Urban I agree with everything in your post (shameful that it is happening on either side). But I must take issue with the bolded statement.
This most assuredly IS a new tax (if it wasn't there wouldn't be any need to have a vote). From the MAPS 3 section of the City's site: http://www.okc.gov/maps3/QA.html:
What percentage of the voters is required for approval of NEW sales taxes in Oklahoma City?
Fifty percent of the voters, plus one.Why do the people vote on tax initiatives?
All NEW sales taxes must be approved by the people.
I want to make an overature and retract this statement. I think that the Police and Fire Unions have given fuel to alot of angry people for a great many different reasons. It has made for some strange bedfellows.
However, I have not personally had a bad experience with a fireman or policeman since I first moved here. It is safe to say that they have been completely rational and professional in all my dealings with them.
It's going to be too easy to bash each other in the next three days. But when it comes down to it, I am not sure that my comment above is accurate. I think that the "ANGRY" people are not any of the public worforce I have encountered.
Their Union Leaders however have unleashed a angry motivated throng on this vote unintentionally or otherwise. I will be glad when it is over.
My personal property has been burglarized and vandalized. An arsonist set my construction dumpster on fire (one of many). And like many people, I too have made mistakes that were sifted through.
The police and fire have always done their job admirably. I really wish that they weren't the ones giving thus fight muscle. It feels wierd to be campaigning against them.
Really this is nice to hear. I know that we stand at odds, and it is somewhat uncomfortable for everybody especially with the ramped up efforts of a desperate few recently.
The 9th really can't get here fast enough, and up to then and after, our commitment to the community, and theirs to us really doesn't have to leave the ballot box. We'll all live either in a park, or in a park a little later.
I wouldn't assume a park a little later. And what is "little"? Easy for you to be all casual about that, but again, if this doesn't pass, people won't necessarily think police and fire opposition was no big deal.
Betts
It is easy for me to be casual, I'm easy like sunday mornings. I think that you have got yourself all balled up about this thing for no real reason. Whether you need/want these things or not, Devon, Kelly Ogle, The Thunder, OPUBCO, The Fair and possibly Oprah want/need this to happen.
If it doesn't pass this time, those "forces of progress" will regroup, rethink, and re-present the issue with another campaign. Maybe we'll get a bunch of ponies too. Momentum will not be lost, all the pundits will just have to take a long deep breath, and a mulligan.
Again, your opinion. Yes, probably many of these things will eventually be built. But how long is eventually? This city is behind many other comparable cities, and you don't catch up by sitting still. Personally, I don't want to wait 5 to 10 years, or 15, or whenever. Private funding isn't going to build a streetcar, or improve mass transit. As I've said, most of the "no" people seem to have this abhorrance of big money, until it comes time to sit back and let them do everything for this city. I think Devon has given of itself quite a bit already, as have Chesapeake and the owners of the Thunder. For all the shouting, no one seemed to care that they paid the $425 million to buy the team and move it here. We sit here with open hands, thinking the rich will do it all for us, and perhaps they're waiting for the public to do a little all by itself.
My hands aren't open for anybody do drop anything in them. I'm not asking for any of this. I work, I get paid. I love OKC, I'm proud of it. Momentum is not going to be lost.
Your safety could quite possibly be compromised. We were offered 10 positions, thats half of an advanced life support staff for 1 station and there are currently 2 out of service, and 2 that are yet to be built. Our numbers are lower than they were in 1995, our rides are up 85% since then.
Why is this not a rallying cry? I don't want a handout, simply ethical management of the city services.
Mick's television strewn mug has stated that this initiative will produce more P.S. - 10 more with the use tax. 10 more, with no garauntee after 2 years. Our numbers cannot go lower.
I'm sure it will pass, thats OK. After it does and if the Mayor stays good to his word, which he should, the Firefighters will get their staffing. Considering thats all they wanted to begin with, then their plan worked, and they accomplished their goal. Everybody comes out a winner
Betts
Easy like win, or lose I put up an honest fight.
And If I see you running down the boulevard I'll tip my hat.
And if you don't win, I'll probably still see you on the boulevard, and I'll tip my hat. I'll just be grinning bigger.
Agreed. This troll has unfortunately lost a lot of respect for the Mayor, City Manager, and former Mayors and anyone (Chamber) associated with the negative commercials and ad campaign. I mean calling the Men and Women that truly believe in their job and protecting it's citizens bullies went too far.Easy like win, or lose I put up an honest fight.
And If I see you running down the boulevard I'll tip my hat.
And if you don't win, I'll probably still see you on the boulevard, and I'll tip my hat. I'll just be grinning bigger.
Not ANGRY. Just Passionate!
Win or Lose. We all live in a Great City! I'm proud of this City. If this passes, I'll pay that penny. I will grumble every time though. LOL I would have been happy with at least two different debates on the projects and current state of our city. I feel like then our city's voters could have made a vote knowing both the "YES" side and the "NO" side. Instead of the folks with the deepest pockets are getting the most "air time". I think a debate would have prevented some of the negative campaigning.
Forget Police, Fire, and City Services. I'd vote NO on THIS MAPS for several other reasons.
Good luck to all. ONE MORE DAY and then we are all back on the SAME side win or lose! (that doesn't include the politicians. lets not get crazy)
You mean you disrespect the citizens.
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