Comments on: City Legal – Here to Help

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:46:55 +0000

Nearly all architecture firms in OKC have some sort of city project. This rule excludes nearly all OKC architects from the board. A board designated to oversee architectural projects. Bizzare.

By: Brent

Brent — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 17:05:43 +0000

Of course this is a rule that is too strict. However, in today’s world of “gothcha” media, you have to strictly enforce the rule. On a slow news day, these are the exact sort of things that appear on a local television news “In Your Side” [sic] segment and someone gets fired over shouts of favoritism, etc. Just a little while ago, there was the news story about the official resigning because her son joined the fire department. The world is full of cynics and conspiracy theorists. Common sense rarely rules the day anymore.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:14:40 +0000

I agree with Craig – and I failed to mention before that, even though I think this is all being done in good faith to follow the law, I think the law is poorly written and should allow design community members who may have a contract to be on a board… just don’t allow them to vote on their own project.

By: Craig

Craig — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:44:29 +0000

Sounds like sour grapes, to me. Some firm didn’t get a particular bid so they dig up this law, on the books, that hasn’t been used very much. Why have we become SO ANAL, as a society, about so many things? Have we lost all common sense? I suspect that these people who have resigned or are resigning were real assets to their said committees. I would like to see someone GROW SOME BALLS & say THIS IS WRONG! Rewrite the guidelines or whatever, but I’m sick & tired of losing quality people,who are just trying to make their community a better place, because someone else feels they got screwed. Now they will be replaced with people who probably don’t have half the interest in the duty or the city.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:22:04 +0000

In my experience, the City has a whole host of lawyers there to help staff determine if how they’re spending money and making decisions complies with City, State and Federal law. Wouldn’t this follow the same lines? It all seems probable, just oddly timed. Also, Mr. Jordan seems to be much more strict than predecessors in general, this is just another example.