Tulsa Topics

Everyone has heard the saying: If at first you don't succeed, try again. This pretty much sums up Tulsa's management philosophy. Take for example the Money Pit being built downtown. Voters rejected this project twice, but via Vision 2025 the project got the nod. Try try again.

Since 1980, Tulsans have approved the 3rd Penny Sales Tax for capital improvements. I believe this shows the willingness and the hope of Tulsans to put our money to good use and support our City. My question to you: After 25 years of the 3rd Penny tax, do you feel you've gotten your moneys worth?

I'm not against the 3rd Penny Sales Tax. My problem is the priorities that management, our elected officials, set. Every capital project can be categorized as either "needs" or "wants" and the current capital project listing for this 3rd penny is full of both. Basic needs of a city, public safety, roads, water, and sewer should take the largest chunk out of this tax. If not, our elected officials have their priorities askew.

I personally think Tulsans would have been better served with an 18 month extension of this tax. Pressure from the Metro Chamber and other groups, tasked with selling the 3rd Penny Tax, didn't want to get double dipped for two 3rd Penny elections. So once again Tulsans have what appears to be a quickly thrown together package with a hefty list of "wants" attached to it.

It is reported that Tulsa has a $4 billion "needs" backlog. I wonder how long it will take to work that off the books when we're throwing money at the "wants" column. With 25 years of 3rd Penny Sales Tax history under our belt, you would think that $4 billion bucks is a little on the high side. Maybe instead of the try try again management philosophy, we need a new take on it: If at first you don't succeed, FIND A BETTER WAY!

Don't forget to vote tomorrow! I don't care if you are voting YES or NO on the 3rd Penny; just vote!