Del City council members run unopposed

By Lea Terry
Midwest City Beacon

Two Del City councilmembers will serve another term after running unopposed for re-election. Ward 2 Councilperson and Vice-Mayor Pam Finch is currently serving her second term. Ward 4

Councilperson Scott Tatom is completing his first term, having been appointed to fill the seat in November 2023. Their current terms expire in April 2025.

Finch moved to Del City with her family as a child, and now operates P.J.’s Flowers and Gift Shop. Tatom also grew up in Del City and previously worked as a dispatcher for Del City Police and served on the Del City Urban Renewal Authority. He also worked as a senior evidence technician for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations.

Finch was first elected to city council in 2017, when she was serving on the city’s beautification committee and was approached about running for council. She filed the next day.

“After my husband died I had a lot of time on my hands and it helped me get through that process,” Finch said.

Tatom first ran for city council in 1994 but did not win a seat. He decided to focus on his law enforcement career until retiring a few years ago, and said that he always thought that serving on city council would be a good way for him to give back.

“I find it very rewarding helping my community and speaking for those whose voices are minimized or for those who can no longer speak for themselves,” Tatom said.

Tatom’s main goal for his next term is to help Del City implement its 20-year comprehensive plan, as well as continuing to fight against the proposed new location for the Oklahoma County jail at 1901 Grand, which is next to Del City.

Finch, who also serves as chair of the city’s Economic Development Authority, said her time on the council has provided valuable insight into how city government works, adding that people don’t always understand the role of a city council.

“The council never touches money; we’re there to guide and help,” Finch said.

Finch’s primary goals for her next term are getting water in the community garden and working for additional street repairs. She also frequently speaks with her constituents, who often come into her shop to voice their concerns.

“It’s great because they have an outlet,” Finch said. “We can fix problems together, we work through things. Sometimes I can help them right away, sometimes I have to go back and work on it. We have solved a lot of problems that way.”

Tatom also said serving on the council has been a learning experience.

“I’ve learned that the wheels of government move slowly, but rightfully so,” Tatom said. “It’s important that all aspects of a situation be studied so that the fairest outcome can be achieved.”

Finch said she anticipates positive change over the next five years, a feeling Tatom also expressed.

“I believe Del City is on the verge of making great strides in improving living standards and recreation for its citizens,” Tatom said.