2 run for Edmond Ward 4 council job

Abbitt, a Devon Energy reservoir engineer, said she has some concerns about the council's long-term goal to become a destination to experience art, entertainment, amateur sporting events and outdoor recreation.

Abbitt, 42, said she wants to know what that means and whether it will increase taxes in Edmond. She said she believes there is plenty of entertainment and arts in nearby Guthrie and Oklahoma City.

Such goals are included in the city council's strategic plan for 2012-13. The plan was created after an all-day session and a couple of workshops. The plan is used as a guide for the direction the council will take this year and in the future.

“Those are broad-based goals and who wouldn't want that,” Massey said. “It encompasses Edmond as a nice place to live and grow. Citizens have made it clear that is what they like and want.”

Abbitt wants to look on an individual basis at public-private partnerships such as the city's role in the construction of a hotel and conference center.

The city invested $11 million as part of a public-private partnership to build a conference center, install infrastructure and purchase land at Covell Road and Interstate 35. City officials said over 15 years they will get $9 million of the investment back.

“The people didn't get to vote,” Abbitt said about the conference center. “I want the citizens to have a voice because it is going to affect their bottom line.”