OKC VeloCity | April 6 runoff election to decide city council representatives
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April 6 runoff election to decide city council representatives

By Kaylee McDaniel / Inside OKC / March 19, 2021

Four candidates in two Wards will face off in a decisive election on April 6 determining Oklahoma City Council members for the next four years. Candidates in the April 6 runoff, listed in the order in which they appear on the ballot, are Shay Varnell and Bradley Carter for Ward 1 and Jessica Martinez-Brooks and Barbara Young for Ward 3.

Winners take office April 13. Incumbent Councilwoman Nikki Nice was the only candidate who filed to run in Ward 7, and Councilman Todd Stone was re-elected with a majority victory in the Feb. 9 primary election in Ward 4. They will also begin new terms April 13.

Related VeloCityOKC coverage: Read about OKCPS School Board Chair candidates on April 6 ballot

While the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber does not endorse candidates for any city office, the Chamber asked all City Council candidates to complete a survey that would ascertain their stance on regional transit initiatives, the MAPS program, economic development programs and more. Learn more about each candidate and their responses below.

Shay Varnell, candidate for Ward 1

Shay Varnell is a small business owner currently serving on the Traffic & Transportation Committee. On his campaign website, Varnell says, “My OKC values will allow me to bring a stable voice to the City Council. Using those values and common sense to make decisions is exactly what Oklahoma City needs.”

In his own words:

CHAMBER SURVEY: If elected to City Council, what will be your top priorities? 

  1. To keep the promise that our City government made to the citizens of OKC in regards to MAPS4. There are a lot of great projects that we are all looking forward to seeing completed. My guess is with the rise in building cost that we have seen in the past year, several of these projects will be over budget and I would hate to see projects get cut or under-built.
  2. FIRST RESPONDERS: Support the OKCPD and OKCFD departments in a way that lets them do their job in a safe and efficient manner.
  3. Streets and bridges, this is all the people that I've knocked on their doors want to talk about. Try to provide the safest streets and bridges we can. 

What do you think the city’s role should be in education, specifically as it relates to the Oklahoma City Public School district?

Ward 1 is the only Ward in OKC that does not have an OKCPS school in it. I feel speaking "specifically" about OKCPS and not speaking about the other intercity districts would be neglectful. I think the City should do what they do (provide city services) and let ALL school districts do what they do (educate the community).

Read a full transcript of Varnell’s survey responses.

Bradley Carter, candidate for Ward 1

Bradley Carter is a business owner, 11-year resident of Ward 1 and serves on the boards of various ministries working in partnerships to support local charities. His campaign website says, “As your voice on the City Council for Ward 1, Bradley will utilize his years of business experience, ministry outreach and wisdom gleaned from interacting with and serving neighbors in need to create a stronger future with opportunities for all.”

In his own words

CHAMBER SURVEY: If elected to City Council, what will be your top priorities?

Roads, infrastructure, transparency and responsive leadership!

What do you think the city’s role should be in education, specifically as it relates to the Oklahoma City Public School district?

Our main role is making sure that the taxes are appropriated properly to the school boards which govern the school districts. In addition, we can collaborate with the school boards to help keep the conversation going and keep the public informed on the needs the district has.

Why do you not support the use of eminent domain?

I support the use of eminent domain, when used properly. The question I said no to was "do I support the use of eminent domain for future MAPS projects". I do not support the taking of private property from citizens when it is not within the guidelines of the Constitution.

Read a full transcript of Carter’s survey responses.

Jessica Martinez-Brooks, candidate for Ward 3

Jessica Martinez-Brooks is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City, an educator and a frequent community volunteer. Her campaign website says that she “believes that we need a local government that is efficient and responsive to the needs of the various neighborhoods and communities within our city.”

In her own words

CHAMBER SURVEY: If elected to City Council, what will be your top priorities?

  1. Ensuring MAPS 4 projects and resources get implemented appropriately
  2. Infrastructure needs (Roads, bridges, utility expansion, public safety)
  3. Being responsive to Ward 3 residents and the issues impacting their neighborhoods

What do you think the city’s role should be in education, specifically as it relates to the Oklahoma City Public School district?

There are eight different public school districts in Ward 3 alone including OKCPS. I am familiar with the districts many see as “quality” and which are seen as “poor,” and areas that continue to see growth in their local schools and those with declining enrollments. I am familiar with the challenges our local schools face because I have engaged with our district officials to introduce the best post-secondary pathways for our students so that they had a plan to continue their education and in turn improve their job opportunities in our state. It is vitally important that our graduates stay in Oklahoma so that we are building a quality workforce for companies who may be seeking to relocate to our state.

Read a full transcript of Martinez-Brooks’ survey responses.

Barbara Young, candidate for Ward 3

Barbara Young is a businesswoman, longtime Southwest Oklahoma City resident and community volunteer. Her campaign website says that she is running for Ward 3 “to give Southwest Oklahoma City the conservative voice it deserves.”

In her own words

CHAMBER SURVEY: If elected to City Council, what will be your top priorities?

My priorities as a council member include ensuring that the council keeps OKC open for business both for existing companies as well as for new businesses coming into our city by ensuring that no new job crushing regulations or taxes are approved and by looking for ways to draw back any negative things that may exist today; Also a priority is ensuring that tax dollars come back into ward 3 for our citizens in the way of infrastructure improvements and additional amenities through development opportunities; and lastly by ensuring that our first responders are supported and funded properly to ensure Oklahoma City is a safe place to work, live and play.

What do you think the city’s role should be in education, specifically as it relates to the Oklahoma City Public School district?

Good schools are critical for economic growth. Council should continue its partnership with OKCPS (and all the districts in city limits) to provide the best possible public education to our youth. The last several years the district has taken great strides and I expect continued improvement in years to come. My experience with Dr. McDaniel during his tenure with Mustang Public Schools tells me that he's the man for the job and with time, support and continued advocacy for the district, success will be achieved. The district recently released their strategic plan which is commendable. Council should provide encouragement and guidance to ensure that our kids are being given the opportunities to learn about many different points of thought as well as encouraging kids to understand and develop practiced personal finance knowledge and skills.

Read a full transcript of Young’s survey responses.

Election information

Although the absentee ballot request deadline is March 30, the U.S. Postal Service recommends requesting it by March 22. You can request an absentee ballot using the Oklahoma State Election Board’s OK Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp, or download an absentee ballot request form at oklahoma.gov/elections to print, sign and return to your county election board.

The Postal Service recommends mailing your completed absentee ballot by March 30 if voting by mail. You can also return a completed absentee ballot in person to your local county election board.

Early voting is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1-2 at your local county election board: 

Regular voting is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 6 at your usual polling location. Find your polling location on your voter ID card, or using the voter portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp. 

EMBARK bus and OKC Streetcar service will be free on Election Day to help get voters to the polls. Visit embarkok.com or okcstreetcar.com to plan your trip.