On today’s episode, we’re in Oklahoma City to interview three city councilors about the historic Maps 4 vote.
The 1-cent sales tax that passed will be used to fund 16 civic projects estimated to cost nearly $978 million. This includes $50 million for affordable housing. $40 million will provide new mental health and substance abuse services designed to relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail. And $17 million will be used for a “diversion hub” to also relieve pressure on the Oklahoma County jail. This hub will work with low-level offenders to provide a diversion away from jail.
Now, to introduce our guests,
James Cooper, of Ward 2, formerly served as an Oklahoma City Public Schools teacher, and is a published writer. An AVID middle school college preparation teacher, James also works as an adjunct Film Studies professor at Oklahoma City University, where he serves on OCU’s Arts and Sciences Advisory Board.
JoBeth Hamon serves Oklahoma City's Ward 6. Many of you also probably know JoBeth, or JB as we call her, as the amazing Education Coordinator for Mental Health Association. She plays a pivotal role in organizing our annual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium coming up October 1 and 2, 2020 in Tulsa. Learn more about the Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org
And finally, Nicki Nice serves Ward 7. She's the 10th woman, and the second woman of color, to serve on the Council since the City's incorporation in 1890. She is a well-known television and radio personality with nearly 15 years of on-air experience in the Oklahoma City market.