The Mayors of OKC

James Norick, Oklahoma City Councilman from 1951-1955, mayor of Oklahoma City from 1959-1963 and 1967-1971, and his son, Ronald Norick, mayor of Oklahoma City from 1987-1998, provided outstanding civic service to the community of Oklahoma City over a span of five decades. Both oversaw growth and success of a major metropolitan area from mundane services such as garbage and zoning to significant areas such as water supply and entertainment. Jim guided the city through the Atoka Lake development and its lifeline of water pumped uphill 99 miles, supplying Oklahoma City with a reserve when most cities are desperately searching for more. His leadership watched the capitol city grow in a considerable amount of acreage during his administration. Ron's vision of MAPS provided a return and regrowth to the downtown area when few cities could entice people back to their worn business districts. The downtown sports facilities are of major league quality and the arts and literary communities thrive on the MAPS renovations. Oklahoma City has come through the terribly dark hours of the Murrah Building bombing to a time of rebuilding of structures while strengthening the community, all during the administration of Ron Norick. This book tells the story of father and son; two men who love their hometown and have served it well. Honesty is an integral part of these two men and they share a devotion to helping make their city a better place to live. It is the story of the true meaning of community service.