Water & Environment Summit

Ward I,
I'm attending the Oklahoma Municipal League's
& Oklahoma Municipal Utility Provider's
Water & Environment Summit to learn more about city government.
I'm working toward a certificate in Municipal government.
So far, I have 17 hours and will pick up another 8 today.

The agenda is below for the Summit today.

Water, Environment, and Economic Growth: Are They
Compatible? Are we regulating ourselves
out of the game?
Will There be a Drop to Drink? Will changes
in the law and regulations “dry up” municipal water supplies?
Straw into Gold: How About Composting Sludge into a
Saleable Product? Find out who’s doing it now.
Regulations, NOV’s and Consent Orders
Who’s out there to help you — REALLY? What new regulations
should we know about?
Utility Rates Structures: Who’s Driving the Bus?
Financing? Regulations? Aging Infrastructure? Growth?
Who pays and who can help you?
Automated Meter Reading’s Hot in Oklahoma
Are Municipalities Going to End Up Treating Storm
Water/Non-point Sources? Why & what are some
municipalities doing about it?
Rural Water Issues and Contracting Update
Will we have the long awaited answer to the Guthrie
cases? Who will be next? Smart contracting can avoid
many problems.

Attended a code enforcement workshop

Ward I,
Just spent the day at the Double Tree in Tulsa for the Oklahoma Municipal League's Code Enforcement Pre Conference Workshop.

I learned about Property Maintenance Codes to improve both the appearance and safety of housing stock in our communities. These codes are used as a tool to improve neighborhoods and assure acceptable standards for rental properties.
I also learned about effective code enforcement for small cities like Guthrie. As you know, times of economic challenge hit smaller communities the hardest. Yet, communities must keep themselves safe and attractive both to retain existing residents and attract new ones. Code enforcement can be done on a small but effective scale in small cities utilizing limited resources.
Additionally, I learned more about signage. Whether commercial or campaign signs, I want to work to change the ordinance in Guthrie to make it easier to follow.
Finally, I learned more about Dealing with Dilapidated housing. I learned the fundamentals of state law relating to dilapidation that can provide guidance on the do’s and don’ts of public nuisance dilapidation demolition.

I am working toward learning more about city government by gaining my Certificate of Municipal Officer (CMO) from the Oklahoma Municipal League. I am almost half way there with 17 of 40 hours completed. I hope that obtaining my CMO will help serve my constituents better.


Thanks,
John

Neighborhood Associations on the move

Ward I,
Just an update to tell you that the First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions (FCNS), which is a group that I've been involved with in the beginning is now a 501c3. So, it has nonprofit status, which is important in gaining grant money. The FCNS will gain support from the city this next city council meeting. We'll discuss them and show the city of Guthrie is behind them.

Also, Highland Park is organizing as a neighborhood association! Basically, the area north of Noble Street will organize. That's great news!

Code of Ethics

Ward I,
Just to give you an update, the council passed unanimously, "A Resolution Establishing a Code of Ethics for Elected and Appointed Officials." It's a document that I talked with Councilman Z Thomas about previously.

A Code of Ethics will not make a difference overnight, but it will place a check on public officials who use their office for private gain, or do not go by the spirit and the letter of the law.

I hope this Code of Ethics will act as a long-term benefit for the City of Guthrie. I appreciate Councilman's Thomas' efforts!

John Wood,
Councilman, Ward I

Ward I,
I just finished my required training at the Oklahoma Municipal League in Okc.
We covered city finances, ethics, conflict of interest, employees, etc.

It was an interesting training and one that answered a lot of questions I've had.

Also, Favor Neighborhood Watch Association Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm. It's a great organization with the focus of bettering the neighbhorhoods in the area.

One thing I'm going to work on is to have the Favor association possibly identify houses that are abandoned and dilapidated. My idea, if it works, is to identify the worst of the worst houses and sell them for back taxes to both the county and the city. The highest bidder would buy the house at rock bottom prices with the restriction that the buyer must improve the property within a year of the sale. This means either knocking the house down, or refurbishing it. Of course, these details will work themselves out after working with both the city and the neighborhood. However, it's a win-win situation all around.

Sworn in!

Ward I,

I was just sworn in with the 60th City council of Guthrie.

I'm excited to get started as your city new councilman.

The next city council meeting is May 19th. If you need anything please email at dr.john.wood@gmail.com.

Thanks,
John

Strategic Plan

I will be sworn in May 5th!

Had a great conversation with Mayor Chuck and City Manager Melody Kellogg. I'm pushing for a strategic plan to guide decision making for Guthrie. We need a vision. Making decisions without a plan is like making those decisions blind.

I think lacking strategic goals has often gotten Guthrie in trouble. Whether it's Excel Jet, dealing with the Lake's water fee, etc.

Please, let me know what you want to see in a strategic plan.

Just email me at dr.john.wood@gmail.com

Thanks and have a nice day,

John

Just registered for the Guthrie Clear Water Ride

My wife and I just registered for the Guthrie Clear Water Ride, which is a bicycle tour around Guthrie, Ok. May 16th http://www.guthrieclearwaterride.com/ The Clearwater Ride is a group of concerned citizens that is working to help pay for the new water treatment plant being built for the citizens of Guthrie and the surrounding area.

