Tulsa tax payers to fund Hornets

[DamTulsa]

quote:Originally posted by TURobY


I didn't see anything in there about her supporting any use of the "quality jobs program" for the team. Just her support of the team, and understanding about the name choice.

Not trying to be argumentative, but does she have to specifically say "quality jobs program"?  She is obviously in favor of it by her comments... the whole article is about Tulsa supporting OKC in this venture and in return being allowed to share in the pride of having a Pro team in the state...

- "there's no reason people in her town can't support an Oklahoma City pro basketball team."

- "what benefits Oklahoma City also benefits Tulsa."

- "it continues to grow the economy of Oklahoma City, which helps Tulsa"

- "We are the two most significant contributors to the state economy. Anything that we can do to help Oklahoma City's economy expand is good for Tulsa."

- "her presense, and the role Tulsa-area residents could play in supporting an Oklahoma City franchise - was noted" by NBA Commissioner David Stern."

- "and how many citizens of Tulsa will consider the team to be, and did consider the (New Orleans) Hornets when they were there ... a state franchise."

- "Taylor said she has no problem with the team calling itself "Oklahoma City. I understand that. I wouldn't want the Tulsa Drillers to be called the Oklahoma Drillers,"

- "the BOK Center, will open in September in Tulsa, but Taylor said there have been no discussions about the Sonics playing any games - either of the exhibition or regular-season variety - in the facility."


I guess the most telling statement for me is this:

"Both Taylor and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that 20 years ago, it would have been unlikely for leaders in one town to support a major initiative of the other.  Taylor, who grew up in Oklahoma City, didn't hesitate"


So I ask... just what is it that Mick Cornett or the city of OKC have done to support any major initiatives in Tulsa?  OH... wait I have the answer;  NOTHING!

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by brunoflipper



i'm jaded though... this, in a nutshell is how i feel about all of pro b-ball...
my dad says you don't work hard enough on defense. And he says that lots of times, you don't even run down court. And that you don't really try... except during the playoffs.

The hell I don't!! LISTEN KID! I've been hearing that crap ever since I was at UCLA.
I'm out there busting my buns every night. Tell your old man to drag Walton and Denier up and down the court for 48 minutes.

You don't like movies about gladiators, do you? []

[perspicuity85]

quote:Originally posted by DamTulsa

I guess the most telling statement for me is this:

"Both Taylor and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that 20 years ago, it would have been unlikely for leaders in one town to support a major initiative of the other.  Taylor, who grew up in Oklahoma City, didn't hesitate"


So I ask... just what is it that Mick Cornett or the city of OKC have done to support any major initiatives in Tulsa?  OH... wait I have the answer;  NOTHING!

As someone who grew up in OKC, perhaps Taylor has high hopes for her former hometown.  Or, maybe she's hoping Tulsa will win some marketing opportunity by association.  Tulsa really ought to put together a professionally done commercial to air during OKC NBA games.

Personally, I'm thinking Tulsa will win in true ironic fashion, when Tornado Katrina blows the Ford Center away, and the OKC NBA team plays in Tulsa for two years!

[sgrizzle]

Of Course the Tulsa Driller wouldn't be the Oklahoma Drillers because OKC has the 49'ers so there is more than one of said team in the state.

Of course it's like we're suggesting something that has never been done before. Hmmm.. lessee

Golden State Warriors
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Toronto Raptors
Utah Jazz
Washington Wizards

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by DamTulsa
It's a shame that I have to read about this on a Seattle News website but I've come to understand that the Tulsa Whirled would either not print or attempt to bury or spin a story as damning to Queen Taylor as this.

The speech was yesterday at lunch and the Tulsa World covered it today. What did you expect? A whole new edition printed mid-day because of an out-of-town speech to a Rotary club?

[RecycleMichael]

quote:Originally posted by DamTulsa
Not trying to be argumentative, but does she have to specifically say "quality jobs program"?  She is obviously in favor of it by her comments... the whole article is about Tulsa supporting OKC in this venture and in return being allowed to share in the pride of having a Pro team in the state...

- "there's no reason people in her town can't support an Oklahoma City pro basketball team."

- "what benefits Oklahoma City also benefits Tulsa."

- "it continues to grow the economy of Oklahoma City, which helps Tulsa"

- "We are the two most significant contributors to the state economy. Anything that we can do to help Oklahoma City's economy expand is good for Tulsa."

- "her presense, and the role Tulsa-area residents could play in supporting an Oklahoma City franchise - was noted" by NBA Commissioner David Stern."

- "and how many citizens of Tulsa will consider the team to be, and did consider the (New Orleans) Hornets when they were there ... a state franchise."

