Ryan Bruner
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Ryan Bruner is a current Watonga city council member and is seeking re-election in Ward 3 of Watonga.
He faces Allen Cowan in the April 6 election.
Bruner is currently the golf course superintendent and manager at the Roman Nose State Park Golf Course.
He was raised in the small farming community of Carmen and moved to Watonga in 1998.
Bruner has three children. His sons Wyatt and Evan are currently in college, and his daughter Liza is currently in high school.
During his free time, Bruner enjoys playing golf and watching OU football.
Why are you running for city council? What are things you hope to accomplish if elected?
I chose to run for re-election to continue moving this community forward. This would be my 3rd opportunity to do so if elected. My goals are the same as before, create a community that people would choose to move to. Provide opportunities for employment by improving infrastructure for future businesses.
What experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a city council member?
I believe my previous experience on the city council is something that will help me make good sound decisions for our community. I also have over 20 years of experience working with the Oklahoma Department of Tourism. In those years I have been tasked with making budgets, understanding state purchasing policy and procedures, human resource management among other related state policies.
What do you think is the top issue facing the city, and how would you address that?
One of the many issues our city is facing now and in the coming years is our infrastructure. We have several issues that need to be addressed including streets, waterways, our wastewater treatment facility, as well as our drinking water system. The current council is working on both short-term solutions and long-range plans as well. Like anything, the cost for those items will be very expensive. It is critical that we address these in order to attract future business and also provide for our current citizens.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in the town?
That is a tough question to answer. I believe the most important thing is to listen. I have asked our city offices to be more active in posting news and updates on our social platforms. That is where most people seem to search for their information. I am a big proponent of citizens attending our meetings. Most of the time they only come when it is an item that directly affects them in some way. I would hope that our citizens would come more often and see what we as a council are trying to do. I also think it is important that they reach out to our elected officials.
If elected, what are some steps you would take to get the city on a firmer financial footing?
Our city is currently in a lot better financial condition than others. Over the last several years we have been able to balance our budgets and put some funds back for emergency situations. The previous councils and this current council have been very conservative in creating our budget. It hasn't been easy with the huge downturn in the oil and gas industry and the loss of sales tax revenue due to the COVID virus. I believe it is critical to continue to be very conservative in the future. When the city's revenue increases, we can always do more with those funds.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for the city any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
Simple answer is infrastructure!!!!
What are some of your favorite things about the town?
This is a great community to live in. It has that smalltown feel that I love but is close enough to the city if I want to engage in bigger entertainment opportunities. I am a huge sports fan. Love to get out and watch the youth sports programs. I am grateful that the Kiwanis and Lions clubs support the youth programs as they do. We have a great outdoor area in Roman Nose State Park. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and of course golf!
Why should you be elected to the city council?
In my job as a golf course superintendent, I have to make day-to-day decisions but also understand how those decisions will affect things a week, two weeks, and even months down the road. I think that translates well into how a municipality operates. We as a council have to continue to be mindful of the future and make decisions that will be in the best interest of the city and its citizens. Those may not always be the most popular decisions, but they have to be made. I don't take that responsibility lightly or make those decisions without a lot of careful thought.