Welcome to 2009!
As we look ahead to the new year, there are many economic challenges we must meet head on. While Tulsa and Oklahoma are weathering the situation thus far, we must be prepared for what may be in front of us.
Last week, I convened a meeting with area leaders, including the Tulsa City Council, area mayors, higher and public education, representatives from public housing and transportation and Tulsa County, to discuss President-Elect Obama's proposed federal stimulus package. Some of the items discussed on the regional basis included mass transit and light rail, recycling and workforce educational programs. We are working together to fine-tune the list to ensure projects meet the stimulus package criteria and deliver our project list to the U.S. Conference of Mayors on Wednesday.
One of my priorities since taking office has been education. It is vital that we have a strong workforce education program to ensure our workers are ready for the jobs that are ahead. Partnerships with the Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa Technology Center and Tulsa Community College are essential.
As a unified group, we will be prepared for what 2009 might bring. Together, we can and will make things happen for Tulsa!
Kathy Taylor
Mayor
Meth Documentary to Air Jan. 13
Mayor Kathy Taylor and other Tulsa leaders have joined with others statewide to promote Childhelp Crystal Darkness Oklahoma, a campaign aimed at tackling methamphetamine abuse in the state. A 30-minute documentary will air on television stations across Oklahoma at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.
Tulsa area stations airing the documentary include KJRH Channel 2, KOTV Channel 6, KTUL Channel 8, Fox 23, OETA, and CW 12-19. The documentary will feature gripping testimonials that graphically portray the devastating impact meth has had on families and communities.
January is National
Mentoring Month
The Mayor’s Mentoring to the Max initiative is entering its third year with the goal of providing positive role models for Tulsa’s youth. Mentoring to the Max is an outgrowth of the 2006 “Building A Safer Tulsa Gang Summit,” which focused on real solutions to end gang violence.
The Mayor's Office and Mentoring to the Max partners have worked hard these past few years to bring awareness to Tulsans about the great need for mentors in our community. To date, the Mentoring to the Max program has signed up nearly 400 new mentors.
Tulsa Million Miles, Getting Tulsans in Shape!
Tulsans have logged more than 80,000 miles on TulsaMillionMiles.com – a Mayor’s Fitness Challenge initiative that’s dedicated to making a difference in the health of our community.
After walking, running, biking, swimming, or doing a multitude of other exercises, users can sign onto TulsaMillionMiles.com and log their miles. Features of the Web site include an exciting iPhone application, exercise resources, trail maps, plus local fitness events covering fun runs, charity walks, bike rides, races and much more.
Jobs Available Through
Local Census Office
The U.S. Census Bureau is now offering a variety of temporary, part-time, and full-time jobs, ranging from census supervisors, enumerators, and office clerks to work with the 2010 census operations through the local census office, 1411 N. 105th E. Ave. Nights and weekend work are available. Pay starts at $10.50 to $16.75 an hour and pays weekly.
If you’re interested in a potential position with the U.S. Census Bureau, plan now to attend their open house on Monday, Jan. 12, from 1 – 2 p.m. at the Dream Center, 200 West 46th St. North. Census representatives will speak on the importance and goals of the census, as well as answer questions for potential employees.
For more information, you can call 918-877-3420 or 1-866-861-2010.
City Furniture Auction
Set for Jan. 21
The City of Tulsa is selling all furniture and furnishings in the former City Hall and three other office buildings, including the former Fire Department headquarters and the One-Stop Permits & Licensing Center.
Tulsans are invited to inspect the available merchandise at the following locations:
(Old) City Hall – 200 Civic Center, 111 S. Hartford Ave., 411 S. Frankfort and 1712 S. Phoenix.
All furniture in these four buildings will be auctioned. Online bidding will also be available prior to the onsite auction, which ends Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5 p.m.
Fitfest Kicks Off a Year
of Health and Fitness
Mayor Kathy Taylor joined Tulsa Parks’ staff in kicking off Fitfest, a Tulsa Million Miles event last Saturday at Hicks Recreation Center.
Fitfest showcased Tulsa Parks’ fitness and health programs and helped Tulsans create free accounts on TulsaMillionMiles.com – a Mayor’s Fitness Challenge initiative and Web site dedicated to helping individuals and groups log their exercise miles to achieve Tulsa’s goal of walking, running, biking and swimming one million miles or more.