OKC Mayor Race 2014

[betts]

BS. Lack of amenities is what has kept businesses out. Lack of professional sports teams. The last three mayors have made huge improvements in those two things and Ed didn't even care enough to vote. Any mayor elected in the future needs to acknowledge the massive debt they owe to MAPS for changing this city, and he couldn't even be bothered to vote. Lack of rail transit perhaps. Lack of mountains or a beach. Which of those can Ed fix? I seriously doubt lack of bus transit has kept anyone away. And having a "diverse" mayor doesn't change the politics of the citizens, even if that were an important issue. We currently have a mayor respected throughout the country. Statements like the one I quoted above put Ed in a category with some of our delusional local politicians, even if from a different part of the political spectrum.

[bradh]

Reads to me Ed is just being the adult in the room and asking the obvious questions. Ok does have a tolerance for diversity issue that has caused OKC to be passed over in the past. A Mayor Ed would help in this regard imo.

This empty rhetoric is getting old. No offense to anyone who voted for Obama, but it sounds like the same schtick, and it kinda scares me because so many people fell for that too.

[bradh]

I love this gem as well...

Noting Houston, Texas and the diverse population there, companies are going to go to Houston before Oklahoma City, if diversity is something that matters to them.

He doesn't seriously believe this as a reason why companies choose Houston over Oklahoma City?

[Edgar]

Put your head in the sand if you like, but for obvious reasons Ok has a real image problem in the area of tolerance of diversity.

[bradh]

Put your head in the sand if you like, but for obvious reasons Ok has a real image problem in the area of tolerance of diversity.

Well, count me in the group that considers that low on my priority list. I'm not against it, but there are other things I place more importance on.

There are about a 1000 reasons a company would choose Houston over OKC before they got to tolerance and diversity. Houston is on a different tier of city than OKC.

[Urban Pioneer]

The State of OK may have an image issue but I have never thought OKC as being adversarial to adversity in the past few years. There are many people who fought for the more relaxed environment that we now have.

We now live in a different era. It seems that Ed and some of his people are unwilling to let go of the past.

[Wambo36]

Nice. Okay, declare your support for Cornett and high five to you!

Why would I support a candidate that is a proven liar? A candidate that when asked direct questions about the state of public safety in OKC had no idea what was being talked about. The only reason I follow this thread is to watch the Shadid haters fall all over themselves about what an apocalyptic event his election would be. You do know that if the ward 1 candidate in the last election hadn't lost his seat, Cornett wouldn't even be in the discussion, right? He'd be going on his merry way in the private sector and all you guys would be trying to convince yourselves that his corporately chosen heir apparent was the best choice. As I said before, I couldn't care less who the next mayor is. Unless, of course, one of them runs on the promise to replace the city manager. That candidate would have my vote in a heart beat.

[betts]

It does have an image problem, I agree, but we're not getting Apple or Google headquarters. The kinds of businesses that would consider moving here aren't going to decide that a Green Party mayor has checked off the final box, alleviating their concerns about relocating here. That kind of change may never occur here in the population as a whole. Ironically again, it's the things Shadid downplays that have the best chance to change the makeup of the city. Dramatically improving the downtown is the only reason we have Midtown, the Plaza, 23rd St revitalization. They're what attract or keep the young creative people who will slowly effect change. The streetcar will help too, no matter what Ed says or thinks.

[warreng88]

Put your head in the sand if you like, but for obvious reasons Ok has a real image problem in the area of tolerance of diversity.

And what is Shadid's solution to this? Import more black people? Seriously, I would like to know how he would increase diversity in the city.

[soonerguru]

Put your head in the sand if you like, but for obvious reasons Ok has a real image problem in the area of tolerance of diversity.

I agree with this. But Cornett is not the cause and Shadid is not the solution.

[Bellaboo]

Why would I support a candidate that is a proven liar? A candidate that when asked direct questions about the state of public safety in OKC had no idea what was being talked about. The only reason I follow this thread is to watch the Shadid haters fall all over themselves about what an apocalyptic event his election would be. You do know that if the ward 1 candidate in the last election hadn't lost his seat, Cornett wouldn't even be in the discussion, right? He'd be going on his merry way in the private sector and all you guys would be trying to convince yourselves that his corporately chosen heir apparent was the best choice. As I said before, I couldn't care less who the next mayor is. Unless, of course, one of them runs on the promise to replace the city manager. That candidate would have my vote in a heart beat.

