I recently read that Candidate for District 5 city councilor, Chris Trail, may or may not have lived in his new district long enough to qualify as a candidate. Incumbent Bill Martinson filed a complaint with the County Election Board, stating that he had not lived in District 5 the required 90 days prior to filling. Martinson says he became a resident on April 20th, Trail says it is March 26th.
In either case, Trail is an apparent newcomer to District 5. I called and asked him some questions about it. I asked him if he moved to District 5 from Berryhill specifically to run for council. He said “Ohh no, where I work, I’m about 4 miles from work now. It’s really great. With the cost of gas I couldn’t do that dive (anymore).”
I asked if it would be fair to characterize him as a carpetbagger. “I’ve lived in the district before; my parents lived there until a couple of years ago. My sister still lives in The District, I played football for the Whitney Bears, my dad’s very first restaurant was in District 5…my first job was in District 5. I don’t feel like I’m a carpetbagger, I just really care about the citizens of Tulsa and I want to do what’s right there.”
Chris Trail was not a resident of District 5 until April or March, but he says he does have a long history with the district. Trail contends that his run for council was not the motivating factor behind his move to the district. If that is the case, it would seem that he doesn’t technically qualify as a carpetbagger.
Personally it seems a bit suspect to me. When did he decide to run for council (why didn’t I ask that?!). Regardless, I do not think I’d vote for someone unless they had lived in my district for at least 1 year, 3-5 would be better. Nevertheless, what really matters is what the people of District 5 think, and I guess we will find out on Election Day.
7 comments:
Steven, interesting. I'd like to know if he is supported by the rich folk, and when he decided to run?
I'm glad that you called him, though. I have an idea for us regarding this coming election...I'll be sending you an e-mail soon.
Found it kind of interesting that the Tulsa County Election Board issued a press release stating he would be allowed on the ballot, but didn't state on what basis the decision was made.
Let's face it-Martinson has a way of turning people off with his ego. He could be more of a useful engine if he wasn't such a smart @ss. He had no competition last time, and it went to his head. Can you imagine a humble Martinson?
Trail isn't the best opposition, but he's still a contender. If Martinson was so darn confident, he wouldn't care.
Forget about the spin. It's old. Why not keep it simple and stick to the real issues. The micro-managing is only a distraction that doesn't do any good. Looks petty to the voters and they don't like it. If you want more involvement and turnout take the HIGH ROAD for a CHANGE!!!
Let the voters decide these council races.
The previous comment should be taken seriously by the GOP in this town if they want to win with IDEAS and not cheap talk that doesn't win over the ones you have to have to WIN!
President Reagan didn't have to trash people to win. He did it on his own merits. The man knew how to communicate to people, remember?
Why don't the tulsabloggers debate the issues in their columns instead of spinning in circles?
Think about it, S.R.!
BTW, isn't Rush the same way? He doesn't debate or analyze the nonsense. He sticks to the issues! I don't walk away from listening with the feeling I wasted my time on tabloidish junk. I FEEL invigorated and motivated, not USED!
Who will be the first to step up to the plate and analyze/debate A, B, C, D, etc?
S.R.- I do give you kudos for actually calling the guy and asking questions. Do more of it!
That's my 4 cents.
I live in Dist. 5. He didn't show at our Neighborhood Association meeting Aug. 25th. after accepting the invitation so we could meet him.
Kathy Taylor's husband gave $1,000? to Trail. Fire Department gave $1,000. Sounds like a rubber stamp to me. Those amounts are on Tulsa World website.
This info was obtained when Tulsa World did a background check on all candidates:
Arrested 2008 failed to appear in court.
Charged 2/2005 by obtaining merchandise with a bogus check.
2 unemployment tax warrants 2006
2006 Oklahoma Tax Commission issued a warrant for failure to remit sales tax.
IRS 2007 tax lien.
Filed personal bankruptcy 2000
Wife got emergency protective order 1999.
He failed to answer Tulsa World's questions given to all candidates. This is stated on their website.
This is some serious baggage. All listed on Tulsa World website and was in paper.
I want to know who paid Trail's expenses to make the move and why they moved him into district 5.
This stinks to high heaven. I won't vote for him.
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