I deleted a bunch of posts that were way off topic ( and a little weird).

Yes please.

I think he'd have a good shot of getting it.

Is this what I think it is???

https://twitter.com/MickCornett/status/870059209143885824

Edited to add: Yep. https://twitter.com/MickCornett/status/870060217345560576

Maybe this deserves its own thread now that it's official?

Is this what I think it is???

https://twitter.com/MickCornett/status/870059209143885824

Edited to add: Yep. https://twitter.com/MickCornett/status/870060217345560576

Maybe this deserves its own thread now that it's official?

Yes and Yes. Time to start telling everyone I know to vote Cornett.

Governor Cornett, I like the sound of that.

With the endorsements Holt is picking up, I think he cruises to victory.

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.

George would take more than the NE side. Holt was the champion of income tax reductions throughout the decade and is as responsible as anyone for the revenue failure we are in. Andrew Rice tried to warn him http://http://www.pressreader.com/usa/tulsa-world/20101223/282033323623805.

http://oklahomawatch.org/2016/01/12/study-finds-a-decade-of-income-tax-cuts-deprived-state-of-1b-this-year/

Holt is a champion and puppet of the city elites (minus his employer Fred Hall for whom he does "investor relations" and who doesn't show up on his list of endorsements) and has been sadistic to the poor running bills favorable to payday lending and hoping to restrict government aid to those who failed a drug test. George Young could explain that to the city better than anyone.

And if not George Young then the Lost Ogle:

On Payday Lending: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2016/02/24/state-senator-david-holt-is-a-big-fan-and-supporter-of-the-payday-loan-industry/

On Naming a bridge for George Bush: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2011/04/27/were-naming-a-bridge-after-george-w-bush/

On drug testing welfare recipients but not lawmakers: http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2012/03/28/senator-david-holt-doesnt-want-to-take-a-drug-test/

On his "parent trigger law" in schools he led the charge to be chronically underfunded http://https://www.thelostogle.com/2012/09/25/state-senator-david-holt-thinks-education-policy-should-be-guided-by-maggie-gyllenhaal-movies/

etc. etc...

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

Has Shadid announced yet? It seems most think he will, but as of now is it just Holt and Maughan? Wonder if George Young will enter the race, either.

Hold is just a typical GOP politician who is trying to look moderate. For the last few years since Munson won in his district, he's been sure to start each session with announcements about his most recent DOA bills for teacher pay increases. Those bills haven't ever gone anywhere. None of the fake bills he proposes to pretend to be moderate go anywhere. He votes in lock step with the GOP on protecting oil and gas, I am not impressed.

All of that said and he's still a better pick than Shadid.

To his credit, he was one of three GOP senators to debate, vigorously, against the transgender bathroom bill and the physician/abortion bill that Fallin had to veto. He also wrote and passed several bills related to increasing voter turnout and voter registration that I believe are positive developments. This session, he authored the bill, signed by Fallin yesterday, that allows movie theaters to serve beer and liquor in a non-segregated environment.

With that said, I appreciate some of the points you're making, namely that his teacher pay raise bills were just window dressing Holt knew was never going to get traction--and he did nothing to try to get them traction within leadership. He just promoted them on Twitter.

He also ran the awful payday lender bills last year that were written by the payday lending industry and the terms of which he didn't understand. He withdrew them after an enormous amount of pressure, largely driven by Steve Lackmeyer. (They were reintroduced by another author and passed this year, but vetoed by Fallin. Holt voted no.)

The fact that his bill increasing the age through which victims of sexual abuse can bring complaints against their abusers included two major flaws that had to be corrected is disconcerting, especially since he has a law degree.

I'm also concerned at how ineffective he was at stopping some legislation that was detrimental to Oklahoma City, such as the dilapidated property registry ban, or advancing legislation that would benefit the city, such as the bill to allow cities to use property tax to fund public safety.

Still, I find him to be a good, effective, and optimistic spokesman for OKC, which is a large part of the mayor's role. I hope, if he's elected, he will be a little more aggressive with his thinking and advocacy for the city through avenues other than Twitter.

