Jerry Goodwin to vie for District 1 council seat
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In an exclusive interview with La Semana, Goodwin explained why he believes the district needs new leadership and outlined his goals should he prevail in the upcoming election.
“It’s always been a part of my constitution – of my DNA – to want to serve,” Goodwin explained, “and the opportunity presented itself to serve in a greater capacity when a group of individuals in the community approached me and asked if I would consider running for city council.”
Goodwin said the top of his agenda items for representing District 1 are economic development and increased housing opportunities. He also feels that a better job could be done in interfacing with Tulsa police.
“I think there’s an opportunity to improve our relations with those in law enforcement,” Goodwin said. “I’d like to see where we can be sure that those individuals in law enforcement are very much aware of the concerns that we have in the community, and how we can work together to establish what I consider to be a mutually beneficial relationship, where we understand where they are and what they are trying to accomplish and they also understand our concerns for our public safety and our needs.”
Goodwin said public transportation is another issue with the potential to impact the district, but one he doesn’t feel has been dealt with in a manner that properly engaged the community.
“I still think there’s a need for the service, now we just need to identify where that need exists and how we can best serve and address that need,” he said.
When it comes to economic development, Goodwin likes to quote his late uncle Ed Goodwin, Jr., who said, “Business goes where it’s invited and stays where it’s appreciated.”
“Right now we need to create a more hospitable, more inviting, more welcoming environment in our community for business to want to locate there and to do business there,” Goodwin said, pointing to the efforts of former City Councilor Jack Henderson to bring a grocery store and a QuikTrip to the district as initiatives that need to be continued and expanded on.
“I’d like to build on those successes and look for other opportunities like retail and restaurants,” Goodwin observed, “just having the basic amenities that any other community within the city of Tulsa has access to.”
Goodwin said there are many opportunities to receive higher education and vocational training in Tulsa – some of which are free – but that not everyone knows about them.
“If we could help people understand those opportunities that are available to them where they can get a free education and then turn that education into an opportunity to get meaningful work and have a meaningful living and lifestyle, I think that will benefit our community greatly,” Goodwin said.
District 1 has a small but growing Hispanic population, and Goodwin pledged to represent them as enthusiastically as all the other residents of the district.
“I’m a strong advocate for providing opportunities for people to make a home here for themselves and to realize to the fullest extent what America has to offer,” he said.
Goodwin faces incumbent Vanessa Hall-Harper in the non-partisan election to be held on August 28. (La Semana)