Kenny Payne is a Muskogee businessman and one of three councilor candidates from Ward IV.



Phoenix: Why are you running for city council?

Payne: I love Muskogee. I have lived here my whole life. I have two children under the age of 10. I want Muskogee to be a place where they have every opportunity for success: their education, their occupation, their safety, their religion, and their recreation. What happens in their future, in all of our future, is being determined by decisions we are making now. A progressive attitude toward education, business, tourism, development and safety isn’t something we can just wish for. We must take action now. For a long time I’ve been led toward running for city council. Through the encouragement of my friends, family, and through prayer, I know that now is the right time. It’s time to make a difference.



Phoenix: Why are you qualified to be a city councilor?

Payne: I am a small business owner. For 17 years, I have been responsible for the day-to-day operation of that business.

Inventory control, meeting payroll, working within the parameters of a budget, public relations, and good old fashioned horse sense have allowed us to remain a part of the Muskogee business community for that length of time.

As Deputy Director of Muskogee City Emergency Management, a volunteer position, I have seen firsthand how city employees go the extra mile to do the job right. I am out in the public every day. I have a firsthand knowledge of the wants and needs of the citizens of Muskogee.

It is my job to stay in touch with what is best for the people of Muskogee. I am heavily involved in my church, Timothy Baptist, youth sports programs that my kids participate in, and support several area high school sports.

For these reasons and others, I do feel that I am qualified to sit on the Muskogee City Council. As a council member I will do my job in a fair and respectful manner. I will employ an open door policy and represent ALL the citizens of Muskogee to the best of my ability.



Phoenix: What do you want to accomplish if elected to the city council.

Payne: • To implement a better long-range planning program for the future of our city.

• To maintain current youth and senior citizens programs and activities.

• To implement programs that will attract new retail and manufacturing interests to our city

• To initiate a more progressive attitude toward new housing starts and development of usable land in Muskogee.

• To operate city government with a common sense approach.



Phoenix: What are the biggest challenges facing Muskogee?

Payne: Our city has faced and overcome many challenges in the past. We are certain to face more in the future. At present, the city budget should be a major concern to all the citizens of Muskogee, and it is to me. We face some hard choices, but with teamwork and a "can-do" attitude we can meet this challenge.

I feel it is extremely important to keep the programs that are currently in place for our youth and senior citizens operating efficiently.

With the challenges we face, it is more important than ever that we join hands with the common good of our city as a focal point.

Muskogee has provided us with a stable and secure place to live, work, and raise a family for many years.

There is no room for individual agendas now. I truly believe that with the right leadership and direction we can achieve greatness. I look forward to being part of that solution.



Municipal election

Today and over an eight-day period, the Phoenix will publish responses to four Phoenix questions by Muskogee candidates for City Council and mayor.

Schedule:

Ward IV candidates

March 15: Jim Ritchey.

March 16: Cedric Johnson.

Today: Kenny Payne.

Ward II candidates

Thursday: David Ragsdale.

Friday: Randy Howard.

Mayoral candidates

Saturday: Bob Coburn.

Sunday: Teresa Garris.

Monday: John Tyler Hammons.

Tuesday: Chris James.

The city election is April 6. If needed a runoff will be May 11.