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

http://okgazette.com/2017/06/08/mayoral-candidates-have-begun-to-emerge-after-mick-cornett-announced-hes-not-seeking-reelection/

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

Then a legitimate question is how does David Holt make a living. What exactly does it mean to be "Managing Director of Investor Relations" at Hall Capital. Fred Hall is a city elite who is a frequent flyer in terms of receiving public subsidies from City government. What education/experience does David Holt draw upon to be "Director of Investor Relations"? Many people felt that a bogus job was created for the current Mayor (while Holt was Chief of Staff) at Ackermann McQueen and this seems to come from the same playbook. Would being head of Investor Relations (without any credentials to do so) and being Mayor not represent a sizeable conflict of interest?

Don't let that law degree fool you. He has never ever practiced law and probably never intends to.

Who cares if someone doesn't practice law after getting their degree? Are you not the same person who gripes that not enough of our legislation doesn't have a lick of law background? Does that mean they all need to have practiced, or just have the education?

I'm just looking for someone to have an honest job doing something other than hooking up millionaires and billionaires with public subsidies.

I do not know Holt personally, and think that he may be a good option, but the only thing I wanted to mention was his current title of director of investment relations. He has no finance education or experience. For an example, a comparable comparison would be the Humphrey's Fund. Look at Ben Stewart's experience vs. Holt. HF is larger, but it is the best comparison in OKC .

http://humphreysco.com/team/

I'd like to point out is that I hear speculation about the details of Holt's job without any actual knowledge. That sounds like the kind of uninformed political posting that has been so problematic in this country. Ask him what he does. One of the things I've found out about David Holt is that he's incredibly responsive to questions and opinions. I'm a Democrat, so obviously I don't agree with everything he's done in the legislature,but he is always very forthcoming about his positions, listens to others and will change or compromise if the reasoning is sound. Don't hang someone in public without adequate data.

I'd like to point out is that I hear speculation about the details of Holt's job without any actual knowledge. That sounds like the kind of uninformed political posting that has been so problematic in this country. Ask him what he does. One of the things I've found out about David Holt is that he's incredibly responsive to questions and opinions. I'm a Democrat, so obviously I don't agree with everything he's done in the legislature,but he is always very forthcoming about his positions, listens to others and will change or compromise if the reasoning is sound. Don't hang someone in public without adequate data.

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

Dave, I've always wondered, what is your source of income? Do you have a job? I'm not trying to be petty I've just always wondered.

As for David Holt, I can't think of anyone more qualified for the job he has with Hall Capital. He knows everyone and is very good at building and maintaining relationships. These skills help him in the political arena as well.

This is a public discussion board with the title "Mayoral Election 2018". Asking for input and discussion from the variety of posters on this thread for input and discussion as to a mayoral candidate's source of income is not appropriate? Should we all privately and quietly attempt to contact David Holt and have a conversation with him? Should I stop posting on social media about Trump's tax returns and simply try to contact his office directly? This City has a history of city elites creating jobs for elected officials and supporting them financially and this is worthy of discussion in a public forum such as OKC Talk. Likewise, the question of whether one could be both Mayor and "Managing Director of Investor Relations" for Hall Capital (without any apparent qualifications to do so) and whether that constitutes potential conflicts of interest should be a reasonable question for the public to discuss.

The problem is that you're speculating, and as we've seen in other elections, speculation can devolve into untruths viewed as fact. So yes, if you think it's important enough to throw out here on a public forum, then it isn't unreasonable to ask that person before posting things that may be untrue.

Holding any job in Oklahoma City could potentially create a conflict of interest. I can think of conflicts for virtually any job one can hold. Since we do not pay our Mayors a living wage, we have to assume they are either independently wealthy and don't need to work (a potential conflict as well), or they are going to have to do some sort of work to feed their families. I, personally, am not going to question any potential mayor's line of work unless I have personal knowledge of what they do or they obviously are in a line of work that violates laws of the state or country.

He will cruise to victory if George Young doesn't jump in. George would take the NE in a landslide and bring out that vote in large numbers. Maughan will make a good showing in the SE, but he's hurting himself with some tactical errors that make his campaign look petty.

