Why I should be Tulsa’s next mayor:
Adelson: As a fourth-generation Tulsan, I want to give back to the city which has given my family and me so much. I will be an effective mayor for all Tulsa residents. I will lead our city through the current financial crisis and provide a broad vision for a rich and vibrant future. Tulsa is at the verge of greatness, as we revise the comprehensive plan with an unprecedented citizen-led process.
Bartlett: As a fiscally conservative businessman, I am ready to lead Tulsa through these difficult financial times. We need a mayor who has a record of success, who has business knowledge and who knows what it takes to make Tulsa a better place to live and do business. I have had to make my company more efficient to survive trying times and to thrive in good times. I will use this management and leadership experience as mayor. 
Perkins: I believe politicians should reflect the character of those they represent, and I embody Tulsans. I am honest, pragmatic, forward-thinking and passionate. I have the humility to listen, the judgment to make good decisions and the clarity to distinguish healthy debate from politics. I have the educational foundation to understand the complexities of municipal governance, the wisdom to surround myself with capable leaders and the vision to move Tulsa beyond the status quo.
Three things that set me apart from the other candidates:
Adelson: As a legislator, I worked across the aisle and created coalitions. Every bill I passed had a Republican co-author. I am experienced in nonprofit public service (that is) responsive to the needs of constituents and ensuring that promised services are delivered. I have an ambitious vision for Tulsa — we’ll connect our neighborhoods to encourage a stronger sense of community.
Bartlett: First is my conservative political and fiscal philosophy. I am a supporter of other conservatives such as Dr. Tom Coburn and Sen. Jim Inhofe. This says a lot about our differences and how we would govern. Second, my temperament sets me apart. I am a unifier, not a divider. Third, I am the only candidate with an MBA in finance and business management experience.
Perkins: Perspective: My message is based on building Tulsa up, not tearing others down. I am the nonpartisan voice trying to bring Tulsa together to overcome our nonpartisan challenges.
Age: There is a unique passion involved in having the ability and opportunity to impact the place where I will raise my children.
Candor: My campaign has been open and honest with the citizens so they can make an informed choice on Nov. 10.
What I plan to accomplish first, if elected:
Adelson: Tulsans deserve to feel safe and secure in their homes, to drive to and from good jobs on well-maintained streets. The basic public services come first. We have a $451 million bond package to improve streets; I want that process to be fair and transparent. Tulsans expect clean air and water, to have their trash picked up and strong leadership in any emergency. I am the best candidate to accomplish these important goals.
Bartlett: We must first get our house in order. I will focus on the basics: public safety, strong police and fire protection, improved streets and infrastructure. Without high-quality infrastructure, we will not have the ability to move commerce, much less our citizens, throughout our city. I will be certain people are safe, basic infrastructure is maintained and our roads are in good repair.
Perkins: My first objective is to improve our financial condition by eliminating wasteful practices and positions and improving efficiency in every government function. I will surround myself with capable leaders by identifying the best individual for every appointed position. Without regard to political party, I will recruit the best and the brightest. I will instruct him or her to audit every protocol, review every contract and make recommendations for improving efficiency using the most current information.
The issue I am most passionate about is:
Adelson: In the short term, the impact of the economic downturn on direct services is the most critical issue facing our city. I will focus my energy on the best possible solutions to this crisis. Tulsa is on the verge of greatness with new urban energy. For the long term, I have a powerful vision for Tulsa, which begins now as we implement PlaniTulsa, committing to improving existing structures and limiting urban sprawl.
Bartlett: We need to improve our economy to better our city. I want to grow jobs, not government. We will emerge stronger from this fiscal crisis by becoming a place where businesses want to come and expand. We need to roll out the red carpet, not the red tape. We must reduce bureaucratic setbacks, such as inadequate zoning or poor permit processes that discourage development. I will be the job-creating mayor.
Perkins: Education. For decades, our kids have been undereducated in underfunded and underperforming schools. Education is a complex issue involving the city, county, state and federal governments, but in the end it is our children who are underprepared for higher education and other economic opportunities. Therefore, I will unite the citizens and their representatives behind the fundamental priority of public education. There are better solutions, and we must find or create the solutions that can work for Tulsa.
How Tulsa will look in four years if I’m elected:
Adelson: Tulsa will have a regional approach to collaboration throughout the area. My plan to consolidate specific services will save money, improve service delivery
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