[OKC] Huge disappointment in today's Oklahoman

[Robert Waldrop]

Today's Oklahoman has a story about the proposed OKC bond issue.  Hundreds of millions for roads, a little over $7 million for transit.  This is a HUGE disappointment.  I for one intend to vote against and to campaign against this bond issue, unless between now and then something serious is announced by Oklahoma City regarding Maps 3 and transit or they change their proposal to allocate more funds for public transit infrastructure improvements.  

It would also be nice to hear something from OKC government about a plan to address the problems with Oklahoma's gas tax.  Why doesn't Oklahoma City receive enough money from the state gas tax to fix its roads without taking out a mortgage?  I'm guessing the answers are -- (1) the Oklahoma gas tax isn't big enough to cover all the needs, and (2) the distribution of the gas tax revenues is politicized and Oklahoma City has done a poor job of making the case for a better share of the existing money.  This is likely also true of Tulsa (not to pick on OKC unduly. . .).

One interesting thing about the bond issue, however.  It lays to rest the old anti-transit claim that "road traffic pays its own way" via the gas and diesel tax.  If that was true, OKC would not need to borrow half a BILLION dollars to fix its roads.

Anyone interested in working with me in opposition to this bond issue, please contact me in private email at bwaldrop at cox.net .

It would also help a lot if the Oklahoman received a sudden spurt of letters opposing this bond issue.  Send them to yourviews at oklahoman.com , and make sure they are LESS THAN 225 words.  Include your name, address, and phone number. 

Bob Waldrop, Oklahoma City
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