ANNOUNCEMENT OF CANDIDACY LARRY HEIKKILA FOR MAYOR OF NORMAN

 Larry Heikkila, a long-time City of Norman resident, retired Navy Command Master Chief and former City of Norman Safety Manager announced his candidacy for Mayor today. 

“After a considerable amount of prayer and consultation with others, I’m announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Norman,” said Larry Heikkila. 

“I want to return our city government back to our citizens.  City government is not a master, it is a servant to its citizens. I want to protect our freedoms and end the government overreach into faith, family, and business. I will also facilitate economic growth, ensuring our businesses prosper,” stated Heikkila. 

Larry believes that Norman deserves a government that serves the local needs of its Citizens, those who are the permanent residents of and visitors to Norman. 

Heikkila said, “The City has deviated tremendously from the mission of a municipal government, and has begun focusing its efforts on small segments of the population.  For example, our current Mayor and Council have dedicated City resources for the welfare of the transient population, which has become a detriment to the City, our citizens and local businesses. We must use compassion within limits to decrease the homeless population."

"Our Mayor and Council created national headlines defunding our police department, which has been an outrage and embarrassment to many Norman citizens. I fully support our first responders.   As mayor I will work to ensure Norman Police and Fire Departments have all the necessary resources and staffing needed to protect our great City.  The safety of Norman citizens and officers is a top priority,” Heikkila concluded. 

Throughout his life, Heikkila has proven his leadership skills multiple times in demanding situations. 

Heikkila offers his military experience plus his experience in municipal administration.  He retired as a Command Master Chief after serving for 26 years in the U.S. Navy.   He worked for the City of Norman for 17 years, retiring in 2014 as Safety Manager. 

Heikkila currently serves Cleveland County as the Chairman of the Excise Board and of the Equalization Board; and the Vice Chairman of the Tax Roll Correction Board.  He is also a member of the Cleveland County Industrial Authority.

Larry serves as an ordained deacon at Bethel Baptist Church and is an assessor with  Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief.  He volunteers at the Cleveland County Jail and Mission Norman.

Heikkila resides in Norman with his wife of 45 years, Janet, a retired Norman Public Schools Special Education Teacher, and they have two adult daughters.