- "Taylor said she has no problem with the team calling itself "Oklahoma City. I understand that. I wouldn't want the Tulsa Drillers to be called the Oklahoma Drillers,"

- "the BOK Center, will open in September in Tulsa, but Taylor said there have been no discussions about the Sonics playing any games - either of the exhibition or regular-season variety - in the facility."

I guess the most telling statement for me is this:

"Both Taylor and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that 20 years ago, it would have been unlikely for leaders in one town to support a major initiative of the other.  Taylor, who grew up in Oklahoma City, didn't hesitate"
So I ask... just what is it that Mick Cornett or the city of OKC have done to support any major initiatives in Tulsa?  OH... wait I have the answer;  NOTHING!

What part of this do you really disagree with?

I am excited about a pro team in Oklahoma. Kansas, Arkansas, New Mexico and half of the other states don't have one.

I think it is a good thing for the Mayors of the two biggest towns to support each other.

Do you just hate OKC?

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

quote:Originally posted by DamTulsa
Not trying to be argumentative, but does she have to specifically say "quality jobs program"?  She is obviously in favor of it by her comments... the whole article is about Tulsa supporting OKC in this venture and in return being allowed to share in the pride of having a Pro team in the state...

- "there's no reason people in her town can't support an Oklahoma City pro basketball team."

- "what benefits Oklahoma City also benefits Tulsa."

- "it continues to grow the economy of Oklahoma City, which helps Tulsa"

- "We are the two most significant contributors to the state economy. Anything that we can do to help Oklahoma City's economy expand is good for Tulsa."

- "her presense, and the role Tulsa-area residents could play in supporting an Oklahoma City franchise - was noted" by NBA Commissioner David Stern."

- "and how many citizens of Tulsa will consider the team to be, and did consider the (New Orleans) Hornets when they were there ... a state franchise."

- "Taylor said she has no problem with the team calling itself "Oklahoma City. I understand that. I wouldn't want the Tulsa Drillers to be called the Oklahoma Drillers,"

- "the BOK Center, will open in September in Tulsa, but Taylor said there have been no discussions about the Sonics playing any games - either of the exhibition or regular-season variety - in the facility."

I guess the most telling statement for me is this:

"Both Taylor and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that 20 years ago, it would have been unlikely for leaders in one town to support a major initiative of the other.  Taylor, who grew up in Oklahoma City, didn't hesitate"
So I ask... just what is it that Mick Cornett or the city of OKC have done to support any major initiatives in Tulsa?  OH... wait I have the answer;  NOTHING!

What part of this do you really disagree with?

I am excited about a pro team in Oklahoma. Kansas, Arkansas, New Mexico and half of the other states don't have one.

I think it is a good thing for the Mayors of the two biggest towns to support each other.

Do you just hate OKC?

I have a problem with Mayor Taylor on this one.  I don't think she was doing all she could to make sure Tulsa benefits from this as well as OKC.

If I were mayor, it would be pretty straightforward.  There would be two conditions for my presence and total cheerleading/support for the move (including state subsidies for team operation):

1)  The team name would be Oklahoma, not Oklahoma City.

2)  The team would have to commit to playing games at the BOK center.  At least a couple of preseason games, preferably four early regular season home games (out of 41).  

Given the massive lip service being paid by David Stern, Clay Bennett and Mick Cornett to the idea of this being a "statewide effort" to be a "major league state" and "Tulsa being a part of the market," these are completely reasonable conditions for the support of the mayor of Tulsa.  And yet, Taylor played lapdog to Big Mick so he could get what he wanted, and Tulsa got nothing out of it except diverted tax dollars.

It is obvious from his comments that Mayor Cornett wants this for Oklahoma City and only Oklahoma City.  This is not an effort to boost the state; it is a massive ego stroke for a city that has long had an inferiority complex but now has some leverage over its neighbors.  And let's be clear: Cornett is fully aware that every Big XII tournament, NCAA regional, national concert, teachers' convention, and corporate relocation that Tulsa gets is one less for OKC.  He is still playing the rivalry game; Kathy Taylor is not.  

I wish the mayor would have realized the stakes and gone to the mattresses for Tulsa in this situation.

[TURobY]

quote:Originally posted by Floyd

2)  The team would have to commit to playing games at the BOK center.  At least a couple of preseason games, preferably four early regular season home games (out of 41).  

Is this not a possibility? I keep hearing people say that it is a shame they won't be playing any games at the arena, but I haven't read anywhere that says they won't play any games here. Di I miss an announcement, or are people jumping the gun?

Everybody's b*tching and complaining, but I don't think all the information has been released yet, has it?

[waterboy]

Huh...I wonder why this line was left out of these posts. Same article.

"A new 18,000-seat arena, the BOK Center, will open in September in Tulsa, but Taylor said there have been no discussions about the Sonics playing any games - either of the exhibition or regular-season variety - in the facility.

