David Austin
Candidate for Bartlesville Ward 2
Bio
I was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and raised by parents who felt it important to enrich their children’s lives through travel and experiences. To that end, we moved to Bartlesville where I attended public schools from 6 th through 11 th grade, then to Japan where I graduated high school on the American naval base in Yokosuka, where my mother also taught. Once back in the U.S., I obtained a BA degree from the University of Kansas.
After another stint in Japan, then Houston, Bartlesville called me home by way of a job with the Examiner-Enterprise, where I worked my way up to managing editor. Over the past 35-plus years, I’ve also ran communications for the Bartlesville Public School District (BPSD) and for the past 14 of those 35 years, I’ve led communications for ConocoPhillips Bartlesville.
In our community, I currently serve on the boards of Bartlesville Regional United Way and Bartlesville Cultural Center (formerly Westside Community Center). Over the years, I’ve maintained ties with the BPSD and supported the city by serving on their various bond issue campaign committees.
My wife Summer and I have been married for 29 years. We’ve continued my parents’ love of travel and new experiences. We also recognize our great fortune to live in a culturally rich community where meaningful experiences can be found in our own backyard.
1. Why are you running
Why are you running for Bartlesville City Council, and what experience or perspective do you believe you would bring to the council?
I’m running for the Ward 2 seat of the Bartlesville City Council for the same reason I volunteered my time toward city and school bond issue proposals – partnering with others in the hopes of making a positive impact in our community. And, to that end, I run with no agenda other than to do my part by working with others, within and outside of my ward, who also want to make Bartlesville a better community for everyone. It’s a continuation of the efforts of many who’ve served before me. Ours is a strong and unique community, shored up by a hard-working city government and vital public services, excellent schools and important businesses of all sizes and services. So, where I can support these tireless efforts and make improvements where warranted, it’s important to me to do so.
Listening to and learning from those in the trenches about what’s working and what isn’t is a foundational place to start determining what’s most important to focus on.
2. Your top priorities
What are the three most important issues facing Bartlesville during the next five years? What specific actions should the City Council take to address them?
Economy: I would like to see a continued strengthening and diversification of the economy to help ensure that Bartlesville remains vibrant today and well into the future. Recognizing the high caliber of current businesses Bartlesville enjoys today, I would like to attract additional businesses – both large and small – that can form a mutually beneficial relationship with our community. While being respectful of my boundaries as a city councilman, I would welcome the opportunity to assist the Chamber of Commerce, the Bartlesville Development Authority (BDA), the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority (BRTA) and the businesses themselves as I can.
Health: Clean water in a reliable, steady supply is critical to the health of every living thing in our community. When it comes to the question of water, the city has offered a detailed plan concerning the best options moving forward to help ensure Bartlesville has a strong water supply well into the future. I would like to work with the city staff to assist in continuing to move those recommendations forward. In addition, I’d like to see if any new possibilities might be available in the near future and if we’re in a versatile enough position to act on them if they do.
Education: We have long prided ourselves on having great educational operations in our community and I think we need to continue to be strong in that area. Good schools help us attract businesses and residents and then keep them. My mom taught in the BPSD, and I handled communications for it during an earlier part of my career, so it will long have a special place in my heart. I want to support our schools as much as I can in terms of funding and making them attractive to parents, students, teachers and businesses looking to relocate here. Our schools - public, private and home schools as well as those at the collegiate level – are a source of pride for our community. They all deserve our support. A sure sign of a vibrant community are strong educational systems.
3. Endeavor 2045
Bartlesville adopted the Endeavor 2045 comprehensive plan following a community planning process. Which parts of the plan should receive the highest priority during your term, and are there portions you believe should be changed, delayed or reconsidered?
Among the findings in Endeavor 2045 is a low vacancy rate of industrial, office and retail space in Bartlesville. I’d be curious about the options for new business space and what kind of new business we might be able to attract with these spaces.
In addition, while we’ve experienced an increase in population in recent years, we’ve seen a decrease in available housing. So, I’d like to understand what our options are there. I would also hope to see a cross-section of housing available that would fit the needs of a wide array of citizens.
Our downtown area is vibrant and has seen an influx of small businesses and apartments in recent years. It’s important we continue to support and attract businesses and residents to this area as a keystone for the continued growth of our community in general.
4. Jobs and economic development
Bartlesville has long depended on major employers including Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips. What should the city do to diversify the local economy, attract employers and create or retain well-paying jobs? What role should the Bartlesville Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce play?
The Chamber of Commerce, the Bartlesville Development Authority (BDA) and the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority (BRTA) have done great work for our community to help diversify our economy, and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish going forward. I would like to see us continue to attract and support businesses of all sizes in our community and then be able to offer amenities which are attractive to the point where those who work for the businesses are encouraged to put down roots in Bartlesville. I would welcome the opportunity to work with the Chamber, the BDA and the BRTA to see what support they need to be successful.
5. City spending and taxes
When balancing the city budget, where do you believe Bartlesville should spend more, spend less or maintain current spending? Are there city services or programs you would eliminate or significantly reduce?
As with any budget, responsible spending is an ongoing focus. To me that means we stay on top of our spending habits to know exactly how and at what level programs are funded. And I would like to know how much our funded programs are being utilized by our citizens. So, if a program doesn’t seem to be utilized at a level that we expected, do some digging to see if it’s a problem with the program itself or perhaps the promotion of it. And, if there doesn’t seem to be a public appetite for the program, then I would look at the possibility of cutting it. Also, I would be curious about an overlap or a duplication of services. Are there areas where we can possibly identify savings?
6. Public safety cameras and privacy
What is your position on Bartlesville's use of automated license plate reader cameras? How should the city balance law enforcement benefits with residents' concerns about privacy, data retention and government surveillance?
The current contract for two of the city’s 10 flock cameras is for five years. It extends until 2031. The contract for the other eight cameras is annual and was due to be renewed on Aug. 24.
So, unless we want to break one or both contracts, and potentially place ourselves in legal jeopardy, I would want to monitor the use of the cameras, weigh arguments for and against them, and then make an informed decision when it comes time to renew the contracts.
7. City manager and council roles
What do you believe is the proper relationship between the City Council and city manager? Where should council oversight end and the city manager's authority over day-to-day operations begin?
When you have a reliable, knowledgeable city manager in place then I think you allow that person to do their job and support them as they need it. While I would certainly want to maintain oversight and be able to step in as necessary, I wouldn’t want to interfere in the day-to-day operations and slow down progress. If you hire the right person, who’s a good fit, then that is their role. Let them do it. Then if they need you, be there to step in and help. However, my role as a city counselor will be to oversee the city manager and ensure their policies are ultimately for the wellbeing of Bartlesville.
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