Voters will be at the polls this Tuesday to decide three key ballot questions that could impact city infrastructure, emergency response and future leadership in McAlester.
At the center of today’s election is a proposed 1% sales tax dedicated to repairing and maintaining city streets and related infrastructure. The measure includes a 10-year sunset provision and specifies that funds cannot be used for salaries or unrelated expenses.
City officials say the proposal also includes citizen-led oversight and public tracking with regular audits. Every street in McAlester is included in the overall project assessment.
Voters will also consider a measure that would amend the city’s current $1 million voter-approval requirement for major expenditures. If approved, the change would allow city leaders to respond immediately to emergencies or significant infrastructure failures without waiting for a public vote, which can take up to 90 days.
A third proposition would update the city’s hiring requirements for a city manager, allowing a broader range of qualified candidates to be considered. Supporters say the change would strengthen the city’s ability to recruit experienced leadership for the position.
The election is part of a broader slate of votes being held across Pittsburg County, including school board races and other local propositions.
Polls are open throughout the day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you would like to hear any of our three separate interview from Mayor Justin Few about the election, you can hear them below:
(March 31st interview)
(April 3rd Mailbag)
(April 7 interview)