Ep 129: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt Steps Up to Save Tulsa — and Prove What's Possible

America’s cities are dangerous and broken, and for too long, governors stood by as city officials failed their citizens. But Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has stepped up to prove that we don’t have to tolerate incompetence or lawlessness. What bold actions did he take? Why were the results shocking? And how can his leadership be a model for other governors?

We’re joined this week by businessman-turned-governor Kevin Stitt. In 2000, he launched Gateway Mortgage with just $1,000 and a computer; when he departed, it was one of the largest privately held mortgage companies in the country. He ran for governor having never sought public office before, and since taking the helm, he’s run the state like a business: slashing regulations and restoring fiscal responsibility. During his tenure, Oklahoma has become one of the fastest growing states in the country.

We begin our conversation with Operation Safe — the governor’s bold initiative to clean up homeless encampments and criminal activity in Tulsa after city officials let the problems fester for years. Learn about the extensive theft, drugs, and crime they exposed, while cleaning up nearly 2 million pounds of trash! More importantly, the governor restored safety and order for families and businesses, while helping the homeless seek real treatment and get off the streets. Gov. Stitt explains how President Trump’s executive order on crime and disorder paved the way for more state leaders to take action, and now that he’s proven what’s possible, city officials in Tulsa and elsewhere are on notice that their failures will no longer be tolerated.

Next, we discuss innovative solutions that can empower citizens to hold their local officials accountable. Imagine an app that gives individuals or businesses a tax rebate if they report illegal activity and the city fails to address it — that’s what the Cicero Institute is working toward, and Gov. Stitt loves the idea! We also discuss how states can use their power to hold NGOs accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are solving homelessness, not perpetuating it. Finally, we discuss Iryna Zarutska’s murder and the strong, but necessary, steps we need to take to deal with violent, repeat offenders. Gov. Stitt’s leadership gives us real hope that other state leaders, especially in red states, will step up, enforce the law, and prioritize the safety of the American people.

00:00 Episode intro

01:44 Operation Safe - stepping up to save Tulsa

05:48 Needles, theft & 2 million pounds of trash

10:15 Corrupt NGOs & weak politicians

13:40 Citizen apps to hold govt accountable

17:55 Soros influence in our cities

21:20 Iryna Zarutska & violent repeat offenders