Candidates Eyeing Commission Seat

The race for Tulsa County Commissioner just got interesting.  Sally Bell of Bell's Amusement Park has thrown her hat in the ring for the District 2 seat.  The Bell family just lost a battle with the Tulsa County Commission to keep their amusement park at the fairgrounds.  News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports now Mamma Bell wants your vote.

Sally Bell says she never considered running for public office until her family business was taken down by the Tulsa County Commission.

"But, Bells is gone. We're not going to be on the fairgrounds ever again. But, there's a deeper issue and the issue is how that was accomplished and it was accomplished by 5 people with no public discussion and no public vote. I don't think that's good for Tulsa," said Sally Bell.

Bell says she's a "fresh air" candidate.  She wants to change the atmosphere of the current commission. She calls it stagnant with sweetheart deals, a lack of accountability and secrecy.  She's a Republican and she's specifically going after the seat of current Tulsa County Commissioner Randi Miller.

"I think people are tired of government officials that don't tell the truth. I think they're tired of promises that are not kept. I think they're really tired of taxes. And so, my message is that I'd like to bring fresh eyes to the county commission," said Sally Bell.

Randi Miller said she did not have time for an on-camera interview with The News On 6, but that she's happy to have the competition.  She dismissed Bell's charges of a stagnant atmosphere, saying she is the "fresh air" candidate who's already made numerous changes within the commission.

But, this is actually three-way battle for the District 2 seat.  Democrat Karen Keith announced her candidacy months ago.

"I'd really like to be a part of bringing the county back together and the city and as well as all of the communities in the surrounding areas. There's just been a little disconnect and I'd love to work on that," said Karen Keith.

And, she sees Sally Bell's candidacy as a sign of the times in local government.

"I think there is a great deal of momentum for some change at the county," said Karen Keith.

The primary for Tulsa County is set for July 29^th.

You can hear more from Candidates Karen Keith and Sally Bell by clicking on the Web Extras on the right.