I'm the new city councilman!

Citizens of Ward I,

Thank you so much for electing me as the new city council man of Ward I!


I beat the incumbent vice mayor by 37 votes: 252 to 215.

I'm excited to represent you! If you have questions or issues, don't hesitate to email me.

John

Dear Ward I neighbors

Dear Neighbors in Ward I.

This week I have knocked on more than 400 doors and I have more yet to do. However, I have to get back to work after a week off for spring break.

I want to make sure to talk to everyone I can.

So please, let me know if you have any questions or issues. You can email me at dr.john.wood@gmail.com.

John

Update on walking door-to-door

Neighbors in Ward I,

Just an update on what I'm doing right now.

I have walked door-to-door in Ward I since Friday the 13th.

I have focused on precinct 307 and have knocked on more than 100 doors so far in my third go around in the ward.

Since Friday, I have placed nearly 20 new signs.

I've really enjoyed talking and getting to know folks.

If you have questions for me or issues in the ward, please let me know.

Thanks,
Dr. John Wood

Pats on the Back vol. 1

Tonight I attended the Guthrie City Council meeting, and I shared the following "Pats on the Back" with the Council and audience.

"I have two quick things to say.

One, I want to recognize Erin Dorio, the Election Board Secretary, Shelen Winscott, the Assistant Secretary, and Judy Fariss, the Clerk. The Election Board team did a great job conducting a smooth primary election.

Second, I also want to acknowledge Sue DeCharme, chair of First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions. She has office hours at city hall on the second floor, from 11 am to 3 pm, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions is about creating organized neighborhoods in an effort to reduce crime, increase property values and increase communications between the city and the citizens of Guthrie.

I am the vice chair and co-founder of First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions, but we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the hard work of our fine Board: Martha Young, Pam Williams, Z Thomas, Gary Weeks, Frank Krusemark, Lester Branch, Rene Spineto and Jim Hanke.

If you want to organize your Guthrie neighborhood, please call our office at 282-0880."

Primary Results are in!

First, a big thank you to everyone who helped with the campaign so far. The results indicate it is a close race, so your support surely made a major difference in tonight's outcome.

Despite the inclement weather, the Guthrie Ward I election had a turn out of 282 voters. Here are the results:

• Hehn 132/46.8%


• Wood 89/31.6%


• Fortney 61/21.6%

This means Guthrie will hold a general election on April 7 for the Ward I City Council seat. The ballot will include the incumbent and myself.

Press Release-February 10, 2009

Wood Advances to General Election

-Primary Results Place John R. Wood in top 2 for City Council Seat

GUTHRIE-While no one candidate won outright, John R. Wood, along with the incumbent, will advance to the April 7 general election for Guthrie City Council Ward 1 seat.

On February 10, 282 voters cast ballots. Wood solidly secured his place in the upcoming general election with 32% of the votes.

“I am very pleased with the primary results,” said Wood. “It is very exciting to move on the next election.”

Wood said he is running for office because he has a strong commitment to community service and is eager to play a role in making Guthrie a better place for all its citizens.

“I met personally with many residents leading up to the primary,” said Wood. “I look forward to continuing to meet my Ward 1 neighbors to learn more about how we can build a Guthrie where we ‘reside with pride.’”

Currently, Wood serves the City of Guthrie as secretary for the Guthrie Transportation Authority and vice chair of the Guthrie Park Board. He also co-founded and now serves as vice-chair for First Capitol Neighborhood Solutions. The group promotes higher property values, lower crime and easier communication to city officials.

Learn more about John R. Wood and his campaign for Guthrie City Council at woodforguthrie.blogspot.com.

###

Don't Forget to Vote

Bonnie and I vote at the First Christian Church on Noble.


Today there are 2 ballots, one for City Council and one for School Board.

Here I am marking the ballots.

I was voter number 14 at the polling place this morning.

PRSA Code of Ethics Pledge — Non-Members

I pledge:
To subscribe to the principles and spirit of the PRSA Code of Ethics in the practice of professional communications, individually and collectively on behalf of the organizations, clients and publics served. In that context, I pledge:

• To conduct professional responsibilities in line with code values of responsible advocacy, accuracy, truth, responsible use of specialized knowledge and experience, objectivity, accountability, loyalty and fairness;


• To advance ethical communications practices and the free flow of accurate and truthful information, supporting fundamental rights of free speech and the public good, and adhering to the highest standards of accuracy and truth in communicating with the public;


• To investigate the truthfulness and accuracy of information released, avoid deceptive practices, act promptly to correct erroneous communications, and reveal the sponsors for causes and interests represented;


• To preserve and propel ethical communications principles that contribute to informed decision making in a democratic society and provide a voice in the marketplace of ideas, facts and viewpoints to aid informed public debate; and


• To incorporate these values and principles of the PRSA Code of Ethics in the official communications policies of the organization or client served, adopting them as fundamental beliefs to guide individual and collective professional practice, behaviors and decision-making in support of ethical communications and the public good.

