011 

City Councilor Bill Christiansen announced Friday that he has changed his mind and will not seek re-election.

The Republican has held south Tulsa's District 8 seat since 2002.

Christiansen told the Tulsa World that he decided to reveal his decision now so that there's plenty of time for a "good candidate" to come forward for the July filing period of the fall elections.

"I have very much enjoyed serving the citizens of Tulsa for the last 9 1/2 years, and I greatly appreciate the support given to me by the citizens of District 8," he said.

Christiansen said he's leaving his options open about whether he will seek another political office in the future. The mayor's post is up for election in 2013.

Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20110527_334_0_CityCo186408

[sgrizzle]

Well, crap.

[custosnox]

Well, crap.

Round 2?

[Conan71]

I like Bill and I think he's been a good councilor, however, I don't think anyone should be on the city council 10 years.  Time for fresh ideas.  Scott?

[sgrizzle]

Phil is running, not sure who else.

Now I'll never get a chance to use the slogan "Phil and Bill are Phull of Bull"

[Shely]

I thought Christiansen did a good job while in office.  I didn't agree with him on every issue, but I thought he represented the district well.

My questions for Lakin are:

(1) Will he simply be a rubber stamp for Kaiser / BOK / TCF opinions on issues?

(2) Given Kaiser / BOK / TCF involvement on issues, is this a conflict of interest on a number of issues the city council will face?  Will he exclude himself from votes on these issues?  If so, how well will he represent the district?

(3) Does he have enough time to commit to the district?  He is the CEO of TCF and he sits on the board of no less than 8 boards that I can count.  I believe he also has 3 young children.  I simply question whether or not he has enough time to fairly represent the district.

I am not saying that Phil could not do a good job representing the district.  These are simply questions that I want answered before I cast my vote.

[swake]

I would like it if he would run for mayor

[rdj]

He said the same thing last time...

...and then was raising money and set to announce a mayoral bid.  We can see how that turned out.

[sgrizzle]

I thought Christiansen did a good job while in office.  I didn't agree with him on every issue, but I thought he represented the district well.

My questions for Lakin are:

(1) Will he simply be a rubber stamp for Kaiser / BOK / TCF opinions on issues?

(2) Given Kaiser / BOK / TCF involvement on issues, is this a conflict of interest on a number of issues the city council will face?  Will he exclude himself from votes on these issues?  If so, how well will he represent the district?

(3) Does he have enough time to commit to the district?  He is the CEO of TCF and he sits on the board of no less than 8 boards that I can count.  I believe he also has 3 young children.  I simply question whether or not he has enough time to fairly represent the district.

I am not saying that Phil could not do a good job representing the district.  These are simply questions that I want answered before I cast my vote.

You do realize Lakin and Kaiser are not even members of the same political party? Just asking.

[rdj]

You do realize Lakin and Kaiser are not even members of the same political party? Just asking.

That leads to a philosophical debate...should political parties be involved in the municipal &/or county government?  Is what Kaiser, Lakin, et al believe about the direction of the metropolitan area really going to be affected by the politics policies their national parties are ruining running Washington with.

[Conan71]

That leads to a philosophical debate...should political parties be involved in the municipal &/or county government?  Is what Kaiser, Lakin, et al believe about the direction of the metropolitan area really going to be affected by the politics policies their national parties are ruining running Washington with.

Our city and county elections could and should be non-partisan, but the Tulsa county chapters of the Dem and Rep parties wouldn't hear of it because they would become less relevant and someone's wittle ego might be hurt.

[Shely]

You do realize Lakin and Kaiser are not even members of the same political party? Just asking.

I do realize they are not members of the same political party.  Since when are issues like repayment of the BOK loan for GP Airlines, moving City Hall to the Cube, tax assessment district for ONEOK Field, etc...Republic or Democrat issues.  They are Tulsa issues.  Kaiser, Lybarger (spelling?), Levitt and company all have their opinions on these issues.  The point is will Lakin represent the District or be a rubber stamp for Kaiser et al.

[Townsend]

  The point is will Lakin represent the District or be a rubber stamp for Kaiser et al.

Somehow I feel that you have your own opinion and it won't matter what is said.

[rdj]

Don't know where Lakin resides.  Will he remain in District 8 if the proposed council re-districted is enacted?