If all three of them are in, I still bet Holt wins, but in a much narrower margin than a lot of people will expect. 55 (DH)-25(GY)-20(BM).

If it's Holt vs. Maughan, I bet Holt wins with 70+%.


George would take more than the NE side. Holt was the champion of income tax reductions throughout the decade and is as responsible as anyone for the revenue failure we are in. Andrew Rice tried to warn him http://http://www.pressreader.com/usa/tulsa-world/20101223/282033323623805.

http://oklahomawatch.org/2016/01/12/study-finds-a-decade-of-income-tax-cuts-deprived-state-of-1b-this-year/

Holt is a champion and puppet of the city elites (minus his employer Fred Hall for whom he does "investor relations" and who doesn't show up on his list of endorsements) and has been sadistic to the poor running bills favorable to payday lending and hoping to restrict government aid to those who failed a drug test. George Young could explain that to the city better than anyone.


Welp, something tells me George Young won't be running....

https://www.facebook.com/HoltforMayor/photos/a.814671262019521.1073741828.812100205609960/874634362689877/?type=3&theater



GEORGE YOUNG ENDORSES HOLT

Following the decision by Mayor Mick Cornett not to seek re-election, Oklahoma House Representative George Young publicly declared his exploration of a mayoral candidacy. Last week, Young announced he will instead seek election to the Oklahoma Senate in 2018. Today, he is announcing that he is endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor of Oklahoma City.

"After considering a run myself for Oklahoma City Mayor and receiving great encouragement to do that, I have decided to pursue a different path and run for the Oklahoma Senate," said Young. "But I am still passionate about the future of Oklahoma City, and that is why I am endorsing David Holt to be the next Mayor. He is the best candidate. I have worked alongside David in the Legislature, and I know him to be someone who cares about many of the things I care about. I also know from his record of service that he will work hard to include all parts of our city in major decisions, and that's important to me. David and I both envision a strong working relationship in our future roles, and we will collaborate to move all of Oklahoma City forward.”

"George Young is someone I greatly respect and admire," said Holt. "There is probably no one more universally loved by his fellow legislators, and that affection comes from both sides of the aisle. I am deeply grateful that George believes in my campaign and is willing to give it his public support. George will be someone I turn to in the years ahead for advice and counsel. I am also very excited he is seeking election to the Senate, where we always need strong voices fighting for Oklahoma City."

Young is serving his second term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, and he is seeking election to Senate District 48 in 2018. Prior to his elected service, he was a prominent pastor in Oklahoma City, and also actively served as a community volunteer. Young served on the board of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, the board of United Way of Greater Oklahoma City, and as commissioner for the Department of Human Services. Young is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma and Leadership Oklahoma City. Additionally, he has been nationally recognized for his legislative leadership from the Council of State Governments and the Southern Legislative Conference.

Young's endorsement of Holt continues the momentum of Holt's candidacy, which launched out of the gate with 450 bipartisan endorsements from across OKC, followed by subsequent announcements of support from Oklahoma City's firefighters and former OU football coach Barry Switzer. The election to choose Oklahoma City's next Mayor will be held February 13, 2018. For more information about David Holt's campaign for Mayor, visit holtformayor.com.

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19029714_874634362689877_6485340672310258287_n.jpg ?oh=87fb2c8e0ffb07fe9ee013dc044f3b8e&oe=59D538CB

Yep. I can't think of anyone else that can pose a serious challenge to David, but I think Brian Maughan can at least give us a good debate on certain issues if he runs a more serious campaign, which I think would be good for the city.

Full disclosure (sure would be great if others who shared opinions - especially negative - would at least disclose if they have ties with said candidate or an opponent): I have known David for more than a decade, have a friendly relationship with him, and I also worked for the Hall family for five years, a couple of decades ago. In my experience David is incredibly approachable, even via social media. As far as what he does for Hall Capital I'd be lying if I said I knew (I haven't asked), but knowing him I'm sure he'd be happy to answer anyone who inquired about it.

I have a very high personal opinion of both David and of the Halls. I've never seen anything that makes me question the integrity of either. And I do personally support David's run for Mayor. Besides the years he recently spent as an elected official, he also worked for years in the Mayor's office, during a very key time in OKC's growth, and very closely with the longest-running Mayor of OKC; one who is largely very respected at that. Not to mention he has more than a little Washington-related public service.

