Tulsans Elect Five City Leaders On April 1

Five Tulsa Districts elected new leaders to fill City Council seats at the General Election Tuesday, April 1.  Successful candidates will be sworn in April 7.

Tulsa has had the Mayor-City Council form of government since 1989.  The Tulsa City Council acts as the City's legislative body. Council members work to pass local laws, review and approve the City's annual budget, monitor City operations, conduct investigations, and listen to concerns and suggestions from the residents of their districts.  All City Councilors have offices on the second floor of City Hall.

District 3 was the perennial matchup between incumbent Roscoe Turner and challenger David Patrick. They've traded victories in the past. Tuesday night, it was Patrick's turn. David Patrick (I) had 55% of the vote with 1,074 votes. Roscoe Turner (D) had 45% of the vote with 892 votes.

In District 4, first-term councilor Maria Barnes faced a tough challenger in Eric Gomez. Eric Gomez (R) had 53% of the vote with 1,484 votes. Maria Barnes (D) had 47% of the vote with 1,322 votes.

News On 6's Ashli Sims reports at least one of Tuesday's winners is a familiar face. David Patrick is calling himself more of a veteran rookie. Patrick has already served two terms on the council. He's battled Roscoe Turner for the District 3 seat, six times before. And seven seems to be his lucky number as he returns for a third tour of duty on the council.

Over in District 4, Eric Gomez watched the returns with family and friends. He defeated incumbent Maria Barnes. The 38-year-old real estate consultant says he's grateful to everyone who supported him.

Gomez's opponent Maria Barnes says this doesn't mean she's going away. And she will continue to be active in neighborhoods.

Roscoe Turner didn't have any comment.

Voters in all Tulsa precints approved changes to current election procedures and voting policy outlined in the City Charter.

Midtown is represented by a new man on the council. Incumbent Cason Carter is running for the state legislature, leaving a three way battle between Philip Kates, GT Bynum, and Paul Tay. GT Bynum (R) had 70% of the vote with 1,861 votes. Philip Kates (D) had 28% of the vote with 731 votes. Paul Tay (I) had 2% of the vote with 58.

East Tulsa sent Dennis Troyer back to the city council. He defeated Kevin Boggs. Dennis Troyer (D) had 53% of the vote with 727 votes. Kevin Boggs (R) had 47% of the vote with 652 votes.

And South Tulsa wants Bill Christiansen to represent them on the council for another term. Bill Christiansen (R) had 86% of the vote with 1,288 votes. Austin Hansen (D) had 14% of the vote with 213 votes.

Muskogee's mayoral race is headed for a run-off. The top two vote-getters Tuesday night are Tyler Hammons and former mayor Hershel McBride. Tyler Hammons had 42% of the vote with 1,849 votes. Hershel McBride had 39% of the vote with 1,697 votes. Ronald Venters Sr. had 13% of the vote with 553 votes. Glynda Oliver had 3% of the vote with 132 votes. Barney Taylor had 2% of the vote with 80 votes. Robert Thomas had 1% of the vote with 52 votes.

We introduced you to Tyler Hammons' candidacy in February. He's a 19-year-old OU student, but says he'll transfer to NSU if he wins.

Money for education was also on the ballot. The biggest bond issue was in cash-strapped Catoosa. A $9 million bond for construction was approved, by a 4 to 1 margin. Another $1.2 million was on the ballot for transportation. That bond also passed.

Six other districts are trying to pass bond issues. Glenpool, Beggs, and Mason schools all voted on multi-million dollar bonds.

For detailed results click on to our election page.

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