Gender: Female. She earned a Juris Doctorate in 2008, and became director of OUs JCPenney Leadership Program in 2018. Norman voters have chosen Larry Heikkila to be the city's next mayor, preliminary election reports indicated Tuesday. A political outsider endorsed by Gov. This is a really important election for Norman, Hickman said, adding that the new mayor will appoint a new city manager and a new city attorney and that he has the necessary experience to do so. In-person absentee voting takes place Thursday and Friday, Feb. 3-4. Mostly we just need to assure the public that they can trust Norman Public Schools. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2008, she started working for the Universitys Office of the Provost on the main campus and was instrumental in the creation of the Office of Academic Integrity Programs. Political Experience keyboard_arrow_down. Breea Clark, the incumbent, had been mayor since 2019. Upon graduating from law school and passing the bar exam, I helped to create the Office of Academic Integrity Programs at the University of Oklahoma. Her mayoral tenure became defined largely by the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide policing debate. If reelected, Clark aims to find solutions to Norman's storm water issues, improve infrastructureand focus on making the community more sustainable and inclusive. . "Everyone who ran entered the mayoral race had one central goal, and that was to improve the City of Norman. Click to reveal Clark said the rise in partisan politics that has saturated notable Norman City Council issues for the past year has no place in local decision making, and that shes glad to see candidates run with a focus on minimizing those influences in municipal government. In-person absentee voting takes place Thursday and Friday, Feb. 3-4. What Is Breea Clark's Political Party? Previously, he served the citizens of Norman with seventeen years of service as an employee of the City of Norman. She also previously served as interim Pre-Law Club Advisor and was a member of the 2018-2019 OU Leadership Council class. After that meeting, the police department has since restructured and created a community service and outreach bureau, more specific to building neighborhoods, building relationships, and better targeting at crimes.. Municipal actions and municipal policies can change the way Oklahoma brands itself and how Oklahoma can go from being one of the least-desirable states to being a leader in shaping our foreign policy and shaping our domestic policy, Dunn said. So I'm glad that people are watching and participating.. Her mayoral tenure became defined largely by the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide policing debate. Midway Bob, Dr. Kish, Ms. Leuck, and again, mayor-elect Heikkila, I wish you the very best.. Department: JCPenney Leadership Program It was built, but we were not prepared for the staffing and maintenance costs. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2008, she started working for the . He also retired in 2010, after twenty-six years of service in the United States Navy. On campus, she has served on the Universitys Legal Panel, Speakers Bureau and as an interim Pre-Law Club Advisor. "Adequately funding itjust seems obvious.". I have a servants heart and I want to be a voice for the people. She teaches several undergraduate courses, including. She also served on various task forces with Norman Public Schools. 405-876-9216. perm_identityWho exactly is Clark? First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Cockfighting fight turns back time at Oklahoma Capitol, The awkward family affair of Gov. Saying she couldnt previously support the status quo of policing in Norman, Clark defended her vote nearly two years ago to cut $865,000, or 3.6%, from thedepartments proposed budget request that sought a funding increase. Hickman views it as a way to balance the budget while Clark acknowledged TIFs as a valid economic tool, but that Norman residents wanted it removed. accounts, the history behind an article. Its about long-term water quality and supply, its also about our stormwater drainage pipes, which we have never looked at, so therell be lots of replacement, and then lots of maintenance.. Be Truthful. He said that the failure of city government to deliver on the Norman FORWARD project, including the construction of a new senior center, had eroded public trust. Reach her atmwood@normantranscript.com or 405-416-4420. Janet was employed as a Special Education Teacher for 38 years, most of that time by Norman Public Schools. Personal keyboard_arrow_down. Clear skies. Its a need for our city, Hickman said. In addition to her role with the City of Norman, she serves as the Director of the JCPenney Leadership Center in the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. Blake Douglas joined the OU Daily news desk in October 2018, and is currently the editor-in-chief. Her portrayal as a raging liberal by campaign opponents is wildly untrue and inaccurate, Clark said, given her voting record and past political experience. Low near 40F. He retired as the Command Master Chief, 9th