John R. Wood
Wood for Guthrie Campaign

Where to vote

If you are registered in Guthrie Ward I and want to vote Feb. 10th for the primary, then note that Ward I is made up of three precincts: 307, 204 and 103.

• Precinct 307 votes at FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH 402 EAST NOBLE, Guthrie.


• Precinct 204 votes at GUTHRIE HOUSING AUTHORITY 1524 EAST PERKINS, Guthrie.


• Precinct 103 votes at FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 1900 S. DIVISION, Guthrie.

Are you registered to vote? If not, you can still vote in the April 7th, general municipal election. Go to http://www.ok.gov/~elections/vrfrmshl.html to register online.

"No Gifts List" Amendment vote on Wed. 1/28 at 10am at the Capitol!

Help me with my "No Gifts List" by going to the Ethics Commission Meeting 1/28 at 10am at the Capitol, 1st floor. Moved from the 23rd.

Even before I thought about running for city council, I worked on state-level ethics reform. I wrote a research fact sheet on lobbying last year, which I put into all the Ethics Commissioners' hands. I remember Commissioner Loy, holding my fact sheet, saying: “Based on Dr. Wood’s paper, I propose a $100 limit instead of a $200 limit.” Commissioner Raley, seconded and, after some heated discussion, it passed.

Today because of my efforts, lobbyists can only give up to $100 to a legislator per year. It used to be that lobbyists would give legislators OSU and OU football tickets. They can still literally wine and dine legislators though, especially if they have more than one employer.

Even with this reduction in the amount they can give, you might find it amazing that gifts to legislators have actually gone up 28%.

You know if you give one of your family members a gift for Christmas, you don’t expect anything in return because you love them, right? However, if you give something to someone you hardly know, you want something in return. That’s capitalism, that’s an exchange. That, of course, is fine.

However, our state legislators and other public officials are making life and death decisions every day. They are supposed to be unbiased. But, when you add money into the system, you mess it up. Really, we have a “pay to play” system. That’s why lobbyists do it; it works. Legislation goes their way at the expense of you and me. What’s worse, these legislators are supposed to represent us, but they more often than not, represent lobbying interests. They will say they don’t, but it’s only human nature.

Do you have a budget to buy your legislator gifts? I know I don’t. And, in a Democracy, you should not have to pay for access to your legislator. You voted that’s enough. I know my state Representative Jason Murphy can’t be bought. Thank goodness, but he’s the exception to the rule.

This year, I proposed two amendments. The one banning gifts from lobbyists to legislators is getting all the media attention. I’ve been interviewed on Fox 25, Channel 4, OETA, Radio Oklahoma, and The Oklahoman among others.

While Rep. Jason Murphey and I prefer a total ban, my original “no gifts list” amendment now has a sponsor and could possibly pass with your help. A “no gifts list” is set up so legislators and other state public officials can put an asterisk next to their name on a list, accessible to both lobbyists and the public, to say “I don’t accept gifts from lobbyists.” Basically, if my “no gifts list” amendment passes, the legislature has a shot at it. They can kill, amend or ignore. If they ignore it, that’s a good thing, it pases.

Now, Rep. Murphey and I are tag teaming on this, he has a bill in the state legislature submitted last year, but it died in committee. He has another this year, though.

If the “no gifts list” passes the legislature either way, and I think I might, I will start what I call the “asterisk campaign." We can all call our legislator or other public official and ask if they have an asterisk by their name. Hopefully, those without an asterisk by their name will feel left out. Or, we’ll just have to kick them out.

What I ask from you is to attend the Ethics Commission's vote on this amendment on Friday 1/23 at 10am. I hope you can make it.

I’ve been to these meetings virtually all year, the lobbyists are well represented, but we the people are not. I need folks to speak up and say they would like this amendment for transparency or even push to ban gifts themselves.

The only people who want to kill my amendment are the lobbyists and many of the legislators themselves, so let your voice be heard. I hope to see you there.

January 1 Campaign Update

Hello Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you happy and well in 2009.

The primary election for the Guthrie City Council Ward 1 seat is just six short weeks away, and we are getting geared up to start heavy campaigning next week. So many folks have already offered volunteer support, words of encouragement, advice, and even campaign contributions! It is heartening to know so many are as eager as I am to make Guthrie a better place.

The yard signs have arrived and they are starting to appear around town. Next week, I’ll begin walking the neighborhoods in Ward 1. I hope to meet and chat with as many voters as possible before the first election.

The website and blog are up and running. I hope you’ll check them out and let me know what you think. At the site, you’ll find a calendar of events, my stance on some of the issues facing Guthrie, news, and information how you can support the campaign.

If you live in Guthrie, don’t forget to vote on February 10. If you’re outside Guthrie, there are still several ways to show your support.

• Let people know about my campaign by linking to the website: woodforguthrie.blogspot.com.


• Walk the ward with me or help make get out the vote calls


• Write a letter to the editor or provide a testimonial for the website


• Make a donation to underwrite campaign expenses

Thank you again for your support in this exciting endeavor.

Yours,
John R. Wood