For the February 9 Elections in the Oklahoma City Area, Recommendations to the Voters
Published: February 8th, 2021
On February 9, several important elections are being held in and around Oklahoma City. These include city council and school board races, as well as a state Senate special primary election.
The City Sentinel is an independent, locally-owned newspaper based in Oklahoma City. The newspaper endorses candidates in selected political elections, and has a history of encouraging support for members of all qualified parties -- Democratic, Republican, Libertarian -- as well as Independent candidates.
The great seal of The City of Oklahoma City.
The Flag of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City — In 2020, The New York Times filtered through the resumes and public positions of the large field of Democratic presidential candidates and endorsed two of them in the primary process. In two of this year’s City Council races here in the City of Oklahoma City, the field is so large that The City Sentinel reached a similar place as the N.Y. Times.
The City Sentinel’s endorsement philosophy, detailed in print and online in recent years, leads the newspaper to make the best possible recommendation, in races where where a preference is indicated, as nominees for each major political party. The City Sentinel does not intend nor imply, unless otherwise stated, criticism of those who are not endorsed. The City Sentinel has, in the past, endorsed Independents, Libertarians, Republicans and Democrats, depending on the job and the candidates.
Endorsements from The City Sentinel newspaper are an affirmation of the person endorsed – not necessarily a criticism of other candidates. This approach aims to encourage qualified individuals to seek public office and serve our community and state. Endorsements reflect the preferences of the newspaper’s owners/publisher.
Our pattern has been to support the best candidate possible in partisan primaries, and await voters’ selection of nominees before final decisions are made for the general election.
For the February 9 election, some Oklahoma City races are non-partisan, but in each of the two most ‘crowded’ fields, the newspaper is endorsing two hopefuls. The general elections for all of these positions will be held on April 6.
All of the indicated races and candidates will be considered anew for the general election.
In this article, recommendations for the State Senate District 22 primaries of the two major parties are presented. The ultimate winner of the April special general election will fill the seat of former state Senator Stephanie Bice, who was elected Fifth District U.S. Representative and is now a member of Congress.
In two council races in Oklahoma City, so many candidates are running that The City Sentinel submits two endorsements in those contests. In one other race, the incumbent is endorsed. In-person absentee (early) voting took place at county court houses last Thursday and Friday. The only way to vote if you have not done so already via in-person early voting or absentee ballot is at your designated precinct tomorrow, Tuesday.
The City Sentinel Endorsements, February 9, 2021
State Senate District 22 Republican Primary Endorsement: Keri Shipley
State Senate District 22 Democratic Primary Endorsement: Molly Ooten
Oklahoma City Council Ward 1
The City Sentinel endorses in the primary: Jay Sherrill or Nana Dankwa
Oklahoma City Council Ward 3
The City Sentinel endorses in the primary: Barbara Young or Jessica Martinez-Brooks
Oklahoma City Council Ward 4: The City Sentinel endorses Todd Stone, the incumbent.