Naval Construction Regiment. We believe The Part of that solution should involve more collaboration between rural and urban Normanites, she added. Clark received 36.46% of the vote to Heikkilas 32.01%. "If you have a city that has good public safety, there isn't a homeless issue, the crime isn't going up, your city is going to prosper," she said. Education keyboard_arrow_down. We spoke truthfully about the issues that I know are important to voters including public safety, homelessness and jobs. On today's date in 1911, record cold temperatures replaced record warmth on the same day. Norman residentCasey Holcombrecently filed a lawsuit against Hickman on the grounds of free speech violations. Thevote theOklahoma Supreme Court later said violated the state's Open Meeting Actlargely led to the formation of grassroots group Unite Norman and misleading allegations that the council voted to "defund the police. You have permission to edit this article. I assume its the DNC agenda, but we dont like that here. Dunn acknowledged that selling war bonds might not generate the revenue of stormwater utility bonds, but called it a first step in finding some financing. "I know I can't force the nearby casino (to pay), but I would march up there and say, 'you're contributing tohomelessness in Norman by your presence here,'" she said. In an interview, Hickman talked about restoring public trust in the City of Norman. Clark said she had not heard from other candidates, but was working to contact them. Post Office Box 370 Norman, OK 73070. With Mayor Lynne Miller not seeking re-election, two city council members and a community activist seek to fill her spot. 405-876-9216. Who is rating Clark ? In the Norman community, she served on the Norman City Council from 2016-2019 representing Ward 6 in NE Norman and currently serves as its first Millennial Mayor. Votes cast totaled 24,345 with 12,999 for Heikkila and 11,346 for Clark. The 2022 Norman, Oklahoma, mayoral election was held on February 8, 2022, with Larry Heikkila and Breea Clark going in the runoff. Updated Apr 5, 2022 Mayor Breea Clark continues to deliver her concession speech, saying "she hopes Norman holds Larry Heikkila to the same high standards that she was held to" while in. Gov. 13h. The Norman Transcript recently published analysis of Norman campaign finance reports through Jan. 28. recognition from the Oklahoma State Medical Association, ties to Unite Norman were elected to the council, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. One group, Unite Norman, attempted to recall Clark later that year, falling short of the required number of signatures required to trigger a recall election. The 2020 presidential election spurred a wave of voting laws that some say could restrict access to the polls. While on council, Thompson supported the city's first public safety sales tax that funded additional police officers. Were trying to clean water and build roads.. The City of Norman has made this mistake before. I love Norman, Hickman said. Norman voters will cast ballots Tuesday, Feb. 12, to decide which of three candidates will become the next mayor of Norman. Larry Heikkila defeated incumbent Norman Mayor Breea Clark on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. The future of our community and the future of our state is not something I'm willing to risk. I would like to be added to the WB's monthly newsletter, "A Family Matter". He is also a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, Class 122-Gold. By July 2020, the group attempted to trigger a recall election. It's time for the drama and the partisan politics to end, she said. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stretch those federal dollars, build partnerships and collaborate to solve long-standing problems in our community.. Fighting for the mayoral position of Norman, Oklahoma, Heikkila got around 53% of the total votes which was around 1600 more than what Clark got. She said her experience in guiding Norman through the COVID pandemic and directing funding from federal sources, like the CARES Act and federal grants, will also be vital as Norman looks to emerge from the pandemic. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism She also completed the 2018-19 Oklahoma Municipal Leagues Community Leadership Development class and founded the Norman Eastside Business Association. As mayor, he said he would deliver on projects people had voted for. is a wildly inappropriate breach of municipal governments non-partisan nature, Clark said. Like Clark, Hickman has dealt with his own public backlashafter using his role asmoderator in a Ward 4 Facebook page to delete comments he judged as personal attacks. On campus, she has served on the Universitys Legal Panel, Speakers Bureau, and the Committee on Discrimination and Harassment. "I really object to the idea that funding the police department has turned into a Democrat-versus-Republican question," he said. I interned for (former President) George W. Bush, and at the state capitol of Kansas.. Norman Mayor candidate Larry Heikkila watches as election numbers come in Feb. 8 during his watch party for