John Tyler Hammons was elected two years ago as Muskogee mayor. He faces three challengers in this April’s election.



Phoenix: Why are you running for mayor?

Hammons: I am running for a second term as your mayor to continue to bring an honest, transparent approach to your city government. I want to keep bringing young, fresh and bold ideas before city leaders and encourage everyday people to be active participants in our city. Muskogee needs a constant infusion of energy and excitement to bolster growth in tourism and business. I believe I can help foster that environment.

I want to continue to serve as your mayor because I love Muskogee and its people. I enjoy the political process and I enjoy working with and meeting new people. It has been a great honor to have represented our city as mayor during the last two years.



Phoenix: Why are you qualified to be mayor?

Hammons: I am qualified to continue as your mayor because as a lifelong resident, I am dedicated to the growth and development of Muskogee. I possess the characteristics that are necessary to represent this community in a positive way: honesty, integrity, openmindedness and youthful energy. Over the last two years, I have demonstrated the ability to meet and listen to the public. I have maintained an open mind and supported the needs of our working class families. More than anything else, I am not afraid of change.



Phoenix: What do you want to accomplish if elected mayor?

Hammons: I want to see Muskogee prosper. I would like to see the city emphasize our historical and cultural heritage by encouraging restoration efforts for area homes and building.

I want to keep our existing businesses open by working to make sure our retail dollars remain here. This can be done by encouraging citizens to shop locally and by attracting new businesses, including new specialty stores, restaurants and manufacturers. We have great assets in both the Port of Muskogee and Davis Field Airport. Both of these facilities will be essential to the future growth of Muskogee. By investing in these assets, Muskogee will see job growth in the years to come.

Another key element to job creation is the partnership we have developed with the federal government. I want the city to continue to work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs so that Muskogee can continue to grow as a national center for Veterans Affairs activity. Additionally, strengthen our ties with the U.S. military through promoting Camp Gruber, and the new National Guard Armory will also serve to create good local jobs.



Phoenix: What are the biggest challenges for Muskogee?

Hammons: The greatest challenge facing Muskogee is the lack of companies that offer high-paying jobs. For our city to advance, we must make job creation our top priority. To attract these companies, we must encourage more of our citizens to get a higher education.

Muskogee is very fortunate to have several institutions of higher learning available to our citizens. Education is the key to building a better future. When our citizens possess higher education levels, companies will be attracted to Muskogee.

We must work to develop a culture where higher education is valued. This begins at an early age. Our community is blessed to have many dedicated teachers and mentors who demonstrate this to our children. By supporting our local schools and encouraging families to take a greater role in modeling the importance of education, Muskogee will grow.



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.

Wednesday: Kenny Payne.

Ward II candidates

Thursday: David Ragsdale.

Friday: Randy Howard.

Mayoral candidates

Saturday: Bob Coburn.

Sunday: Teresa Garris.

Today: John Tyler Hammons.

Tuesday: Chris James.

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