"We'd certainly like to have the dialogue," she said.

If you believe that politicians tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, then you believe there have been no discussions behind the scenes for a quid pro quo. You also would believe that motives for criticizing Taylor are all based on fairness and the good of Tulsa.

[cannon_fodder]

Yes Roby, the information about the team being named the OKC SOMETHING and a the announcement has already been made that they will get Oklahoma tax money.  The tax thing, of course seems to draw the most criticism - and causes the other problems.  If they pay for it, do as you please... when you make ME pay for it I'll complain.
- - -

quote:The Unfriendly Bear wrote
Of course Tulsa has the eponymous BOK Arena with NO ONE committed to play even ONE basketball game in it.

There is at least 2 basketball games scheduled to be played at the BOk arena.   A pre-season NBA game and the Tulsa/OU game in December.  Add the C-USA tournament in a couple years to that roster... since it looks like a good bet.

[Renaissance]

quote:Originally posted by TURobY

quote:Originally posted by Floyd

2)  The team would have to commit to playing games at the BOK center.  At least a couple of preseason games, preferably four early regular season home games (out of 41).  

Is this not a possibility? I keep hearing people say that it is a shame they won't be playing any games at the arena, but I haven't read anywhere that says they won't play any games here. Did I miss an announcement, or are people jumping the gun?

Everybody's b*tching and complaining, but I don't think all the information has been released yet, has it?

I've been known to jump the gun before.  On the other hand, they're certainly not making overtures toward Tulsa.  There has been absolutely no suggestion of such games being played.  And it's hard to mistake Cornett's tone for anything but that of a guy doesn't want to share a thing.  If he and the owners are persuaded otherwise, then good for Taylor.  

And Waterboy--you've read my posts.  I'm no Taylor hater.  But objectively, either she's playing a damn good game of hide the ball, or she missed the boat on this one.  (apologies for  mixed metaphors)

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by Floyd

quote:Originally posted by TURobY

quote:Originally posted by Floyd

2)  The team would have to commit to playing games at the BOK center.  At least a couple of preseason games, preferably four early regular season home games (out of 41).  

Is this not a possibility? I keep hearing people say that it is a shame they won't be playing any games at the arena, but I haven't read anywhere that says they won't play any games here. Did I miss an announcement, or are people jumping the gun?

Everybody's b*tching and complaining, but I don't think all the information has been released yet, has it?

I've been known to jump the gun before.  On the other hand, they're certainly not making overtures toward Tulsa.  There has been absolutely no suggestion of such games being played.  And it's hard to mistake Cornett's tone for anything but that of a guy doesn't want to share a thing.  If he and the owners are persuaded otherwise, then good for Taylor.  

And Waterboy--you've read my posts.  I'm no Taylor hater.  But objectively, either she's playing a damn good game of hide the ball, or she missed the boat on this one.  (apologies for  mixed metaphors)

Nah, I was referring to the new guy. Sort of a hazing process.[]

Hopefully, if the Mayor wasnt' making overtures, after reading these posts she will.

[TURobY]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Yes Roby, the information about the team being named the OKC SOMETHING and a the announcement has already been made that they will get Oklahoma tax money.  The tax thing, of course seems to draw the most criticism - and causes the other problems.  If they pay for it, do as you please... when you make ME pay for it I'll complain.

I was talking about the fact that people are complaining about the team not ever playing in Tulsa, and that has not been decided yet from my understanding.

As far as the payment and the naming of the team, those are frustrating to me as well and, in my opinion, only hurts OKC's image within the state.

[cannon_fodder]

1.  This article has been linked to by several other bloggers on a variety of topics.  Usually against subsidizing pro-sports teams or against economic development packages as a whole.

Thought that was fun.

2. Here is the New York Times take on the situation, I think they sum it up well:

quote: Once in Oklahoma (in the fall or in 2010-11), the Sonics will face the prospect of a cable deal smaller than the one they have now. They will likely be denied funds from a league revenue-sharing pool for needy, money-losing franchises through the end of the labor agreement in 2011 (as the price for swapping a big market for a smaller one).

Those shortfalls could be countered by a sweetheart lease at the Ford Center (which will get a $121.6 million renovation courtesy of Oklahoma City voters) and rebates on payroll taxes being considered by state lawmakers.

They lose money on the move.  So they are getting Oklahoma tax payers to make up for it.

[dsjeffries]

Interesting thing:  If there were ever a high-speed train between OKC and Tulsa, it would only take around 45 minutes from city to city.  (High-speed= at least 124 mph)

edit://

Whoops!  124 mph is the EU standard.  Apparently anything above 90 mph is considered high-speed here in the States.  That would mean it would just take an hour from Tulsa to OKC.