Sally Bell Zings Randi Miller

Republican Sally Bell defeated incumbent rival Randi Miller in Tuesday's Tulsa County Commissioner, District 2 race.

Bell received 7,950 votes (81.4%) to Miller's 1811 votes (18.6%).

The News On 6 spent some time with Sally Bell Tuesday evening.

"My campaign is what I want to do for the taxpayers," said Bell.  "I want to be an advocate, I want to stand up for their rights, I want to open county government, and I want to do some things that just need to be done for the county."

Bell's Republican rival, Randi Miller, made some tough decisions in her six years in office - decisions that may have cost Miller in the Tuesday, July 29 election.

The News On 6 tried to get a comment from Miller on Tuesday evening, but she did not return our phone calls.

Randi Miller launched her re-election campaign in May, calling herself a proven leader.

Having worked for Tulsa police and the FBI, Miller showed her law and order roots back in 2005, restoring control of the jail to the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.

In 2006, Miller backed the failed Channels plan, which featured man-made islands in the Arkansas River.

In 2007, Miller helped lead the"River Yes" campaign, a $280 million sales tax plan that would have capitalized on $120 million in private development. Again, Miller found herself on the losing end when voters defeated the proposal.

Miller's controversial decision to not renew the Bell's Amusement Park's lease came back to haunt her in the form of a primary challenger, Sally Bell.

The six-year Tulsa County Commissioner says she was protecting taxpayers by not using their money to bail out a private company.

But then, there was a scandal surrounding another fairgrounds tenant.

Last month, it was revealed Big Splash didn't pay rent in 2007; part of 2006's rent check went uncashed. Miller blamed Expo Square's C.E.O. Rick Bjorklund, who was later fired.

Randi Miller's rivals have also gone after her attendance record. A News on Six investigation found that Miller had missed dozens of Tulsa County Commission meetings in her tenure. Miller claimed her record for attending meetings required by law is nearly 90%.

Between the absences, the splash over late payments, the demise of a Bell's Amusement Park, and a choppy river record; Miller's seat has been under siege.

Despite it all, Miller maintained the support of some of the biggest names in Tulsa - from the Helmerichs, to the Zarrows, to some of the city's leading businessmen.

Randi Miller supporters recently sent out an invitation to a fundraiser scheduled for Wednesday night. The News On 6 called the host but did not get a response.

As for Sally Bell, she will face former mayor's aid and former KJRH news anchor Karen Keith, Democrat, in the November general election.

Keith said Tuesday night's vote makes it clear the county is ready for change. Keith also told the News On 6 she promises a clean campaign.

"I think Sally and I will be very respectful of each other, and I think people will see differences in how we'll respond to government and what our ideas are, but it will be a respectful campaign," said Karen Keith.

The general election is Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

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