Ronald J. Norick
Ronald J. Norick was born and raised in Oklahoma City. “Ron” served as the city’s mayor from 1987-1998, following in his father’s footsteps. During his term as mayor, the first Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) was voted on and approved by the city. MAPS is a one-cent sales tax that went towards nine major Oklahoma City projects. MAPS1 included the Chesapeake Energy Arena, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, Bricktown Canal, Civic Center Music Hall, Cox Convention Center, State Fair Park, Oklahoma River, Spirit of Oklahoma Trolley Transportation Link, and a new library, later named the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library. MAPS was the first step in putting Oklahoma City on the national stage for redevelopment and growth. 20 years later, MAPS3 has been passed and public works continue to develop the city.
During his 11 years in office, Norick also had to help restore Oklahoma City after the Alfred P. Murrah bombing in 1995 where 168 people died and 680 were injured. It was the most destructive act of terrorism in the United States before September 11, 2001.
Currently, Norick is the controlling manager of Norick Investment Company, LLC, which manages the financial holdings of 20 family members representing three generations of their family. He remains involved with Oklahoma City University, the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, and many more.
This bust can be found in the Ronald J. Norick Library in Downtown Oklahoma City, a project funded by MAPS.
