The League of Women Voters of Stillwater asked mayoral candidates to submit answers to several issues of city concern. Their responses are listed below.

List your educational, professional and community experience which prepare you to be an effective mayor.
Bartley: I have a BS in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University, and a JD from OU College of Law. I practiced law in Oklahoma City for five years and returned to Stillwater in 1999 to open and operate Community Escrow & Title Co. Private sector work with Payne County Youth Services, Saville Center, Stillwater Group Homes and Chamber of Commerce and public sector work on Stillwater Housing Authority, chairman of the Downtown Business Improvement District and Stillwater City Council for the last two years give me a wide range of experiences and understanding of the needs of our community to draw on as Mayor.
Hoeltzel: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Power Technology from Oklahoma State University 1980, continued education in electrical engineering with computer option but no degree. Ten years of delivering pizzas in Stillwater, so I have a baseline to compare the changes in Stillwater to, as well as an understanding of how cash flow works.
Murphy: Oklahoma State University preschool, Stillwater Public Schools for 12 years, Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University , medical degree from University of Oklahoma.

What are Stillwater’s most pressing issues?
Hoeltzel: Clear draining areas to handle flooding, utilizing goats, unemployed or other options; Off-street parking in certain areas of the city; Sourcing of fresh water; Power source issues; Cable and Internet options; Infrastructure maintenance; Funding for all of the above; Zoning changes that reflect the current residence’s concerns; Jobs that pay a living wage for Stillwater and Oklahoma citizens.
Murphy: Jobs; education; recreation; healthy citizenry.
Bartley: We have several important issues that must be addressed right now. We have already started the process of determining the technical solutions to the Kaw Water line and the water distribution system. The next immediate step in those projects is determining how to fund the implementation of the solutions. These are going to be very difficult and hard decisions, but they are absolutely necessary. The next most important issue is developing a solid economic development structure and plan of action. The economy is different than in the past and we need to implement new and different approaches to growth.

How would you encourage the public to communicate with you?
Murphy: Phone, letter, instant messaging.
Bartley: Some people are more comfortable communicating in some ways more than others. I have been and will continue to be accessible using the communications method the individual prefers. Email, phone, in person, via social media or good old fashioned written letters all work for me. Some times certain methods of communicating are more appropriate than others in different situations. They each have benefits and short comings. My goal is to be open and available. Phone: (405) 780-7196, email: john@johnbartley.org or councilorbartley@stillwater.org, Address: 623 S. Lewis, Stillwater, OK 74074.
Hoeltzel: I will be accessible via the city email address and the public will be welcome to contact me in that manner as well as when I take walks throughout town. Suggestions as well as constructive criticisms will be welcome. Volume level as well as other duties will be a factor in when I respond. One method that looks attractive is to post current resolutions and have some kind of survey that would be available to persons with city of Stillwater accounts.

What would you do to promote environmentally sound policies in Stillwater?
Bartley: Environmentally sound policies are important. An important aspect of this also involves sustainable policies. We have to look at our ability to maintain the practice as well as the ability to limit the impact to the environment. We need to find the balance between being able to effectively provide a service or accomplish a goal and limiting the environmental impacts of such. I want to implement a curbside recycling program to make it easier for citizens to help divert waste from the land fill. The City and individuals should investigate technologies as they become feasible that will reduce environmental impacts.
Hoeltzel: Exploring wind energy as well as other energy options, like ground sourced heat pumps as well as solar and other alternative energy options should assist in reducing the energy foot print of the Stillwater resident. Stillwater does have net metering, so if a resident chooses to put in solar and/or wind energy solutions that meet the code restrictions, those individuals can recoup a fraction of their investment that way. A single source for power will not result in an optimal pricing structure for the consumer’s benefit.
Murphy: Consider using native plants that do not require artificial pesticide or herbicides in parkland and curbside recycling.