County Commissioner Hopefuls Hold Forum

By Craig Day, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- With Campaign 2008 hitting the home stretch, there's been a lot of attention on the race for the White House and Oklahoma's Congressional contests. But there's also an important race before Tulsa County voters.

The candidates for Tulsa County Commission are working to win over undecided voters with two weeks to go.

Democrat Karen Keith and Republican Sally Bell spoke before a group of business leaders at the Case Community Center in Sand Springs.

"I want to see us continue the economic development that started with Vision 2025," said Keith.

Keith says she's the candidate that can work across party lines to get things done and her experience, especially with Vision 2025 sets her apart from her opponent.

"I'm just ready to hit the ground running and go to work. I am about collaboration.  When I worked on Vision 2025, I was able to help bring people together and that's what I'll continue to do," said Keith.

Keith says if elected, a top priority would be to secure foundation funding for an upgraded juvenile justice center.

Republican opponent Sally Bell says her top priorities are bringing openness and accessibility to county government, and she won't support any tax increases.

"You lower taxes; you get rid of burdensome regulations that are not really effective.  And you encourage small business.  This country was built on small business and we can do it again," said Bell.

Bell says the most important thing elected officials can do is to be watchdogs for taxpayer dollars. She favors limited government and says her business background would make her a good commissioner.

"Voters really have a choice in this race, I am a limited government low tax person, always have been.  My opponent is not, so you do have a definite choice there," said Bell.

Both candidates say they'll work to sway undecided voters, and feel good about their campaigns two weeks before Election Day.

Sally Bell and Karen Keith will also hold another forum on Monday night. It's set for 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church at 2952 South Peoria in Tulsa.