(Correction: This post was updated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, to note the City of Edmond’s general election rules accurately. NonDoc regrets the error. The post was also updated at 12:35 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, to correct a reference to Josh Moore’s community service.)
Edmond voters will participate in a primary election Feb. 12 that will serve as a first step toward electing a new mayor and new council members in Wards 1 and 2. An unusual rule in the city’s charter stipulates that the top two candidates in each ward will advance to an April 2 general election no matter what. For the general election, those City Council candidates run citywide.
After 4 terms, Edmond Ward 2 incumbent Councilwoman Elizabeth Waner announced she would not run for reelection. Three candidates decided to campaign for her seat.
The city’s largest geographical ward, Edmond Ward 2 runs from Bryant Avenue to Choctaw Drive, and from Waterloo Road to Memorial Road.
The following candidate primers appear in alphabetical order and have been pulled from publicly available information.
Larry L. Barnes, 73
Profession: Retired sales manager
Experience: Barnes worked as a district sales manager and a construction superintendent for Kerr McGee Refining Corp.
Platform: Barnes says he will push for a retail redevelopment plan for south regions of Broadway so customers can park in front of the stores they shop in. He wants to make sure development is balanced with existing neighborhoods and that the public stays informed about the changes going on in the community. He would also like to focus on improving traffic flow throughout the city. Barnes plans to improve roads, which would require citizens’ tax dollars. He is quoted in the Edmond Sun: “I don’t like taxes better than anybody else, but we’ve got to make it right.”
Links: Barnes does not appear to have a website or Facebook for his campaign.
Josh Moore, 40
Profession: Custom home builder
Experience: Moore has experience in land planning and zoning, economic development and project management. He has served on the Edmond Board of Appeals and Adjustments and the Edmond Beautiful Board of Directors.
Platform: Moore would like to focus on improving traffic and supporting the police and fire departments. He wants to prioritize parks, green space and healthy lifestyles in Edmond. Moore also wants to support growth and economic development that will unite the community. “Let’s continue to look at ways to grow our sales tax base so we can maintain our streets and infrastructure, pay for public safety, and maintain our parks and public amenities,” his website says.
Links: Website | Facebook
Matt Thomas, 54
Profession: Attorney
Experience: In 2005, Thomas founded I-35 Investment Cars, Inc., a company that remarkets high-end vehicles. He also recently represented the Fox Lake Homeowner’s Association before the Edmond City Council to fight against a proposed hotel development at the corner of Fox Lake Lane and the I-35 Access Road.
Platform: Thomas wants to ensure the city follows The Edmond Plan. He would like to improve traffic conditions and protect the neighborhoods throughout Edmond. He also hopes to revitalize the commercial corridor along Broadway. Thomas will work to improve Edmond for future generations, and is quoted on his website saying: “I will fight to preserve the unique character and quality that makes Edmond great. Edmond is the product of the insight and effort of great visionaries that proceeded us.”
Links: Website | Facebook