Now that I have that out of the way, I'd like to know exactly what might make him unqualified to be a "Managing Director of Investor Relations." To me that sounds like a very different job than, say, CFO, or an equity or fund manager. Those are jobs I would expect would be typically held by people with finance backgrounds. Someone with his title I would expect to have expertise in relationship management, which he unquestionably does.

I guess what I am saying is that if you come here to suggest something negative about a person, their position or their character, it's only fair for there to be some pushback if you can't provide specifics. Otherwise it's just character assassination.

In my experience David is incredibly approachable, even via social media.


This definitely seems to be the case. I don't want to get too political and many won't care, but in the wake of President Trump pulling out of the Paris agreement and numerous cities publicly announcing they'd continue to fight climate change on their own, I tweeted at him asking what he'd do as mayor of OKC to ensurse that we, too, fight climate change by doing what we can locally. He responded almost immediately and, while I didn't love the answer as someone who thinks there's only one way to "feel" about CC, it was a very good answer for a politician who needs broad appeal and he's right that it's something everyone can get behind, so I have to give him that.


Hey @davidfholt -- if elected as mayor of OKC in 2018, what will you do to ensure that OKC combats climate change at the local level?



@davidfholt
Energy conservation & continuing transit improvements are things I will pursue, and are good ideas regardless of how one feels about CC.

So is it correct that, with Brian Maughan dropping out due to an injury, there is nobody running against David Holt for this race? Not that it wasn't going to be a blow out anyway, but wow.

Are we past the filling deadline?

Are we past the filling deadline?

Just looked, and I hadn't realized the filing period was Dec 4-6, 2017 (much later than I thought). I'd only been looking at campaign finance reports filed thus far. So, looks like there is time for additional candidates to step up, though they have quite the obvious uphill battle ahead...

Three candidates for Oklahoma City Mayor to stand in Feb. 13 election



Three candidates filed to run in the City of Oklahoma City’s mayoral election, setting up a primary election Feb. 13.



The candidates are:



· David Holt

· Randall Smith

· Taylor M. Neighbors



Oklahoma City’s next Mayor will succeed current Mayor Mick Cornett, who isn’t seeking re-election after four terms. He has served as Mayor since 2004.



If the winner of the Feb. 13 primary election earns a majority of the votes, that candidate will be sworn in to a four-year term as Mayor in April. If no candidate receives a majority, the two candidates with the most votes will stand in a decisive general election April 3.



The Mayor is one of nine members of the Oklahoma City Council. The other members represent each of Oklahoma City’s eight Wards.



The Council is nonpartisan and members serve part-time at the head of the City’s Council-Manager form of government. The Mayor’s annual salary is $24,000, and Council members’ annual salary is $12,000.

David Holt knows Oklahoma City; he will be a great ambassador as he has been in the past. He will continue to support what's in the best interest of OKC:


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51xjJmOGL1L.jpg

As a lifelong democrat; my confidence in Senator Holt will be the same as with Mayor Mick Cornett--he doesn't wear his party affiliation on his sleeve.

http://okgazette.com/2018/01/18/a-state-senator-a-college-student-and-a-retiree-are-running-for-okc-mayor/

I like some of Neighbors' thinking, but not sure if MAPS is the vehicle for doing that:

"In Neighbors’ opinion, the next MAPS initiative needs to focus on transforming the lives of the average Oklahoma Citian, not areas of the city with large-scale capital projects.

“There are people in Oklahoma City who are simply struggling,” Neighbors said. “Every day is a fight to survive. It doesn’t matter if you are old or young. I think MAPS should have focused a little bit more on people because, in my opinion, we are the key to the growth of this city.”"

Not sure what the deal with Smith is, the article said he's not campaigning, so why bother?

MAPS for Welfare? I'd like to know what her MAPS for the people would entail. Encouraging to see someone that you go after it, even if I agree or disagree with him or her.

Im sure most people here are engaged enough to already be registered, but as a reminder tomorrow is the deadline to register to vote if you want to vote in the mayorial primary.

