An editorial about Tulsa in the Oklahoman

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by TulsaSue

Ha. When I was the eitor of "The Northeastern" many years ago, we had a campaign to succeed Green Country from Oklahoma.  I still agree.

We currently have a lake house near Tenkiller Lake and the other day The Oklahoman called to try to sell us a subscription! I was shocked. They're trying to spread their posion across the state. Without being rude to the sales person, I expressed our disgust at the newspaper.

We lived in Edmond for a time and took that paper, but ended up cancelling our subscription. It was too hard on our blood pressure.

And we know of at least one huge businessman in OKC who has "Tulsa Envy" really badly and would do almost anything to tip the scales toward OKC.  I won't name him here.

Tulsans, we have to save ourselves and quit voting down issues like the River Tax.  Tulsa is a great city, but she needs our support.  OKC is a horrible place to live.

Thank goodness we have George Kaiser, though.  We're very lucky there.

OKC is a really great place to live according to everyone I know who lives there.  They are proud of their city.  I don't understand what you have against it.  Maybe it's because I'm a Tulsan who went to OU, but I see both sides.  I don't agree with their money grab, but it's turned into a fun, more attractive (relatively), forward-thinking city.  

That secession talk was idiotic.  All it does is fuel the fire and make it less likely for the rest of the state to support Tulsa's efforts in the legislature.

[swake]

quote:Originally posted by okcpulse

quote: The Crosstown could have been redecked or replaced in it's current path for a fraction of the cost of what is being done.

I disagree.  A federal engineering study in the 1990s estimated it would cost $100 million more to rebuild the Crosstown Bridge in its place.  Redecking won't do any good.  The structure itself is too far out of date.  We're talking about a bridge completed in 1967.

The stretch of I-44 in Tulsa is ground level, so how can it collapse?  It IS the most dangerous stretch of Interstate in Oklahoma and is WAY over-congested.  I blame the state for dragging their feet on this one.  

But again, a collapsing bridge to me is more of a concern.  The Crosstown was supposed to be completed in 2009.  Its completion date has been pushed back to 2012.

Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City had to wait for the Broken Arrow Expressway expansion to be completed before expansion could even begin on Broadway.

Now I would have a huge problem if Oklahoma City got the state to pay for the new downtown boulevard that will be built in place of the old Crosstown Bridge path.  But OKC is footing the bill on that one.

I would also imagine that rebuild or redecking the bridge would cost more in maintenance long term than the current plan to built the new three mile stretch at ground level, which requires less maintenance and inspections.

I-44 in Tulsa dates to 1957, ten years older than the Crosstown, it's two lanes narrower and there are many crumbling bridges involved.

There certainly were reports that the Crosstown could be redecked for a fraction of the cost and you completely ignored the condition of the I-244 bridge over the Arkansas.

http://www.okimc.org/node/435

And I would like to see a link to the study about it costing $100 more to rebuild in place. I can maybe see the construction cost being higher, but a huge percentage of the cost of the new highway is land acquisition which would more than make up for any increase in construction costs.

And here's a nice quote from ODOT:
"Interstate 40, one of the largest and busiest thoroughfares through the heart of Oklahoma City, is being relocated approximately five blocks south of its current location in downtown Oklahoma City. It is the largest transportation construction project in Oklahoma's history and when complete, is sure to leave a favorable impression on our visitors."

A nice impression on visitors? That's the first mention on how the new highway will be an improvement over the old one. The very first noted improvement, from the STATE transportation department.

http://www.okladot.state.ok.us/newsmedia/i40-okc/index.htm

Here's a quote from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments (OKC's version of INCOG):
"The new boulevard will provide Oklahoma City the opportunity to create a beautiful first impression for visitors. The thoroughfare will allow for economic growth, and with 12 ports to downtown Oklahoma City's entertainment district will continue to blossom."

http://www.acogok.org/Newsroom/View_News.asp?article=241


Just be quiet about the Crosstown being a purely or even a mostly transportation project. It just as bad as when the state spent highway funds to finish the state capital dome. This is a $557 million dollar downtown improvement project, not a highway project.

[perspicuity85]

I'm glad the Oklahoman printed this article.  Tulsa is finally realizing it can't be complacent.  The market for tourism, new business development, and quality jobs is highly competitive.  OKC is obviously one of Tulsa's biggest competitors.

As a native Tulsan, I believe Tulsa is a much more urban, cultural, and open-minded city than OKC.  However, how in the hell does anyone in neighboring states, the rest of Oklahoma, or Owasso, for that matter know that?  Only through aggressive marketing and constant improvement will Tulsa effloresce its cultural assets to their potential level of enjoyment.

[okcpulse]

quote: and you completely ignored the condition of the I-244 bridge over the Arkansas.  

I can't reply all at once.  I am at work and I am really not supposed to be on here.  But I will reply.  I-244 is more critical, indeed.  But why blame that directly on OKC?  Blame state politicians and ODOT.  

