The mayoral contest pits former Mayor Hershel McBride and Oklahoma University freshman John Tyler Hammons. Muskogee Realtor Shawn Raper is challenging Councilman Frank Borovetz Jr. for the Ward II seat. Jackie Luckey, a longtime local law enforcer, faces incumbent Troy Stoutermire for the Ward IV position.

Polls will be open for regular voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Phoenix asked the following questions of the two mayor candidates and received the following replies:

Q: How do you see the role of mayor in Muskogee’s weak-mayor system of government? How important is that role, and what special abilities do you have that would make you a good mayor?

HAMMONS: According to the City Charter, our governing document, the mayor has no administrative responsibilities and is the ceremonial head of the city. As such, the mayor serves as the city’s chief visionary and spokesman. As an energetic and outgoing individual, I will actively use these skills to promote Muskogee’s future.

McBRIDE: A weak mayor system is what the charter says. A mayor who is content with doing only the bare minimum for the citizens of Muskogee is required to attend City Council, Public Works and Finance meetings and go to City Hall to sign documents. A mayor who functions in this way will never get anything done for the betterment of Muskogee. A strong mayor, even in a weak mayor type of government is very important. The city manager serves at the pleasure of the mayor and City Council. It is important to have strong, knowledgeable leaders in these positions to set the agenda for the future of our great city.

Q: If elected mayor, how much time would you devote to being mayor and what kind of schedule would you keep? How accessible would you be as mayor?

McBRIDE: I am fortunate to be able to devote time 24/7 for our citizens. I will be in City Hall daily and hold office hours on a regular basis, as I did when I was your mayor. I think it is important to be available have always welcomed calls, visits and concerns from the citizens. In addition, we held both listening sessions and City Council meetings in each ward in order to be more available and easily accessible to citizens.

HAMMONS: As mayor, I will dedicate as much time as is needed to conduct the people’s business. This would include regular office hours, absolute attendance at council meetings and being available to the citizens. To ensure availability and accessibility, I will hold regular ward meetings to meet directly with the citizens.

Q: What steps should Muskogee take the next couple of years to improve its economic base and vitality?