David Ragsdale is a candidate to retain his Ward II seat on the City Council.



Phoenix: Why are you running for City Council?

Ragsdale: I am running for council in order to help Muskogee be a better place for all.

I enjoy working for the benefit of others and would like to see the city of Muskogee become a community geared toward all ages. I would like to see more employment opportunities, and most of all, a community striving together for the same goal.

Phoenix: Why are you qualified to be a councilor?

Ragsdale: I am qualified to be a councilor because I have a genuine need to help make a difference for the people of Muskogee. I have served on the board for a full term and an interim term, and in this time, I have given my best to serve the people of my ward and the city as a whole.



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

Ragsdale: If re-elected I want to see the people of Muskogee learn to think outside of the box. I want them to see that Muskogee can be a place that people would love to visit and possibly call home. I want to help make Muskogee a place that young people want to contribute to and help to grow, yet parents and grandparents remain comfortable as well.

This means that as councilman, I would assist in getting new businesses here creating job opportunities, resulting in increased revenue. I want to see appropriate entertainment to keep our dollars in the city of Muskogee.

Yet I also want to maintain the history of Muskogee as it is known.



Phoenix: What are the biggest challenges facing Muskogee?

Ragsdale: One of the biggest challenges facing Muskogee, as well as other communities, is the economy at this time. However, with strategic planning and wise decisions based on helping the people and community, any obstacles can be overcome.

We must come together.



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.

Ward IV candidates

March 15: Jim Ritchey.

March 16: Cedric Johnson.

Wednesday: Kenny Payne.



Ward II candidates

Today: 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.