Monroe Nichols Leads Tulsa Mayoral Race, Addressing Stray Dogs and Lighting Issues

GREENWOOD DIST. —  In North Tulsa, residents are voicing their concerns over community safety issues, particularly the proliferation of stray dogs and inadequate street lighting. These concerns have become a focal point for local families urging mayoral candidates Monroe Nichols, Karen Keith, and Brent L. VanNorman to take action should they win the election on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. Action Tulsa,  a non-partisan coalition of congregations and civic institutions, hosted the event at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Community Voices: Personal Stories Highlight Urgent Safety Issues in North Tulsa, Including Stray Dogs and Lighting Problems

Edmee Fernandez emphasized the urgency of these issues. “Stray dogs and the lack of street lighting are community safety problems causing families to feel unsafe in their neighborhoods and afraid to let their kids walk to school,” she stated. 

Research supports her concerns, showing that improved street lighting significantly decreases crime, and addressing stray dogs could positively impact school attendance.

Sherry Lasky shared her experiences living in North Tulsa, calling her side of town “the B-Side,” and for good reason. 

Residing at 56th Street North and North Peoria, Lasky described the constant darkness in her area. “It is so dark where I live that multiple times when I’m driving home late at night, I have to swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid pedestrians walking with no sidewalks,” she recounted.

Lasky shared a harrowing incident where she nearly hit a child due to poor visibility and recalled a young man’s suicide, pondering if better lighting might have altered his decision. 

“Our kids need streetlights, and my community deserves not to live in darkness,” she asserted.

Shawn Jarrett, senior pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in North Tulsa, highlighted the threat posed by stray dogs. “Stray dogs pose serious risks for students and their families, including diseases, emotional trauma, and potential life-threatening injuries,” he explained.

Jarrett recounted an incident where an elderly grandmother was bitten by stray dogs while walking her grandchildren to school, leading to three students missing their Math tests during spring testing week. He noted that such incidents are common, with school leaders frequently reporting dangerous encounters with stray dogs on their campuses. 

“No student should be afraid to walk to school and play outside. North Tulsa students and families deserve better,” Jarrett declared.

Moderator Sheyda Brown Challenges Candidates on Stray Dog Mitigation and Street Lighting Plans

During the forum, moderator Sheyda Brown posed direct questions to the mayoral candidates:

• “If elected, will you commit to taking action to improve funding and support for stray dog mitigation, starting in North Tulsa? Yes or no?
• “If elected, will you commit to creating a plan to turn street lights back on equitably in Tulsa? Yes or no? As a reminder, you have one minute to answer.”

Monroe Nichols Emerges as a Leading Voice on Community Safety Initiatives

Mayoral candidate Monroe Nichols stood out among his peers in addressing these concerns, recalling his tenure as Chief of Staff to the President of OU-Tulsa. 

“During that time, we were addressing the issue of the 14-year life expectancy disparity in our community. The number one reason why people felt they couldn’t go outside to exercise was due to stray dogs, which had been a longstanding problem. When we discuss issues impacting children and families, particularly in communities that have been left behind, it’s essential to consider these factors.” the candidate who could become Tulsa’s first Black mayor stated.

Nichols then added how he plans to create an Office of Children, Youth, and Families should he win the mayoral election on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. 

Regarding street lighting, Nichols affirmed that he plans to tackle those community concerns as well, tying the need for streetlights to his broader educational and community health initiatives, showcasing a holistic approach to community safety. 

“This office would provide a structure for addressing these issues collaboratively. I firmly believe that animal control is a critical partner not only for education but also for public health. We need to ensure they have the necessary resources and expertise, working alongside animal rescues and similar organizations. Addressing these concerns through a dedicated structure for children and families is vital for our city,” he says.  

Other candidates also expressed their commitments:

Karen Keith responded affirmatively to both questions. “Absolutely, yes, to both questions,” she began. Additionally, Keith mentioned her discussions with the new director of animal welfare and the need for additional funding to address the stray dog issue.

On street lighting, she emphasized the necessity of collaboration between PSO and the city of Tulsa. This collaboration ensures that every neighborhood is adequately lit. “Everyone deserves to have the light they need to feel safe and comfortable in their community,” she said.

Brent L. VanNorman echoed similar sentiments, sharing a personal experience of being bitten by a dog. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of addressing the stray dog issue. Furthermore, he brought up reports of individuals dumping stray dogs in North Tulsa and pressed for an investigation. He advocated for the prosecution of those responsible.

On street lighting, VanNorman cited its role in reducing crime by up to 40%. He argued that this improvement could justify its cost through decreased policing needs. “Improving lighting will help people feel safe and reduce crime,” he concluded.