Know your candidates: 2023 City Council

Brianna Garcia

Contributing Editor

Four of the eight Oklahoma City Council seats will appear on the ballots of nearly half of the city’s residents in the upcoming Valentine’s Day election.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma City voters in Wards 2, 5, 6, and 8 will elect or reelect a councilmember to represent them for the next four-year term, which begins May 2.

Ward 2

Ward 2 borders the Paseo Arts District to the North Highlands area and stretches near the northwest part of the city south of Lake Hefner, including a large portion of the area north of NW 23rd Street.

Incumbent James Cooper is seeking a second-term on the OKC City Council to represent the north-central Ward 2. During his term, Cooper prioritized addressing issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, public transportation and public safety initiatives. Cooper, the first teacher and openly LGBTQ+ council member, formerly taught as an adjunct English professor at UCO and he currently teaches film studies and philosophy at Oklahoma City University.

Weston Storey is a local business owner of Pristine Pest Control in Oklahoma City. Storey does not appear to have an active social media presence or campaign website at this time.

Alexander DeShazo, the youngest candidate in the race, focused his campaign on mental health initiatives, youth services and improving walkability in the Ward. The 22-year old said he was inspired to run after realizing the impact local elected officials have on the city.

“Something that I’ve started to learn after having apathy towards politics overall, is that a lot of your best changes are going to be local,” DeShazo said. “A lot of the things that you want to see happen are most likely going to happen on a smaller basis than federally or statewide.”

Ward 5 represent the central OKC Ward 6. Ward 6 includes downtown OKC, Capitol Hill, the Wheeler District and Mesta Park.

Ward 5 largely encompasses the area between Interstate 44 and S Western Ave south of the I-240 service line.

The south-central Ward 5 attracted a field of candidates after the sitting councilman David Greenwell decided not to seek another term, which opened the seat up for the first time in over a decade.

Matthew Hinkle, a longtime South OKC resident, prioritizes issues such as public safety, homelessness, strengthening the economy and ensuring equal investment oppurtunities for the Ward. Hinkle, who currently serves as Ward 5’s planning commissioner, has received a number of notable endorsements, including Floor leader Jon Echols and State Senator Michael Brooks-Jimenez.

Thuan Nguyen, businessman and founder of the Asian District Cultural Association, said he was encouraged to run by several city planners and residents in the district. His priorities include improving neighborhood infrastructure, addressing homelessness, public transportation and beautification efforts. If elected, Nguyen would be the first Asian Oklahoma City councilmember.

“I think there’s so much more to our city and so much great, beautiful diversity, but there’s also a lot more work that needs to be done,” Nguyen said.

Audra Beasley, a community advocate for accessibility and disability rights, has centered her platform around addressing homelessness, accessibility, and mental health initiatives. Beasley was formerly appointed by then-Gov. Mary Fallin to serve on the Interagency Coordinating Council, which oversees SoonerStart. She received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Jeff Owen, a nurse practitioner and Army veteran, focuses his platform on neighborhood safety, beautification and cleanup efforts, strengthening the economy, and street infrastructure. Owen does not have a campaign website and does not appear to have an active social media presence.

Along with Cooper and Ward 7’s Nikki Nice, Hamon serves a progressive voice on the city council. She focuses her efforts on reimagining public safety, addressing homelessness, mental health initiatives and improving public transit. According to her campaign website, Hamon relies solely on her bike and the city’s EMBARK system for transportation. Before her term, she actively served communities through advocacy and volunteer work.

Marek Cornett, daughterin-law of former OKC Mayor Mick Cornett, is seeking to unseat Hamon on the city council. Cornett serves on the OKC traffic and transportation commission. Her top priorities include infrastructure improvements, strengthening the economy, and public safety.

Ward 8

Incumbent Mark Stonecipher, who was recently endorsed by Mayor David Holt, is seeking a third term to represent the northwest OKC Ward 8. Ward 8 borders the area north of Lake Hefner stretching towards NW 192nd Street and N. Western Avenue.

Stonecipher proposed a controversial set of homelessness ordinances in November, which have since been withdrawn, that would essentially criminalize homeless encampments on public property, including bridges and underpasses in the city. He’s widely known for being a conservative voice on the horseshoe.

Amy Warne, advocate and community organizer, is challenging Stonecipher for his seat. Warne, a registered nurse and dietician, centered her platform around youth and community programs, public safety, and environmental infrastructure. If elected, she would be the first Native person to serve on the OKC City Council. As an indigenous woman, Warne said her perspective is necessary in the decision-making process, especially concerning the caring for the land, water and green spaces.

Frank Urbanic, who ran unsuccessfully for OKC mayor in 2022, is also running to represent the ward. Urbanic is a criminal defense lawyer and Air Force veteran. According to his campaign website, Urbanic’s priorities include local businesses, addressing homelessness, renaming Lake Hefner, and street infrastructure. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb 14. To find your polling place and view a sample ballot for your precinct, visit the OK Voter Portal.

Ward 6

Incumbent JoBeth Hamon is seeking another term on the city council to

Ainsley Martinez Editor-in-Chief

Sam Royka Managing Editor

Payton Scott Sports Editor

Logan Gassett Graphic Designer

Tilly Harvey Reporter

Quinn Daugherty Reporter

Britton Summers Reporter

Madison Dedmond Photographer

Ethan Brown Photographer

Josh Reynolds Advertising Executive

George Lang Adviser

VISTA 2022-23 layout design by Kevin Davis

Advertise with us!

The Vista is published weekly during the spring, summer and fall semesters. In all issues, The Vista has opportunities for both digital, online and print ads. For information or questions, contact: 405-974-5549 or thevista.ads@gmail.com

The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students weekly during the academic year, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free.

EDITORIALS

Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communications, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.

LETTERS

The Vista encourages letters to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must

be typed, double-spaced and must include the author’s printed name, major, classification and phone number. Phone numbers are included for contacting purposes only.

Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

ADDRESS LETTERS TO: Editor, The Vista 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034-5209

Or, deliver in person to the editor in the Mass Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be emailed to thevista@ucentralmedia.com.