You guys going to go out and steal more campaign signs this year ??? LOL

[betts]

It's the "celebration of diversity" not diversity itself that will signal all businesses that they should relocate here. Or perhaps Shadid is implying that he is diverse. Dunno.

[Wambo36]

You guys going to go out and steal more campaign signs this year ??? LOL

You'll have to refresh my memory, who was stealing signs? I only recall one person getting caught stealing signs. Seem to remember he was on your side. In case you can't remember, I'm sure UP can help you to recall. Now that's a LOL.

[Urban Pioneer]

Yes I can. Lol Remember now, they were illegally placed! lol

[Wambo36]

I remember. It was a learning experience. Lol

I honestly hold no ill will, but apparently cheapshots are the order of the day. I shouldn't have dragged you into it.

[betts]

I think the significant word here is "caught".

[soonerguru]

It's not even December and we're already getting into the dreaded "stolen campaign signs" smack?

[Midtowner]

Why would I support a candidate that is a proven liar? A candidate that when asked direct questions about the state of public safety in OKC had no idea what was being talked about. The only reason I follow this thread is to watch the Shadid haters fall all over themselves about what an apocalyptic event his election would be. You do know that if the ward 1 candidate in the last election hadn't lost his seat, Cornett wouldn't even be in the discussion, right? He'd be going on his merry way in the private sector and all you guys would be trying to convince yourselves that his corporately chosen heir apparent was the best choice. As I said before, I couldn't care less who the next mayor is. Unless, of course, one of them runs on the promise to replace the city manager. That candidate would have my vote in a heart beat.

Honestly, what is your problem with cooperation between the public and private sectors?

[Bellaboo]

You'll have to refresh my memory, who was stealing signs? I only recall one person getting caught stealing signs. Seem to remember he was on your side. In case you can't remember, I'm sure UP can help you to recall. Now that's a LOL.

I happen to have a personal friend (fireman) who told me of a few dirty deeds in this regard..... LOL LOL LOL

[Bellaboo]

Like I said, I can't wait until they call wanting money.....I know who they've endorsed.

[boscorama]

Sign stealing is so overrated. Why pick up the opponent's litter? Nothing says "I'm a dickhead" like 400 campaign signs at any given intersection.

Period.

It's not even December and we're already getting into the dreaded "stolen campaign signs" smack?

[Wambo36]

I happen to have a personal friend (fireman) who told me of a few dirty deeds in this regard..... LOL LOL LOL

I'll bet I know considerably more firemen than you do and I don't know even one who stole any signs. Your "personal" friend is apparently a POS and that says more about you and the company you keep than it does about firemen in general. And by the way, if anyone ever calls asking for money for firemen, you're probably being scammed. So you'll have to find some other threat. We couldn't care less about who you give your money to.

[Bellaboo]

I'll bet I know considerably more firemen than you do and I don't know even one who stole any signs. Your "personal" friend is apparently a POS and that says more about you and the company you keep than it does about firemen in general. And by the way, if anyone ever calls asking for money for firemen, you're probably being scammed. So you'll have to find some other threat. We couldn't care less about who you give your money to.

LOL....Aren't you a name calling miserable work of art ! I probably keep a little bit better company than you do, as if it even matters. No, you guys are always shaking down drivers at intersections... and i've even donated before...Couldn't care less ??? I bet you'll give money to Ed's campaign. And don't lose sight of who's paying the taxes to make your payroll...it's people like me.

[soonerguru]

Wambo has returned to the churlish, below-the-belt commentary we got accustomed to here in the pre-MAPS III days. I can't say he's been missed. I expected him to return here to shill for Shadid.

Haven't you heard? Shadid is getting the band back together. There's a reunion of MAPS haters.

[PhiAlpha]

And what is Shadid's solution to this? Import more black people? Seriously, I would like to know how he would increase diversity in the city.

Maybe he plans to import an old, old wooden ship and put it in the river, or maybe Lake Hefner since it's outside of downtown...