Protecting Our Heritage and Our Homes
Norman’s identity is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and the homes that generations of families have built. Our neighborhoods are not just places on a map—they are communities where memories are made, and traditions are passed down. Protecting our heritage and homes is essential to preserving the character and integrity of our city. Today, however, these treasures are under threat, most notably from the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), whose plans disregard the voices of our community and put our homes and history at risk.
The OTA’s proposals have been marked by a glaring lack of transparency, leaving residents like myself, my family, and my friends blindsided by their plans. For too long, the community has been kept in the dark, excluded from conversations that directly impact our lives and futures. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made behind closed doors. We deserve leaders who prioritize openness, respect, and the will of the people over unchecked development. The OTA has failed to meet this standard, negotiations are not an option.
This isn’t just about roads or infrastructure, it’s about people losing their homes, livelihoods, and the communities they’ve worked hard to build. My own family and many others are faced with the heartbreak of potentially losing everything we hold dear. The OTA’s disregard for the human cost of their actions is unacceptable. These homes represent far more than property, they embody the stories, struggles, and successes of generations. Allowing these losses would irreparably damage the fabric of our city.
Taking a firm stance of no negotiations with the OTA is the only way to ensure our community is heard and our homes are protected. We cannot compromise on matters of such importance. Our city deserves leadership that will stand against entities that dismiss our voices and prioritize profit over people. Norman has the opportunity to lead by example, showing that our homes and heritage are worth defending against thoughtless development.
Protecting our heritage and homes is not just a campaign promise; it is a personal commitment rooted in my own experiences. Together, we can push back against the OTA and other threats to our way of life. Let’s preserve what makes Norman special and ensure that future generations can enjoy the same vibrant, welcoming city we’ve had the privilege to call home.