MAPS for Welfare? I'd like to know what her MAPS for the people would entail. Encouraging to see someone that you go after it, even if I agree or disagree with him or her.

Right? This is probably going to be a coronation, but Neighbors' (her parents own that coffee company) views are needed on the Shoe, I'd like to see her run for City Council even if this doesn't go well.

Also, it's nice to see someone who grew up with every advantage doesn't seem to be taking it for granted unlike some...

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/mike-turner-millennial-congress-family-trust-fund/

(for example)

Right? This is probably going to be a coronation, but Neighbors' (her parents own that coffee company) views are needed on the Shoe, I'd like to see her run for City Council even if this doesn't go well.

Also, it's nice to see someone who grew up with every advantage doesn't seem to be taking it for granted unlike some...

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/mike-turner-millennial-congress-family-trust-fund/

(for example)

Even if Holt is the best candidate, I am against coronations and a lack of debate about the issues. Her Facebook live videos are incredibly authentic, plus she's hosting a meet and greet tonight at Fassler Hall and will be selling and featuring local artists to raise money for her campaign.

That's good for her, but it's no secret you're so anti Mick and presumably Holt.

Edit - that's a bit unfair Kris, I do appreciate a good debate and challenging election. A coronation in any realm is really unfair to all citizens. I just hope she's not Ed's puppet or anything (since he doesn't have the political capital to win a citywide election ever in OKC. Also have no clue if they even know each other).

That's good for her, but it's no secret you're so anti Mick and presumably Holt.

Congratulations, you have figured me out entirely.

See my edit.

That's good for her, but it's no secret you're so anti Mick and presumably Holt.

Edit - that's a bit unfair Kris, I do appreciate a good debate and challenging election. A coronation in any realm is really unfair to all citizens. I just hope she's not Ed's puppet or anything (since he doesn't have the political capital to win a citywide election ever in OKC. Also have no clue if they even know each other).

I have no clue if they know each other either and I made no mention of Ed. I can't imagine she would be the puppet for anyone. That's why I like her and not Holt.

MAPS for Welfare? I'd like to know what her MAPS for the people would entail. Encouraging to see someone that you go after it, even if I agree or disagree with him or her.

I sort of interpreted her comments as the need for the city to have a MAPS-like program that will benefit a much broader stroke of the ~640K pop. While the MAPS programs have been great (I voted for them), I think that after MAPS 3 is completed, the need for the city to continue to invest so much capital in a very small geographic footprint simply isn't there. Especially considering how rundown some of the city's older infrastructure is in the core and even mid-core of the city's vast expanse.

Great, and I don't disagree, but lay that out, don't just say people are struggling and the next MAPS should be for them.

I know she didn't literally mean give MAPS money directly to the impoverished.

http://okgazette.com/2018/01/19/cover-story-oklahoma-citys-mayoral-race-is-quiet-with-three-candidates-seeking-the-seat-but-why/

Also, it's nice to see someone who grew up with every advantage doesn't seem to be taking it for granted unlike some...

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/06/mike-turner-millennial-congress-family-trust-fund/

(for example)

Ha! Totally forgot about this tool. Glad he attempted this wasteful attempt at Congress so we wouldnt have to deal with him at the state capitol.

The best joke was that his family was willing to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars just to get him to move out.

If her plan is to get Ed's folks to vote for her she should probably stop using the non-word "Yuge!" in her online posts.

Quickest way to kill Maps is to make it about services and not projects. It works because people can see tangible evidence of the tax. If it becomes a social issue it will become divisive unlike what we have seen.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a MAPS for Transportation. That could allow OKC to not only expand the streetcar into a viable transporation option, but also improve bus stops and routes around the city. This would address valid criticisms that the streetcar should not be prioritized over bus routes. Improving bus routes would serve beyond the core, but also benefit it. Continued improvement of sidewalks and (protected!) bike lanes could be a part of this effort too.

I agree. MAPS for Transportation should be the next MAPS

I'd personally love to see this, but afraid it would be killed by the "doesn't benefit me directly" crowd.

