Chamber spends 40 grand @ Channel 9

[solitude]

Are you thinking of Sen. Inhofe? He has made some statements but I haven't seen anything from Istook.

Also, the Sec. of the Air Force has been quoted as saying this is a good deal for Tinker. There is only so much people on base can say publically but this is a great thing for Tinker (if passed).

“This is a significant benefit to Tinker Air Force Base. I see the quality of productive life for Tinker enhanced for years to come.”
Secretary of the Air Force

Then why doesn't the Air Force simply BUY IT at fair market value? Right now, the United States is fighting a war in Iraq that is costing taxpayers $341.4 million per day. Quick math tells me the whole GM thing could be purchased for about 4 hours of this war in Iraq. Using county taxpayer money is NOT how we finance national defense and facility upgrades/expansion for the pentagon. Follow the money.

[Midtowner]

Are you thinking of Sen. Inhofe? He has made some statements but I haven't seen anything from Istook.

Can't remember where I saw it now, maybe the Oklahoman? No idea.

Also, the Sec. of the Air Force has been quoted as saying this is a good deal for Tinker. There is only so much people on base can say publically but this is a great thing for Tinker (if passed).

“This is a significant benefit to Tinker Air Force Base. I see the quality of productive life for Tinker enhanced for years to come.”
Secretary of the Air Force

When have you ever known a Bush Administration official to contradict a chamber of commerce?

[foodiefan]

pretty sure I'm not going to change anyone's mind, but would like to offer up a couple of points. . .Tinker was "established" on donated land; Glenwood area at athe end of the NS runway was "cleared" by a bond issue; the Navy complex was built on land initially purchased by the County. Had the last two factors (Glenwood/Navy) not ocurred, I'm not sure Tinker would still be operational. . . and "our" jobs would probably have gone to San Antonio (Kelly) which would still be open.

As another poster stated, this is a very complex issue, but the bottom line is not very different from the NBA. . .are we willing to "step up" (as we have in the past) and provide the "incentive" for the Air Force and private industry to continue to invest in the federal aerospace industry in the Oklahoma City area. . .or will they elect to look elsewhere? The Rockwell's, Boeing's, et al, are in the Oklahoma City area BECAUSE of Tinker and the Air Logistics Center. The AF/military is not significantly different that any major business/industry (or the NBA). . .they have to look at the bottom line. . .if other communities are willing to foster/invest, then that is where they want to be. So. . .I'm voting YES. . . on all propositions.

[solitude]

pretty sure I'm not going to change anyone's mind, but would like to offer up a couple of points. . .Tinker was "established" on donated land; Glenwood area at athe end of the NS runway was "cleared" by a bond issue; the Navy complex was built on land initially purchased by the County. Had the last two factors (Glenwood/Navy) not ocurred, I'm not sure Tinker would still be operational. . . and "our" jobs would probably have gone to San Antonio (Kelly) which would still be open.

As another poster stated, this is a very complex issue, but the bottom line is not very different from the NBA. . .are we willing to "step up" (as we have in the past) and provide the "incentive" for the Air Force and private industry to continue to invest in the federal aerospace industry in the Oklahoma City area. . .or will they elect to look elsewhere? The Rockwell's, Boeing's, et al, are in the Oklahoma City area BECAUSE of Tinker and the Air Logistics Center. The AF/military is not significantly different that any major business/industry (or the NBA). . .they have to look at the bottom line. . .if other communities are willing to foster/invest, then that is where they want to be. So. . .I'm voting YES. . . on all propositions.

No. They should, but they don't. This administration is putting the trillion dollar wars on the Chinese credit card. But, you're telling me the taxpayers of Oklahoma County need to help finance a relatively small pentagon project? I hear Military-Industrial Complex propaganda loud and clear in your post. Basically, you're saying my own federal government is holding me hostage. You're right. They have enslaved cities the very way in which President Eisenhower warned us about. The Pentagon, Rockwell, Boeing - that whole Military-Industrial Complex is alive, well and still feeding at the trough - with the same people walking out the military door into the private military sector for payback and bribes in a sick symbiotic relationship. It's called organized crime in law enforcement circles (at least in the movies). Yet, we accept it and play right along. We need CHANGE. Yes, that word means something.

[foodiefan]

I hear Military-Industrial Complex propaganda loud and clear in your post.

No you don't. . .I understand the revolving door and I don't agree with it. Additionally, I can't speak for the "Administration". . .I only have experience with the AF, and I can assure you they look at the bottom line every year. Do "things" get budgeted/paid for that (in my opinion) shouldn't. . .yes. . .but that happens in any business. The fact that I'm paying for it upsets me as well, but again. . you have to make sure you have all the facts as you look at the bottom line. I also reiterated that this is a very complex issue and one that isn't served well by generalities.

[DavidGlover]

The chamber is not a charity, does anyone know who is really behind the funding of all the marketing campaign? Burpee's is not only the past commander, he was President of the OKC Chamber, he probably has a better understanding of both sides of this issue than anyone, If he is against it, it must be a very bad deal. Bonds could pay off 10% and if you read the ballot language they do not have to spend the money on buying GM or helping Tinker.

[foodiefan]

wasnt aware that Burpee was the President of the Chamber. . .I thought he was head of the Aerospace Division. Additionally, he retired in from the AF in 1990. . .things have changed significantly in the last 18 years. Before he is crowned all knowing "king", I'd like to have a little more info on his departure from his position with the Chamber.

[Midtowner]

Yeah, I think that the 10% ceiling for bonds is absolute crap, although I will admit that I'm not exactly an expert on municipal bonds. I know that the gains realized are tax free though!