New Tulsa Mayor Has Permanent Seat At City Council Meetings

For the first time since the Tulsa City Council was formed, the city's mayor has a permanent seat among the nine councilors.

It's a change in leadership since G.T. Bynum was sworn in Monday, and one that many councilors think will take Tulsa in a new direction.

For Tulsa, Wednesday was a new step as former councilor Bynum took his seat as mayor; councilors welcomed his presence and hope it means great things for Tulsa.

Councilor Anna America said, "I don't mean to put down any past relationships with mayor and council, but there is definitely a difference."

For the first time in the history of Tulsa City Council, the mayor will sit with the nine councilors.

12/7/2016 Related Story: Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum Meets With City Councilors With Goal To 'Work As One'

America said, "And some of that is symbolic, you know, sitting there at the table together. But I think it is reflected in how we communicate and talk and work together."

Even Mayor Bynum was a bit taken back.

"It is obviously unusual to have the mayor sitting up here," he said.

But, he is determined to start strong.

Bynum said, "It's very important, I think to all ten us, that we have a great working relationship between the Mayor's Office and the council."

Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper said, "I think that's unique. I was very pleased when I heard it. I thought it was an excellent idea.”

Growing that working relationship is a top priority for new councilors Hall-Harper and Ben Kimbro.

"It's nice that he's going to roll up his sleeves with us and take on that work," Kimbro said.

Hall-Harper said, "Working together and making sure the people feel that they have a voice and that they are being heard."

It's an effort the new Tulsa mayor said he's committed to as well.

"I don't think you develop that type of working relationship, and you don't maintain that type of working relationship if you don't show up," Bynum said.

Bynum spent Wednesday morning meeting with councilors and had lunch with them. He's also already met with area schools and plans to meet again next month to better strengthen the City's relationship with the surrounding community.