So long as MAPS retains its brand identity as being big, cool projects which everyone gets to take pride in, the "doesn't benefit me directly" crowd will never have enough votes to matter. They didn't even matter when the police/fire unions threw their anti-MAPS temper tantrum.

Maps for the People. Power to the People! Where's my cut? 750 mil. could go a long ways to help the needy.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a MAPS for Transportation. That could allow OKC to not only expand the streetcar into a viable transporation option, but also improve bus stops and routes around the city. This would address valid criticisms that the streetcar should not be prioritized over bus routes. Improving bus routes would serve beyond the core, but also benefit it. Continued improvement of sidewalks and (protected!) bike lanes could be a part of this effort too.

I believe sidewalks are part of the whole MAPS package already.

As for bus stop improvements, that's one of the things I have thrown myself into -- as someone with a physical disability, I am finding that many stops on the south side of the metro (I-240 and points south) are flat out inaccessible and would not fit ADA guidelines.

The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of a MAPS for Transportation...

..This would address valid criticisms that the streetcar should not be prioritized over bus routes. Improving bus routes would serve beyond the core, but also benefit it. Continued improvement of sidewalks and (protected!) bike lanes could be a part of this effort too.

Good starter! We need to keep that investment vehicle (MAPS extension) to expand OKC's future & economy.

If you want to integrate the streetcar & the buses the challenge is the expensive rail lines become the greatest risk investment. You may want to look at streetcar expansion as far as the Penn Square Mall area (North), Crossroads Mall area (South), Outlet Mall area (West) & OKC Zoo area (East). From those focal points the buses could be used to splinter into those areas.

The key to an area like Crossroads Mall which needs to be revitalized, the streetcar line could be a crucial enhancement in redevelopment.

This (N-S-W-E) blueprint could be more attractive toward future commuter rail; it will be expensive, probably a better investment now than 20 years down the road.

Using our planned rail route from Santa Fe Intermodal Hub to:


Penn Square Mall estimate 6.5 miles
Crossroad Mall estimate 6.5 miles
Outlet Mall estimate 8 miles
OKC Zoo-Hall of Fame Stadium estimate 7 miles

Estimated rail line expansion 28 - 30 miles.

Does anyone know the cost of this expansion: $30 - $40 - $50 million; is the cost of rail $1 million a miles?

Also can streetcar & commuter cars use the same rail lines?

Moved this conversation to: The Modern Streetcar and Commuter Transit Project in MAPS 3 Progresses: http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=20121&page=280&p=1020431#post1020431

I'm sure everyone on this forum is already aware, but friendly reminder to remember to vote tomorrow!

So long as MAPS retains its brand identity as being big, cool projects which everyone gets to take pride in, the "doesn't benefit me directly" crowd will never have enough votes to matter. They didn't even matter when the police/fire unions threw their anti-MAPS temper tantrum.

Good point!

As someone who has worked with unions; they can be a powerful influence to sway the vote. We do need to promote our next MAPS for Transportation; like expanded streetcar and commuter rail to Edmond & Norman.

:ot:


https://www.safehome.org/wp-content/themes/safehome/assets-safest/static-ok/staticmap(18).png https://report.az/storage/news/3200488357b7aadabd1310a5c10b8432/5263bd8e-ded3-4b48-8947-fd4a1a3b4f03_292.jpg

You're talking about a $500 million rail line investment @$13 million a mile: 20 miles (via I-35) to Norman south & 15 miles (via I-35 or 77 highway) to Edmond north. These cities could share the long-term cost of this project: OKC 50%, Norman 27% & Edmond 23%

They might as well go ahead and call it for Holt.

They might as well've called it for him months ago, actually...

Interesting, in a sad way, that newsok.com has absolutely nothing about the mayoral race on its front page,

Yeah. Not exactly a competitive race. That said, perhaps the most interesting aspect of this will be turnout, since ballot initiatives require signatures of 25% (IIRC) of the previous mayoral election's turnout. If turnout is low, could make it a lot easier to get questions on the ballot.

Only 90 people had voted as of around 6 on the southwest side of town. One of the lowest I’ve seen in 6 years of voting at this location.

voted on the NW side at 6:15 - machine showed 115 ballots.