Norman community, officials rally against overturning of Roe v. Wade at Cleveland County Courthouse
Mayoral and City Council candidate forum
Tune in from 6:30-7:15 p.m. to see Ward 4 candidates respond.
Forum: City Council Wards 2, 4, 6 and 8
Every two years, even numbered Wards come up for election. This forum will be a chance to hear candidates views on issues they feel are important and for voters to ask questions about issues you feel are important.
Helen Grant announces candidacy for Ward 4 council seat
Recently, I have worked with community organizers and the city on an ordinance that allows no barrier, 24/7 community fridges to be placed back into the public sphere. I also put work into Norman CREW (Compassionate Response Emergency Workers), Norman’s would-be, first-ever unarmed mental health crisis response, wherein unarmed mental health professionals are the first responders.
There is a great need for transparency, public accountability and compassion. And I know those guiding principles will also serve to inform decision making around sustainable land development practices and zoning, water reclamation, metering and building infrastructure to better meet current demands and set us up for success moving into the future, and how to fund that and more in the city budget in a transparent and equitable way.
Helen Grant announces Ward 4 candidacy with ‘equity and inclusion’ focus
Grant said they want to focus on affordable housing for people struggling with homelessness, and on affordable water for residents who are having trouble paying their bills. The three things they are most passionate about are homelessness, mental health and economic development, Grant said.
“I know this is a nonpartisan seat and honestly, I don’t think these (are partisian issues),” they said. “I think anybody on the political spectrum can end up homeless, in a bad living situation or need affordable water.”
“Do the Work and Deescalate”
“These are not abstract concepts for me,” Grant said.
“These issues have an impact on my friends, neighbors, and the people I see just trying to get by in Norman.”
Grant thinks in terms of complex lists and details. Asked about the concerns and considerations of the city, she offers bullet point solutions or a first-hand story of watching these struggles play out in front of her.