Tulsa City Council Candidates Square Off In District 1 Debate

Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa City council candidates faced off in a downtown forum Tuesday night, just one week before voters head to the polls.

The race for district 1 is a contest between a four-time incumbent and a couple of political newcomers.

Jack Henderson has held his seat on the city council for seven years. Now in his race for a fifth-term, he's finding himself on defense.

"A lot of people think that there is a riff between the city council and the mayor," Henderson said. "Believe me things are still being done in the city of Tulsa. We're not missing any opportunities to help this city grow."

Rival Twan Jones says it's time for someone new.

"I think the voters of district one will vote for change, because we cannot afford another year of the past seven," Jones said.

Jones is a self-employed business consultant, who says his first priority would be creating jobs.

"that is partnering... revenue source to create jobs," he said.

The other contender, Jason Trent's focus is on crime in North Tulsa.

He says while Henderson and the city council have been bickering with the mayor, north Tulsa crime has taken too many lives – including his son.

Jason Trent has gone from a victim of violent crime to an activist and now he hopes to be a city councilor.

"My plan is very simple... work together," he said.

Henderson parried attacks and defended his record - but in the end - he addressed the voters who voted him into the seat for the last four terms.

"I've always listened to you. Never made a decision without praying about it. And what our district need is somebody with the dedication and the leadership and the loyalty that I provide," Henderson said.

Voters will cast their ballots in the party primaries for city council next Tuesday.

In district 1 and district 5 the party primaries will decide the elections, because no one is running from the other party.