NORMAN — Mayor Cindy Rosenthal announced her candidacy for re-election, pledging to continue Norman’s forward momentum and identifying three priorities for the city’s future.
“Norman has consistently been ranked as one of Oklahoma’s most livable cities and ranks third in the nation for affordability,” Rosenthal said. “We can continue this momentum. I am announcing my candidacy for mayor because we must build on this success and make sure this city continues to be Oklahoma’s best place to live, work and raise our families.”
Since being elected mayor in 2007, Rosenthal has witnessed Norman’s steady growth.
“We managed this growth with common-sense solutions and fiscal accountability,” she said. “We have maintained a balanced budget without laying off city staff or cutting services. The hard work of my council colleagues, engaged citizen volunteers, outstanding public safety professionals and dedicated city staff has secured the vitality and success of our city.”
Throughout her tenure, Rosenthal has tackled numerous initiatives with public support for projects that improve public safety, invest in streets, bridges and critical infrastructure and maintain quality of life.
“I am proud of our partnerships with leaders in business, education, the nonprofit sector, the health care sector and the arts community,” Rosenthal said. “It has been a joy to champion the arts throughout the city, to advocate for strong neighborhoods, to develop green initiatives that make both environmental and fiscal sense and to create a positive business environment.”
Rosenthal is particularly proud of Norman’s leadership in the state and nation for its utilization of compressed natural gas vehicles, development of CNG infrastructure and its commitment to community-oriented policing with passage of the public safety sales tax.
“Norman citizens have supported us and affirmed that we are headed in the right direction, but we must continue to be vigilant to secure a bright future,” Rosenthal said.
She outlined three priorities for the coming term.
“First, we must address our water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needs in the face of continuing drought conditions and water quality challenges,” she said. “Second, we need to pursue smart growth that respects existing neighborhoods while ensuring that new development is well-planned and fiscally sustainable.
“And third, many citizens would like to reinvest in our parks, recreational facilities and library services. I look forward to helping realize their dreams and keeping our city the most desirable place to live in Oklahoma.”
Re-election would mark Rosenthal’s third term as mayor.
“We have experienced tremendous turnover on the council in recent years as veteran members have retired,” she said. “I hope to marshal my experience, knowledge and intergovernmental relationships to guide the city as we make tough decisions such as the challenges of water supply and water quality.
“Over the holidays, I had a chance to spend time with friends and family here in Norman. It served as a reminder of how much this city, where I raised my two children, means to my family and me. I have been humbled by the encouragement and confidence of the hundreds of individuals who have asked me to run again.”
Rosenthal is the director of the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center at the University of Oklahoma. She and husband, Jim, have two adult children, Caitlin and Aaron. Their dogs Sandy and Lenny fill a special place in their home.
Her work as mayor has earned her numerous recognitions, including the 2009 Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Society of Public Administrators, 2010 Journal Record Woman of the Year, the 2010 Art Star honored by the Oklahoma Alliance for Arts Education and one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 2012 Oklahomans of the Year.
For local news and more, subscribe to The Norman Transcript Smart Edition, or our print edition.
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Witness Describes Scene After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Raw: House Burns After Massive Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Split-second Choice Ended With NY Student Dead
White House Backs 'Shield Law' for Media
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Pug Life on Display at Wisconsin Festival
Company Promises to Make All Snail Mail Digital
Analyst: Tumblr Fills Void in Yahoo's Offerings
Commuters Face Delays After Conn. Train Accident
Raw: Swarm of Tornadoes Slams Plains
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
RAW: TV Staff Take Cover From Tornado
Raw: Accused US Spy Reportedly Leaves Russia
