Bill Christiansen announces for mayor

Former City Councilor Bill Christiansen officially began his race for Mayor of Tulsa Tuesday morning at 10 am with a press conference and rally in Helmerich Park on South Riverside Drive.  Anyone following city politics even casually knew of his interest, but this event made it official. 

While this will be the first non-partisan mayor’s race in Tulsa history, it is significant to note that Christiansen has long identified as a Republican as does the current Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr.  Christiansen also claims “Conservative” which many mark a contrast with the incumbent Bartlett. 

Christiansen was introduced to the audience by Daniel (Dan) Keeting who spoke in glowing terms of their history and his conviction Christiansen should and will be the next mayor of Tulsa.  Brother of former governor Frank; Dan Keating is President of Summit Consolidated Group, a national brokerage and insurance company.   He is a past president of Valley National Bank in Tulsa where he presently serves on the Bank’s Board of Directors.  Keating has been a delegate to three Republican National Conventions.  He is the Chairman of the City of Tulsa’s Transportation Advisory Board and is a member of Oklahoma Wesleyan University Foundation Board of Directors.

In his remarks, Christiansen said, “I established my business in Tulsa in 1972 and, looking back forty years later, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

Christiansen said he is starting his campaign early to meet with as many residents as possible telling The Tulsa World’s Brian Barber, “I want to go out and build relationships and listen to the citizens.”

Local observers suggest the early announcement was also timed to carry weight in political considerations with a bevy of other potential candidates suspected and, in some cases, reportedly interested in the mayor’s office.  Regardless of the newly “non-partisan” titled race; well-established advocates and leaders of both parties appear ready to challenge Mayor Bartlett.

Christiansen served for ten years on the Tulsa City Council and said, “Tulsa is a good city and, with the right direction, it can be a great city.”  Political observers noted the comment reflects common public concern that current Mayor Dewey Bartlett is a nice guy, but not so much an effective or strong leader.

Christiansen said, “Tulsa is the best place in the country to work, play and raise a family; not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren.  It is no coincidence that I decided to make my announcement here in Helmerich Park across from the Tulsa Police Department’s Riverside Station – two elements in making the city the best place to work, play and raise a family are public safety and plenty of good clean neighborhood parks for our residents.”

“My priorities are; economic development, public safety, neighborhoods, and streets,” Christiansen declared.  “Tulsa must be a city where all businesses can thrive and grow without government interference.  We need to help existing business stay and grow here as well as recruit new businesses so that each person that wants a job has an opportunity to get one.”

On public safety, Christiansen said, “The people of Tulsa have a right to feel safe in their neighborhoods and homes.  We need more police officers – police on the streets.  My goal will be to restore levels of staffing and service to at least the level Tulsa had in 2009.”

“A person’s home is his or her number one asset,” Christiansen said.  “The city should help protect property values and strengthen their neighborhoods.  Tulsa is only as vital as our neighborhoods,” he added.

“On streets,” he said “perception is everything.  We must continue the aggressive funding for street repair, maintenance and widening to bring Tulsa’s streets to an acceptable level citywide.  The condition of the streets in your neighborhood directly affects your home’s value and your personal quality of life.  Good streets are essential for Tulsa’s prosperity,” Christiansen added.

Christiansen also addressed the last mayoral election when he seriously considered running for the city’s top job by noting the time requirements of his city council position, his business, and family obligations at that time prevented his race for mayor.  Now free of the restraint of his city council job, Christiansen said, “My sons, thankfully, are now taking over major responsibilities and running the family business.  With reduced time commitments along with the full support of my family and their understanding of what it will take for a citywide race; I have decided to run for mayor of this fine city.”

Sunday May 27, Tulsa Today published an interview with former Councilor Christiansen on efforts to provide public money for infrastructure upgrades at Tulsa International Airport.  (Click here to read, "No Airport tax needed.")

Saturday June 2, Christiansen held an open house and later client party to celebrate the occasion of 40 years of success in the aviation business in Tulsa.  (Click here to read “Christiansen Aviation celebrates 40 years of business” by The Tulsa World.”)

The client party was great fun with music provided by Mid Life Crisis, great local barbeque and benefit efforts for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma.  With hundreds attending that event, it was clear that Bill Christiansen has developed over the years friends of all political stripes from both political parties.  With stunt plane flyovers, antique planes and the latest jet aircraft on display guests mingled and there was talk of this race. 

This writer asked Christiansen then about his plans, but he declined to comment on the record.  At that time with an easy laugh saying, “Soon my friend.” 

Ten days later is soon.  As with all candidates regardless of party or, in this case, newly nonpartisan efforts, Tulsa Today will provide ongoing coverage.

Click here to reach Bill Christiansen’s “Mayor for all of Tulsa” campaign website.