Mayoral Election 2018

[TheTravellers]

http://okgazette.com/2018/01/18/a-st...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?

[bradh]

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.

[jerrywall]

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.

[Midtowner]

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/...ly-trust-fund/

(for example)

[krisb]

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/...ly-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.

[bradh]

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).

[krisb]

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.

[bradh]

See my edit.

[krisb]

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.

[pw405]

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.

[bradh]

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.

[LocoAko]

http://okgazette.com/2018/01/19/cove...-seat-but-why/

[onthestrip]

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/...ly-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.

[Midtowner]

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

[Urban Pioneer]

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.

[Rover]

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.

[dankrutka]

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.

[okccowan]

I agree. MAPS for Transportation should be the next MAPS

[Urbanized]

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

[Midtowner]

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.

[OKCRT]

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

[JMoses3318]

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.

[Laramie]

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.ph...31#post1020431

[LocoAko]

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

[Laramie]

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.

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%