Midtown Coalition City Council 2000 Questionnaire
District 7 candidates
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The responses are presented below as provided by the candidates. Spelling,
punctuation, and grammar have not been altered, but the text has been reformatted
for the World Wide Web. A blank response indicates that the candidate has
yet to reply to the questionnaire.
| Name |
Party |
Address |
Phone |
E-mail |
| Clay Bird |
Republican |
6717 E. 65th St. |
745-9144, 488-0947 |
Claybirddist7@aol.com |
| Matthew Horn |
Republican |
3215 S. Irvington Ave. |
|
|
| Lois Jacobs |
Democrat |
5874 S. Kingston Ave. |
481-6861 |
LOISTULSA@aol.com |
| Brent M. Smith |
Republican |
6544 S. Irvington Ave. |
|
|
| Christopher S. Thrutchley |
Republican |
6813 E. 48th Pl. |
622-4672 |
thrutch@familynet.net |
1. If elected, will you support an ordinance establishing a procedure
for creating neighborhood plans and incorporating them into the zoning
code?
Bird: Yes I would, however, using Oklahoma City as an example of a community which has implemented neighborhood plans concerns me. I can think of few cities with less conformity than Oklahoma City and feel that Tulsa, in its current state, is much more homogeneous in nature. I have not seen "Bricktown" but have heard good things about it.
Horn:
Jacobs: Yes.
Smith:
Thrutchley: Yes, I would consider a proposed ordinance
that encourages citizens to be more involved in city government and empowers
them to protect their property rights and values.
2. Will you support funding for city or INCOG planning staff to assist
in the development of neighborhood plans?
Bird: It would depend on the extent of the funding. I would prefer that the planning stadd be comprised of non-paid volunteers from different sectors.
Horn:
Jacobs: Your question is not clear.
Smith:
Thrutchley: Generally, I will approach proposed increases
in spending by first seeking a creative alternative that avoids or minimizes
added expense. However, if an increase is justified, I will approve
it if other priorities are met.
3. Will you support the down-zoning of traditional neighborhood commercial
areas, such as Cherry Street, from commercial high-intensity (CH) to a
new "neighborhood commercial" category consistent with existing development?
Bird: Yes, I feel it is essential that we maintain the integrity of our neighborhoods. Clarification in current zoning classifications will help make this possible.
Horn:
Jacobs: Yes.
Smith:
Thrutchley: Yes, I would consider down-zoning to protect
residential property rights and values, but I also would be very careful
to ensure that established rights and expectations of existing commercial
property owners are likewise considered and protected.
4. Will you support the restoration of residential zoning to residential
areas that were rezoned for commercial, office, and industrial uses?
Bird: It depends on the predominant land use currently in place. I would support this measure in areas where the predominant land use is single family residential, in order to protect future intrusion from inappropriate zoning.
Horn:
Jacobs: Yes.
Smith:
Thrutchley: Each zoning issue will be driven by its own unique
circumstances, which must be analyzed on a case by case basis.
5. Will you support a temporary hold on zoning changes which increase commercial
encroachment into residential areas, in order to encourage speedy adoption
of these reforms and to protect neighborhoods until the reforms are in
place?
Bird: I would need to see a list of current proposed zoning changes before I could commit to supporting a hold on these changes.
Horn:
Jacobs: Yes.
Smith:
Thrutchley: I would consider the costs and benefits of a temporary
hold in light of specific development issues which may arise, while due
process is allowed for consideration of appropriate reforms.
6. What other reforms, if any, would you make in zoning, land use planning,
urban renewal, or related policy areas?
Bird: I would like to see the neighborhood plans to be overseen by homeowners, developers and city officials to serve on a volunteer, non-paid staff similar to a homeowners association.
Horn:
Jacobs: [no reply for this question]
Smith:
Thrutchley: Antiquated ordinances that hinder prudent development
should be repealed. All ordinances should be periodically re-evaluated.
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