the general election at Red Rock Canyon Grill. Previous experiences with similar projects and collaboration at the county level could help alleviate those issues. person will not be tolerated. OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and A proposition that would have raised the base fee charged to Norman residents who use city water services failed Tuesday, capturing just 45.75 percent of the vote. Dunn is the only candidate who does not support the stormwater utility bond. 2023 Whitbeck Bennett | Website By CC&A Strategic Media. Mindy Wood covers City Hall news and notable court cases for The Transcript. While the decision still resulted in an overall budget increase for NPD, the meeting encouraged the formation of Unite Norman. Thats why I really like what the stormwater citizen committee has come up with. At one point during the pandemic, I called our city manager (Darrel Pyle) and said, Darrel, I am like 99 percent sure Im not running again.. Both Kish and Heikkila have said they want to increase the number of police officers and boost pay across public safety departments. Liberal Oklahoma Mayor Faces Recall Posted August 16th, 2020 by Iron Mike Unite Norman just turned in 20,560 signaturesin their attempt to force a recall election of their new mayor - Breea Clark. Clark graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wichita State University in 2005 and then received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2008. Larry Heikkila was elected as the 61st mayor of Norman in 2022. But I actually see it as an advantage. [We need] to combat the ease with which alcoholism, casino addictions can all cause the moral corrosion and collective decay of our society and the common culture, he said. To achieve this transformation, the management of it must be pragmatic, productive and visionary, and must redefine Norman into a city of excellence. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. He also touted his experience as a small business owner and attorney, saying he had the tools to negotiate contracts and stand up for his client when the need arises. He also serves as an ordained Deacon and Sunday School Teacher at a local church. Share with Us. Breea serves as the Mayor of Norman, the 3rd largest city in the state of Oklahoma. After that, I am not at all opposed to these bond sales as an alternative or adjunct approach. in June 2020. During her tenure as mayor, the Norman City Council allocated CARES Act funding, Norman remains the largest city in Oklahoma without a dedicated stormwater utility. government. 2. Grant won 54.41 percent of the vote, compared to 45.59 for Hobson. KOCO 5 asked the five about COVID-19 mitigation measures, working with a divided City Council, police funding, federal funds for cities and how to address Norman's growing homeless population. I know theres a candidate (Bob Thompson) trying to say that we shouldnt be red or we shouldnt be blue, and I absolutely agree, Clark said. In 2022 he was named one of Cleveland Countys Men of Influence. I am not at all in favor of it, Dunn said. It is vividly clear that she inclines toward the democratic party. "I hold the confidence the citizens have given me to bring a change to Norman very serious," he said. In addition to her role with the City of Norman, she serves as the Director of the JCPenney Leadership Center in the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma. I believe its a citizen-based solution to a city-wide problem.. Theres no room for political ideology or political party in local government, because were not tackling issues like abortion or gun rights. Funding the project has been. SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. I will do everything I can in power to support mayor-elect Heikkila, she said to a crowd of supporters. Together they owned a small glass business on Main Street for four years. She also supported the city council ordinance requiring masks in public. I want you to know that I felt like I was the best person for the job, and Norman residents decided otherwise, and I will handle that, she said before congratulating Heikkila on his victory. She teaches several undergraduate courses, includingIntroduction to LeadershipandLeadership in International Settings. Use the 'Report' link on This is hard.. "We were the first to put a maskmandate in place, the last to remove it, and so I'm very, very proud of how we managed to protect our residentswhile keeping our economy going.". Clark had planned to make this her final term as mayor. Norman voters will also vote inNorman City Councilraces on Feb. 12. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. (NonDoc) Support Journalism In the culmination of two years worth of debate over city leadership, Larry. The two candidates made their cases to voters in a final push to get out the vote. She also wants the city to vote on reallocating Norman Forward dollars generated from a 15-year sales tax increase intended to fund quality-of-life improvements across the city. In 2019, propositions for stormwater utility bond projects and a stormwater utility fee received 42.62 percent and 39.68 percent yes votes, respectively. Clark also thanked her volunteers, her campaign workers and her family for their support. Hickmans campaign has received$48,670 in contributions, Clark has received$18,781, and Dunn did not raise enough to meet the minimum reporting requirement. As a first-time candidate and a businesswoman not a politician I am proud of the race that we ran. Some have argued my being a staff member at the university is a detriment, Clark said. Previously, Blake has served as an intern reporter, senior news reporter, summer news editor and news managing editor. Norman Mayor Breea Clark wasn't always certain she would pursue a second term after a tumultuous three years in office. In a recent election she fought against the conservative, so it is certain that she ain't conservative. Clear skies. Keep it Clean. They each spoke about what they believe makes them the best choice for Norman. Stephenson-Leuck, 67, said she jumpedinto the mayoralrace due to thepolice budget cut in 2020. Clark missed the mayoralforum due to a work conflict, but later said in an interviewshe supports fully fundingthe police department. Don't Threaten. A total of 22,712 voters cast ballots, with 8,281 for Clark, 7,269 for Heikkila, 4,292 for Thompson, 2,838 for Kish and 32 for Leuck, preliminary results from the Oklahoma State Election Board showed. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. She also serves as a member of the Oklahoma Municipal League Board of Directors and the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments Board of Directors. During his service, he served four years in the Submarine Force, and twenty two years as a US Navy Seabee. In his campaign announcement, Heikkila chided the council for its focuson addressing homelessness. Threats of harming another OU women's gymnastics: Trautman's 10 helps Soon, Paramedic reunites with tornado victim family, Train ride home turns unusual for county commis, By Mindy Ragan Wood | Transcript Staff Writer, Digging out: Tornado damages home, downs power lines; minor injuries reported, Maverick's brings dive bar feel to Campus Corner, Norman man charged with murder in Lake Thunderbird case, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office identifies inmate who hanged himself, Judge sides with homebuilder in lawsuit against city, Southern Baptists oust Saddleback Church over woman pastor, Cleveland County Detention Center inmate hangs himself, Tornado Coverage: Highway 9 reopening among second day developments. Kish was endorsed by Unite Norman, a group that formed in the summer of 2020 to restore police funding after the council reallocated $865,000 from the Norman Police Departments proposed budget increase. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Dunn spoke on his vision for Norman and set lofty goals for the citys role in national politics. (The office) came at great personal cost to me, Clark told The Daily. If elected, Stephenson-Leuck plans to ask the tribe to build a new, state-of-the-art homeless shelter. I think accountability is always good, and voter education. At a mayoral forum held by the Norman chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police last month, the candidatesvowed toprioritizepublic safety funding after the Norman City Council, including Clark, in 2020 approved a cut to the proposed police budget an issue that has embroiled the city ever since. Im invested in both [the City of Norman and OU], and so Im going to make sure our negotiations are fair.. When it comes to my experience as the incumbent, this is the most unique situation our city has been in in a century, Clark said. But initially, as they are right now, I dont think theyre equitable, I dont think they summon or motivate our residents to change the way that their homescapes are designed so that stormwater isnt the problem.. The citys unique position as the only Oklahoma municipality required to vote on the creation of a public utility poses a challenge for city officials to create an easily understandable, equitable funding solution, Clark said. Kevin Stitt, Kishsaid she wants tobring a new perspective to the Norman City Council and draw on her experience managing her own practice to create a more inviting business environment in Norman. She also touted the city's hiring of a sustainability officer and a chief diversity and equity officer, saying the latter and the city council passingpro-LGBTQ policies and protectionscontributed to Norman getting a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's municipal equity index. Breea Clark is originally from Wichita, Kansas, where she graduated with her B.A. As mayor, Dunn said his first priority would be for people to understand the need to conserve oil and fossil fuels in society. I dont make partisan decisions, because partisan politics dont fill potholes. On campus, she has served on the Universitys Legal Panel, Speakers Bureau, and the Committee on Discrimination and Harassment. Mayoral and city council elections will take place Tuesday, Feb. 8. Clark broadcast her concession speech to her official Facebook page.
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