News On 6 Hosts Tulsa Mayoral Debate

Tulsa's mayoral candidates discussed their visions for the City of Tulsa in a live debate on 6 in the Morning Tuesday, November 5.

"This is a very exciting time for Tulsa voters," anchor Rich Lenz began the debate. "One week from this morning, they're going to head to the polls to elect a mayor."

Questions came from News On 6 viewers, Facebook fans and man-on-the-street interviews.

Kathy Taylor

Former Mayor Kathy Taylor went first by virtue of a coin flip.

In response to the first question, Taylor she would not have laid off police and fire personnel as was done in Mayor Bartlett's term.

Watch the videos above for more from candidate Kathy Taylor.

"We know in a down economy crime always goes up, and we know that you can't attract jobs if people view your community - even tourism, if you have an unsafe city," she said.

She also answered questions about the mayoral role in public education and her plans for helping North Tulsa become a vibrant community again.

Dewey Bartlett Jr.

Mayor Dewey Bartlett sat down with anchor LeAnne Taylor and responded to Taylor's comments about police layoffs. He noted that faced with a $10 million budget shortfall he determined that all city employees should be treated equally, including police.

"If somebody would have been shown favoritism, then everyone else would have even had a worse situation," he said.

"The good news is, we hired all of them back except for one."

Watch the videos above for more from candidate Dewey Bartlett Jr.

Bartlett also answered questions about specific plans to make Tulsa safer, financial transparency and his biggest regret as mayor.

Finally, both candidates fielded questions from anchors LeAnne Taylor and Rich Lenz.

Incumbent Mayor Dewey Bartlett Jr. will face off with former mayor Kathy Taylor on Tuesday, November 12. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

News On 6 will host another mayoral debate Monday, November 11 on News On 6 at 9 p.m. on the Tulsa CW.