Possible Downtown Museum

[sgrizzle]

This is outrageous.  By what logic must Okla. Pop be put on hold while the Indian cultural center goes forward?  How is the Oklahoma legislature doing its job by considering and voting on legislation interfering with our concern for those who have suffered in Moore?  If money is the issue, the Indian center is getting much more money up front and will interfere with recovery efforts far more than the $5 million that would have gone to Tulsa.  Without the quid pro quo of linking the two together, what are the chances there will be the votes for Okla. Pop next year?  I would say less than 20%.  Tulsa gets played again.

It would be nice if capital projects went through the state like they go through the city/county. Make a package, get a vote.

[Conan71]

That's amazing how the folks at the Indian Cultural Center were able to conjure a tornado and squash Tulsa's dreams once again.

[Hoss]

That's amazing how the folks at the Indian Cultural Center were able to conjure a tornado and squash Tulsa's dreams once again.

It has to do with "The Spirit World".

Did you see the size of that chicken?

[tulsasooner]

Tornadoes in Moore were terrible, and I understand the decision to put the people of Moore first, but am still really disappointed this decision will be put off another year.  Sad situation all around.

[rdj]

Anyone think they didn't have the votes so this was a gracious way of announcing that fate?  Allow the state legislature to save some face?

[RecycleMichael]

I was disappointed that Jeannie McDaniel and Eric Proctor voted against in committee. I had sent each of them a personal e-mail the day before pushing for support. Their reasons were genuine and just wanted to oppose such spending on wishes when there is so many needs.

[rdj]

Interesting for Tulsa area democrats to vote no on a spending proposal, especially one that is so close to their districts.

[DTowner]

Interesting for Tulsa area democrats to vote no on a spending proposal, especially one that is so close to their districts.

I believe the Democratic caucus opposed both bills unless and until all Oklahoma state employees got a salary increase.

[RecycleMichael]

I believe the Democratic caucus opposed both bills unless and until all Oklahoma state employees got a salary increase.

yes. That was the stated reason.

[DowntownDan]

So if the vote had taken place before lunch it would have been on different footing?  Doesn't make sense.  Was this going to be an approval for OKC and a denial for Tulsa?  That is so unfair its hard to even comprehend.

[ZYX]

This is crap. If their motives are true then they'll revoke OKC's money as well.

[Oil Capital]

Under the heading of pesky facts:

Backers of two Oklahoma museum projects hustling to get state funding in the last days of the session withdrew their requests Tuesday because of deadly tornadoes that struck the state this week.

"Due to the unfolding tragedy facing our friends and neighbors in the Moore and Shawnee communities, we agree this is the best course of action," Mike Neal, president and chief executive officer of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, a supporter of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, commonly called OK Pop. "We applaud Gov. (Mary) Fallin, the Legislature and other state leaders for their diligent attention to ensuring any and all state resources are focused on assisting the victims of this terrible tragedy."

Blake Wade, executive director of the Native American Education Authority, which is trying to complete the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, agreed that legislators should put their attention on the needs of those suffering from Sunday's tornado in Shawnee and Monday's tornado that caused extensive damage and multiple deaths in Moore."    http://newsok.com/oklahoma-tornadoes-backers-of-oklahoma-museum-projects-withdraw-funding-requests/article/3828419

[Red Arrow]

American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, agreed that legislators should put their attention on the needs of those suffering from Sunday's tornado in Shawnee and Monday's tornado

Is that the same as giving up the money for the OKC projects for a while?  Does it just mean that, yes, the money to be destined for the Tulsa projects should be delayed?

[sgrizzle]

Under the heading of pesky facts:

At the time of the withdrawal, OKC was approved and Tulsa wasn't. Pesky fact.

[DTowner]

Another pesky fact is the quote in yesterday's Tulsa World artice:

"Meanwhile, plans to commit another $40 million to the half-built American Indian Cultural Center in Oklahoma City, which has already consumed $62 million in state bond funding, are moving ahead this year, that effort's leader said."

http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/OKPOP_backers_put_museum_funding_legislation_on_hold/20130522_11_A15_CUTLIN192764?subj=16&Cont=Cov&Cont=Cov

I think both projects should go forward this year.  But if OK Pop gets sidelined, then so should the Indian cultural center.