As I write my last Mayor’s Message, I have mixed emotions. I am excited to tackle the new challenge of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, and am honored to have been appointed by Governor Mary Fallin. But resigning as Edmond’s mayor is not easy. It is a job I love, and it is a part of my heart. I have been honored to represent our city, as...
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First, I want to welcome University of Central Oklahoma alumni back to Edmond on this homecoming weekend. These alums are making a positive difference in Oklahoma, and we welcome you back to celebrate at Oklahoma’s third largest university. I also want to congratulate Integris Hospital on the beautiful new hospital located on...
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Communication is the key to keeping Edmond as the #1 suburb in America. Much like your family dinners, where you sit together and learn about the happenings of the day, our Edmond communications department keeps all departments of our city working together as an integrated whole. When I say Communications Department, what do you think...
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As Edmond begins to talk about the special election on October 11, a few questions are being asked about the ballot. Hopefully, in the next Mayor’s messages, I can give you some of the information you need to make an informed decision. The Edmond City Council wants you to understand these questions. Specifically, Edmond...
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At some point in my sons’ lives, they both wanted to be firefighters. The big red trucks, the sirens, and the excitement – who could resist? As residents of this city, we know firefighting is much more than that. A quality fire department and a quality public safety system do not happen by accident. It takes...
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Extreme heat and minimal rain are both key ingredients for wild fires this time of year. Both were contributors to Saturday’s fire that burned over a thousand acres of land destroying homes, vehicles and equipment along its path. I am thankful there were no injuries related to this fire. With such devastation of land and property, our residents...
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For almost a decade, Edmond citizens have been discussing the need for a new public safety center. The “need” is clear. As citizens, we see the need for a safe, adequate space for our police department, necessary holding cells and our communications/911 center. The question has been “how?” As residents, you wanted to know the...
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Edmond is one of Oklahoma’s safest cities. And since we are also the 6th largest, that is quite remarkable. It did not happen by coincidence – this is the result of a deliberate plan of Edmond leaders to implement and continue to enhance and support public safety. To have a safe city, you need a strong communications department...
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With dollars tight, and budgets tighter, how does a city maximize the “return on investment”? In simpler words, how does Edmond get more for the dollars it spends? Two weeks ago, I attended the Oklahoma Municipal League’s summer retreat in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A big thanks to Mayor Mike Lester and his team for hosting...
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Edmond is growing and as a result, we have several new projects that are moving quickly. Some involve roads and transportation, some involve recreation – but regardless, it’s time for an update. First, let’s talk swimming. In a three way partnership between the City, the public schools and the YMCA, Edmond is creating a...
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LibertyFest is Edmond’s biggest festival and brings in more than 125,000 attendees to the various activities. Of course, the two biggest events are the July 4th parade and the Fireworks display. But there are several other fun festivities leading up to those big ones. LibertyFest is a festival ran by a non-profit group in...
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President Roger Webb announced his retirement from the top role at Edmond’s University of Central Oklahoma. While Anna Grace, his intelligent third-grade daughter, is probably very excited, the rest of us are not. Roger’s vision and enthusiasm will be missed. Under Roger’s leadership, we have watched as UCO became the nation’s...
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Young, old, or in-between – Edmond needs you! I invite you to step up and volunteer to be a member of one of our many boards and commissions. Teenagers, I invite you to apply for Edmond Youth Council or Edmond Involved. This is the time of year we accept applications for Edmond Youth Council (EYC) and for the mayoral initiative on...
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On April 5th, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard for both Edmond City Council and Edmond school board. Our city elections include the council seats for Ward I and Ward 2. For the Edmond school board, there is one board position involved. Mark your calendars and get to the polls. Early voting at the Oklahoma County Election Board...
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Interstate 35, the road that has traditionally divided west Edmond from east Edmond, gives us a great opportunity. It is Oklahoma’s highway for traveling north or south, and Edmond sits with nearly equal land mass on both sides. This week, Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation, Gary Ridley met with me to discuss Edmond’s future plans...
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As Oklahoma makes its decisions on budget legislation for this year, we need to focus on an idea set out by Forrest Gump: “We go together like peas and carrots.” In common sense terms, the state government is only as strong as the cities within its boundaries. This year, Edmond has three priorities, all of which benefit...
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