Mayor Bartlett's December 7 Acceptance Speech

It is with deep humility that I accept the responsibility that the voters of Tulsa have given to me. I appreciate the confidence that the residents of our city have placed in me and it is an honor to accept the position as the 39th mayor of the city of Tulsa.

First, let me formally introduce the new first lady of the city of Tulsa, my wife and biggest supporter, Victoria Bartlett.

I also wish to acknowledge my dear mother, the former first lady of the State of Oklahoma, Ann Bartlett.

And, my brother, Mike Bartlett, as well as my sister, Joanie Atkinson and her husband Tom Atkinson.

As all of you, I am very proud of my family, so let me embarrass them by introducing them all:

Our daughter, Ann Bartlett, is 20 years old and a junior at the University of Arkansas. Ann is a lover of animals, especially horses and is majoring in the equine sciences. She plans to pursue a Master's Degree in Journalism.

Our daughter, Andrea Petersen, 29 years old, is an attorney who was recently an assistant District Attorney in Abilene, Texas. She is now looking for employment as an attorney in Tulsa.

Our son, Dewey, 22 years old, a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Petroleum Engineering, will be employed by the Tulsa office of Newfield Energy in June of next year. He is also vice-president of the student body at the University of Oklahoma.

We have now fulfilled our responsibilities as voters and as candidates. Our platforms and promises were laid out, the votes were counted and now the Bartlett administration will begin the task of governing our fine city.

My very first duty is an easy one. I want to sincerely thank Mayor Kathy Taylor for her fine years of service to this community. Her assistance during our transition has been superb and without hesitation. She and her staff have made certain that we will get started on the right foot. I only got stuck in the elevator once and she came to our rescue.

Many productive hours were spent talking with and listening to Mayor Taylor about her experiences and decisions involving our city. We developed a good working relationship - a good friendship. Mayor Taylor, you have given me an opportunity to build upon your vision and that of our predecessors to create a business climate that will be the envy of the country. My thanks go to both you and your husband, Bill Lobeck, for your generosity of time and money and your love for our community. Please accept this gift as a token of my appreciation.

Now we begin in this, the first event in the newly remodeled Convention Center.  What a pleasure! A new beginning - something new and fresh.

As we look forward, let me restate my visions and goals for our fine city:

• To make Tulsa the new energy capital by employing new and alternative energy technology with a vision of becoming the alternative energy education capital of this country.

• To find and facilitate new cooperative ventures with our friends at the government of Tulsa County, with the private sector, and with educational institutions.

• To support and emphasize the concept of "customer service" with the public service provided by the City of Tulsa.

• To make certain that doing business with the City of Tulsa will be met with the "red carpet" treatment that our employers deserve.

• Last, but most important, it's exciting to be in a position of helping to provide economic opportunities to the citizens of Tulsa. Just in case you were not aware, I am dead serious about being "the job-gettingest mayor that this city has ever seen."

• We will promote, not impede - we will direct, not deter - we will lead our economic mounts to the wells of vision and entrepreneurship - we will not overly tax, regulate or discourage job creators.

My history is the constructive and productive use of capitalism for the betterment of my company, our employees and my family. Now I will focus our local business energies and talents for the betterment of my fellow Tulsans and the employees of the City of Tulsa. With our collective cooperation, we will see and experience the end of the rainbow.

My administration and I thank you for your many good wishes and your encouragement. So many times people on the street, at the airport, in restaurants and stores have given Victoria and me their sincere best wishes and have expressed their confidence that we will do a good job. This administration deeply appreciates that confidence and it will not be forgotten.

Before you are the 11 very capable leaders that you have elected. I assure you that we will efficiently manage this city, spend your money wisely and promote our city's assets and interests. We will develop productive relationships with our county government, our neighboring cities and the leadership at our State Capital, as well as in our nation's Capital. At the end of the day, you will realize that we understand customer service. I assure you that the toilets will flush, the trash will be picked up and you will be safe when you walk outside.

Once again, I say to each of you within earshot, that the City of Tulsa is now officially open for business.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and Merry Christmas to all of you.