Mayoral hopeful talks of 'quality of life'

Rosenthal speaks to Democrats about Norman's growth, environment

By Althea Peterson

Transcript Staff Writer

People moved to Norman for a reason -- and keeping that same appeal is why one candidate chose to run for mayor.

Cindy Rosenthal, Norman mayoral candidate and director of OU's Carl Albert Center, spoke to the Forum for Democratic Action Thursday night at the Santa Fe Cattle Co. Steakhouse. She said she and her husband chose to move to Norman in 1985 and that she wants future generations to want to live in Norman for the same reasons.

"At the end of the day, Norman city residents are concerned about quality of life issues," Rosenthal said. "They want to make sure that the quality of life that brought them here is there for their children. They want to preserve what drew them here -- a great university community and a small town feel with great amenities."

Rosenthal said having the university in town gave her the opportunity to earn her Ph.D. after raising her children. However, she said her involvement with the community stretches beyond work.

"I'm not just a joiner, but a person who rolls up their sleeves and does things," said Rosenthal, who is serving her second term on the Norman City Council. "Part of why I'm running for mayor is a continuation of service to this community."

She said she was concerned about the city's "process of growth" and how services can accommodate the growing city, as well as future growth and how the "benefits and burdens" will affect Norman.

"It is not whether we are going to grow, but how we grow," she said. "Are we going to grow in a manner that is fiscally responsible ... are we be going to grow in a manner that is environmentally responsible?"

Rosenthal said she voted against the University North Park Tax Increment Finance District in May, because she felt it would not benefit the needs of retailers around the city and that it grew larger than the original proposal.

"It became a Christmas tree," Rosenthal said. "It ballooned from $31 million to $54 million. I objected a great deal to the size that the Christmas tree became and the things that were added."

Rosenthal also addressed the Robinson Street railroad underpass project, when an audience member expressed concern about how some residents were going to lose their homes to eminent domain. Rosenthal said the project will improve traffic safety.

"It is regrettable that these homes are lost," Rosenthal said. "But the people have spoken that this was a real need."

She also stressed the need for greater funding for rape crisis centers and after school programs, as they make communities safer.

"I don't think we're doing enough to fund social services," she said. "After school programs and neighborhood programs are key to public safety. I am committed to finding more money for these programs."

She said past city leaders saw the value in Lake Thunderbird for Norman's water supply. She said current leadership must now preserve the "quality and quantity" of available water.

"We are at risk if we overdevelop that watershed, which would be detrimental to the lake," she said.

Rosenthal and the other declared candidate, Trey Bates, along with any other candidates who file before 5 p.m. Wednesday will be on the mayoral ballot March 6. Rosenthal said she looks forward to future debates in the election.

"A campaign is a dialogue," she said. "I hope that throughout this campaign you ask questions of me and questions of my opponent, to encourage dialogue for what's best for this community."

The next Forum for Democratic Action will be Feb. 1, with city council candidates Rachel Butler of Ward 5 and Jim Stanley of Ward 3 as guest speakers.

Althea Peterson 366-3539 apeterson@normantranscript.com