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September 8, 2010

Running for commission: Wilson looking to help government help people

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Longtime Enid resident Tammy Wilson wants to help city government help the people of Enid.

To reach that goal, she has announced her candidacy for Enid City Commission in Ward 5.

Wards 1, 2 and 5 are up for election this year. Filing period is Dec. 6-8, and election day is Feb. 1, 2011. New commissioners will take office in May. The Ward 5 seat is held by Larry Brummal, who took office in July, replacing Daron Rudy, who resigned in March.

“I’m interested in community government,” Wilson said. “I’ve thought about it and felt the time is right to do it.”

Wilson said it is important for city government to have a younger outlook than it has in the past, although commissioners Drew Ritchie and Todd Ging are younger. Aside from bringing a younger viewpoint, Wilson said she has no agenda.

“Everybody goes in with a notion of the way they make changes. I want to work in a positive way and help improve the quality of life in Enid,” Wilson said.

She supported the recent failed $20 million bond issue that would have helped redevelop downtown Enid. The issue failed by 130 votes, and Wilson said she thinks there should be another option available.

“I don’t think you can just ignore it now and say there is no Plan B,” she said. “We can reach a compromise. I think it needs to be revisited. I’m not comfortable just letting it go away.”

A community must invest in itself so it can grow, she said, and do things that will make people want to come here. Wilson said people must believe in themselves as a community before other people will.

Wilson considered running before but had small children at home and felt her obligation was to them. Those children now are older and in school, so she said she believes she can donate the time necessary to do the job of being a commissioner.

“I think if people want things to happen, we have to work on it,” she said. “I would like Enid to be a place people want to come on purpose.”

Wilson said she is unfamiliar with how the city budget operates and that will be a learning experience. She defined herself as issue-oriented on budget matters and will make decisions based on the city’s needs.

Wilson is a paralegal in Enid. She and her husband, Marty, have four children.

James Crabbs currently holds the Ward 1 seat and Don Rose represents Ward 2.

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