Local businessman and Ward 3 city councilman Hal Ezzell recently announced his candidacy for mayor of Norman.
Mayor Cindy Rosenthal announced that she would run earlier in the month.
Ezzell said the city is failing miserably at taking care of the resources and infrastructure that already exists in Norman, adding there are $8 million in capital maintenance. He also said the city relies too heavily on costly outside consultants as they make decisions and undertake costly and ambitious projects.
"I want to restore fiscal responsibility and transparency to Norman city government," Ezzell said. "While searching for solutions to difficult and far-reaching issues, we must be mindful of the unprecedented economic circumstances that confront the city, state and nation."
Pointing to his promotion of the curbside recycling program, a better animal control facility and a measured approach to city growth, Ezzell said he's done plenty while a councilmember to benefit Norman.
"I am proud of all I have accomplished during my service on the city council," he said. "I am especially proud of being actively involved with police officers, firefighters and the citizens' group Rescue Norman to pass the public safety sales tax."
Ezzell also criticized Rosenthal and other members of the city council for not adopting tougher ethics reform, instead choosing "weak policy with no real teeth or consequences."
"As mayor, I will adopt a meaningful ethics ordinance to prove we are serious about transparency in city government and fully answers the question of conflicts of interests," he said.
The filing dates for the upcoming election, which includes Wards 2, 4, 6 and 8, are Jan. 11-13, 2010.
The election will be March 2, 2010.
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Ezzell announces for mayor's race
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