The good news is that ODOT is now solely in charge of which bridges and highways get fixed first.  Politicians can no longer make those decisions.

Everyone in OKC hates the Daily Oklahoman.  We're still waiting for that brave soul to start a meaningful paper.  But there are times when the Gayloards can do some arm-twisting that benefit us in OKC.  It may not be right, but people are less likely to argue (example: the NBA).

But in the past, why pin Oklahoma City reps to the wall for being more aggressive in obtaining tax dollars for Oklahoma City highways?  They did what they were hired to do, right?  Why didn't Tulsa pols act as aggressively?

I do agree, completing the dome with highway money was just plain stupid.  

Oklahoma's entire highway system needs to be revamped.  I do hope I-244 gets attention.  It tears up by car when in Oklahoma.

[CoffeeBean]

From today's Tulsa World:

quote: OKC mayor to visit Tulsa: Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, who has played a key role in the relocation of an NBA team to Oklahoma City, will be the featured speaker at a luncheon Thursday sponsored by Tulsa Sports Charities. The luncheon starts at noon at Freddie's Steak House (1425 New Sapulpa Road) and costs $15 per person. To RSVP, contact Tommy Thompson at 645-4905 or by e-mail at trtommy@cox.net.

A good opportunity to congratulate Cornett on his myopic marketing acumen of exclusivity.

[TheArtist]

Niiice...

Remember how we need a bit more for the Race Riot Memorial here in Tulsa. That it was promised by the state that we would get it... But they just cant find the money?

Remember how we heard that the Indian Cultural Center, that is under construction in OKC, was having financial shortfalls?

Well guess what I ran across in todays TW


"Meanwhile, Gov. Brad Henry has called for $25 million to $45 million in bonds to complete an American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City"

Niiice, more of our tax dollars to go to something in OKC.  No mention of any ability to find the remaining, relatively much smaller, amount for the Race Riot Memorial here. As usual.

But we shouldn't be envious of OKC, its a deadly sin ya know.

[USRufnex]

^ I blame Stratton Taylor... [xx(] Compare Hwy66 between Claremore and Vinita to Tulsa's I-44 and I-244... rinse, repeat...

[cannon_fodder]

Per capita the rural counties get way, WAY more than their fair share.  On a dollar-in dollar-out basis they get more.  By the dollar basis Tulsa County is by far the biggest loser in the State.  Yay!

And Artist's example is the epitome of what we are talking about.  $1 million for a memorial in Tulsa?  No way.  Money for an Indian museum at the end of The Trail of Tears or the city that straddles the Cherokee, Osage and Creek nations?  Not needed.

What?  Another tourist item for OKC - here's $40,000,000.00.

To be honest, I feel slighted.  Perhaps the State is just not doing a good enough job letting us know the details or maybe I just don't pay attention.  But that's my perception.

[Friendly Bear]

quote:Originally posted by TheArtist

Niiice...

Remember how we need a bit more for the Race Riot Memorial here in Tulsa. That it was promised by the state that we would get it... But they just cant find the money?

Remember how we heard that the Indian Cultural Center, that is under construction in OKC, was having financial shortfalls?

Well guess what I ran across in todays TW


"Meanwhile, Gov. Brad Henry has called for $25 million to $45 million in bonds to complete an American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City"

Niiice, more of our tax dollars to go to something in OKC.  No mention of any ability to find the remaining, relatively much smaller, amount for the Race Riot Memorial here. As usual.

But we shouldn't be envious of OKC, its a deadly sin ya know.

It's just the Tulsa PREMIUM, again.

[Sardonicus Rex]

quote:Originally posted by bugo

They're making a huge mistake calling the team the Oklahoma City Supersonics (or whatever nickname they decide on).  OKC isn't big enough in itself to support the team.  The team needs the whole state to prosper.  Calling the team the Oklahoma Sonics would send a message that the team is inclusive of the entire state.  

I'm a big believer in requiring teams that relocate to change their names to avoid having a mascot that has nothing to do with the new location of the team (how well is Utah known for its jazz or LA for its lakes?).

The name "Oklahoma Turnpikes" somehow seems to fit and would definitely be "inclusive of the entire state."

[Townsend]

quote:Originally posted by Sardonicus Rex

quote:Originally posted by bugo

They're making a huge mistake calling the team the Oklahoma City Supersonics (or whatever nickname they decide on).  OKC isn't big enough in itself to support the team.  The team needs the whole state to prosper.  Calling the team the Oklahoma Sonics would send a message that the team is inclusive of the entire state.  

I'm a big believer in requiring teams that relocate to change their names to avoid having a mascot that has nothing to do with the new location of the team (how well is Utah known for its jazz or LA for its lakes?).

The name "Oklahoma Turnpikes" somehow seems to fit and would definitely be "inclusive of the entire state."

"Oklahoma Mis-directed Funds"?  Not sure of the mascot for that one.