The upcoming municipal elections come at a pivotal point for Muskogee, its residents and their elected officials.

The City Council’s decision this past week to delay action on the appointment of directors to the City of Muskogee Foundation placed an even bigger burden on at least two new council members and maybe more.

The foundation’s directing board will consist of City Manager Greg Buckley, Muskogee’s next mayor, two city councilors and nine members of the community appointed by the City Council.

The board, once selected, will have final authority in deciding how proceeds from the Muskogee Regional Medical Center lease will be invested. The foundation’s directors also will decide how the interest earned from that investment will be used “to improve the quality of life for of residents of the city and surrounding areas.”

While many residents agree these are exciting times for Muskogee and see a bright future ahead, there are plenty of others who have concerns about how the city and its elected officials will move forward.

Barbara Brown, a pastor of two local churches affiliated with the United Methodist Church, said she is concerned the interests of some segments of society lack representation in Muskogee. When it comes to organizations as important as the city’s charitable foundation, Brown said, officials need to take extra care to make sure all voices are heard.

“When you read in the newspaper or hear of things happening in the community, it seems to me there are sections of the community that are not being included,” said Brown, who moved to Muskogee about three years ago. “If there is a voice (representing minority populations), it tends to be the same voices we have heard for years.”

Brown said the issue of inclusiveness is one that will motivate her decisions Tuesday at the ballot box. Brown and other Muskogee voters will be casting votes for mayor and three ward representatives.

Based upon the responses of five mayoral candidates who took part in a recent debate, Brown’s concerns about inclusion may not be a top priority.

Responding to a question from the audience about the possibility of a racial divide in Muskogee, all five mayoral candidates denied the existence of racial problem in Muskogee. Those statements, however, were qualified.

“If I look at the diverse student body at Muskogee High School, I would say no,” Ron Venters Sr. said about the existence of racial problems. “I do think there is a lack of opportunities for some citizens.”

Hershel McBride, who is jockeying to seize the mayoral post he left in 2006 due to health concerns, said if racial problems exist in Muskogee, those problems are less extensive than what one might find in other cities.

John Tyler Hammons, a recent Muskogee High School graduate, said Muskogee has “worked past” any racial divides that may have existed. Hammons cited the racial and ethnic diversity of his circle of friends, and said “opportunities are unlimited” regardless of race or ethnicity.

Glynda Oliver denied the existence of a racial problem in Muskogee, but she said anyone who is confronted by a racist individual should “turn around” and ignore it.