Mayor race March 7th

[Oki_Man5]

I was not sure where the $ Millions that were used to build Bass Pro came from; since it is brought up here though, I will simply say that it is my belief that if a company wants a store somewhere, it needs to go buy itself some land and build itself a store.

I am not disagreeing that what they did on the use tax issue was perfectly legal, but I am disagreeing with what they did even though I will again say it was perfectly legal.

My standpoint is that since MAPS for Kids was so hot an issue, the use tax should have (I did not say it had to.) gone into the MAPS for Kids money pot if for no other reason than just good faith with the voters who passed MAPS for Kids.

[HOT ROD]

Bob has some interesting environmental ideas.

Yes he does. And I like his ideas on transportation. And I certainly agree with his economic principle (market multiplier through local purchase/ownership creates a viable economy).

He seems more like an activist than a major city mayor though. Although I don't think he is ready for mayor yet, I definitely hope he will continue (or start) to become a major voice for the more liberal (growing) side of Oklahoma City (who often does not get a voice).

[Jack]

I was not sure where the $ Millions that were used to build Bass Pro came from; since it is brought up here though, I will simply say that it is my belief that if a company wants a store somewhere, it needs to go buy itself some land and build itself a store.

I am not disagreeing that what they did on the use tax issue was perfectly legal, but I am disagreeing with what they did even though I will again say it was perfectly legal.

My standpoint is that since MAPS for Kids was so hot an issue, the use tax should have (I did not say it had to.) gone into the MAPS for Kids money pot if for no other reason than just good faith with the voters who passed MAPS for Kids.

The city of Oklahoma City owns the building. There's not much of a difference between this set up and the city leasing the ballpark out ot the Redhawks.

MAPS for Kids didn't need the use tax money. Use tax money is generated from taxes from development expenses involved with the projects. It can virtually be used anywhere, as it's separate from the money that was voted on.

[Oki_Man5]

"MAPS for Kids didn't need the use tax money. Use tax money is generated from taxes from development expenses involved with the projects. It can virtually be used anywhere, as it's separate from the money that was voted on."

But,Jack, you are either missing my point or you are trying to sugar coat what I feel that they did wrong (I did not say it was not legal; I said it was wrong.); since the money was made available to come into the government's coffers through a vote of the MAPS for Kids sales tax, I feel it should have gone to the MAPS for Kids bankroll. Had the sales tax not been passed, there would not have been a base to levy the use tax, so I feel it should have gont to MAPS for Kids.

"Use tax money is generated from taxes from development expenses involved with the projects."

Simply put, Use tax money is collected from any individual (the general public included) who makes a purchase of any item that would be taxable in Oklahoma, but the tax was not collected when the purchase were made unless the tax were paid to another state. See year 2005 Oklahoma Income Tax Packet.

[mranderson]

So does this mean that you are positive that the only way the Hornets came to the city is that Cornett was mayor? Not much of a sports fan here, so truth is I am just assuming the NBA equates to the Hornets.

If Humphries had run for re-election for mayor instead of vying to be a U.S. Senator, would your support have been in his corner?

I think the ONLY reason we have the Hornets is the fact Mick Cornett is devoted to getting major league sports here... And on the Humphries question. I would not even vote for that man to lick my toilets clean.

[Oki_Man5]

I am assuming here from all the inputs that all Cornett has going for himself as mayor is that he wants to get major league sports into OKC, and he "listens to the people."

"Listens to the people" most likely like all of them, if one is in agreement and says what he wants to hear; then, he listens to them, but most likely someone with an opposing point of view may as well stay quiet.

And if one does not care whether major league sports come to OKC or not, hmmmm!

[metro]

In response to OkiMan5 and others I'm reposting my original statement:

I won't try to sway your opinion one way or the other, you can do the research for yourself, that's part of our job as voters.

I think it's important voters make the effort to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues themselves. Don't rely on what others tell you as the info will be biased. No, I personally don't believe all Mick cares about is Major League Sports because I know he is more passionate about the Maps for Kids initiative and other projects going on throughout the city. He's the Michael Bloomberg of OKC - He gets tasks done on all levels, he's not just a visionary but he puts stuff into action. Most of our past mayor's have been visionary's. It's hard to find both in one candidate.

[Jack]

Vote for Santa Claus if you want. Seems like 5 people here are.

[Patrick]

One think I will say, if Mick Cornett did lose for some weird off the wall reason, if would really hurt our chance of keeping the Hornets, IMO.

[metro]

What still boggles my mind is there has been no major campaigning yet, no signs, commercials, advertising, heck I still don't know who Joe Nelson or Bob Waldrop are. I wouldn't know anything about Bob had I not searched for his website and posted it here. It wasn't easily googled either. Apparently Mick is still in his fundraising stages. Hello, is it just me or is the election in a little over two weeks? I guess he knows he has a real good chance at winning and can better use his time. The other two guys, as I mentioned. Hardly anyone has heard of them, therefore a huge obstacle to overcome to win.

[Patrick]

I don't think there's a point in spending any money. Mick is Mr. Popular. I don't think any amount of money could beat him.

[metro]

That's what my theory is Patrick. He knows he's pretty much a shoe in and any money spent or too much time would be not in the best interests of time management. Too much money spent would be a waste.

[Oki_Man5]

Not to mention that he is Mr. Incumbent---That is more of a shoe in than anything else.

[Oki_Man5]

Cornett has campaign ads on tv now.

[metro]

For more info on all the candidates and to watch video interviews you can go to:

http://www.newsok.com/article/177282...late=news/main