Comments on: Tough Questions for my Old Friends at the County

By: Brent

Brent — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:27:31 +0000

That is unfortunate to hear that no one really wants to answer the not-so-tough questions. Public officials from the national to local level need to understand that public office is a privilege, not a right. This just sounds like another reason we need someone to really lead at the county level. An attitude always comes from the top down, whether that be the sheriff or a county commissioner. One of my favorite county clerks in our state (Judy Grellner in Kingfisher County) has a prominent sign posted in her office which states, in essence: “The public is not an interruption to our day, but the reason for it.” If only more of our public officials took that same stance. We can just remember this when it comes vote time–people may forget to vote out actual county officials, but we seem to remember these things when it comes time to vote on taxes.

By: slackmeyer

slackmeyer — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:23:41 +0000

Well, let’s see… not sure how to answer this one. One county official was a bit snappish at me yesterday, but didn’t really mention this post. Another person confronted me and argued that the jail tax is a “must” – that the feds will take over the jail if it’s not done. This same person admitted money is being wasted at county government, but believes that it’s not enough to make a difference.
Folks, back when I was on the county beat I pounded this into the ground. I have no intention of going any further on this because there is no place for me to go. If these are questions you want to see answered, then I would suggest you ask them of the county commissioners, assessor, clerk, treasurer and sheriff. Their contact info can be found at http://www.oklahomacounty.org.

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By: Brent

Brent — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:59:57 +0000

So it has now been several days since this post, has there been any passing response from a single county government member? I would like to know what was the last major policy proposal to come from county government? It seems as if they have chosen to govern themselves into irrelevancy. Government abhors a vacuum and with the size of the city, the mayor’s office and the city has had to fill the gap. With all this discussion about transit, it would seem the natural governmental organ to begin this discussion would be county government, but instead we are relegated to only a city-wide discussion and naturally a more limited solution. If the county even wants to think about more money for jail (an extremely dubious proposition in my opinion), they need to address many of Steve’s questions, including the federal report and subsequent removal of federal inmates from the county with more than a simple: “We’ve already corrected the problems.” County government needs reform, and especially leadership, if they want to be considered relevant and want to squeeze the taxpayer for more money. Don’t let this one go Steve, the county deserves answers here.

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By: Steven

Steven — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:37:41 +0000

MAPS 3 isn’t just necessary for downtown’s momentum, but the City’s momentum overall!

By: Steve Lackmeyer

Steve Lackmeyer — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:39:59 +0000

Mike, I think you’re correct, but I’d have to search archives to be sure. The long and short of it is the county is going to ask voters to support a tax they’ve previously rejected. The county has made no changes in the way they operate since that tax was rejected. And voters will have to decide if, as Ray Vaughn said in yesterday’s KWTV report, the jail tax is a “necessity” or rather is it simply a way for county politicians to maintain their status quo.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:58:18 +0000

On the issue regarding tax elections where deals may have been cut between the County and the City/Chamber. Has a recent deal been made that would cause the City to postpone or otherwise alter its plan for an upcoming MAPS3 tax election? I have no idea, so I can’t say. I hope they haven’t.

But if memory serves me correctly, I do seem to recall a deal made between the parties a few years back. Steve can correct me and/or my facts if I’m wrong. The issue at that time was the 32 month 1/2 cent Public Safty Capitol Equipment Improvment Sales Tax.

The County at that time was wanting to have a 1/2 cent tax election of their own. They were concerned that the Citizens would not support a county tax on the heels of a new City tax of 1 cent, which in the City’ original plan would run for 16 months.

They ask the City to change, and they did. They did so by reducing the amount and extending the duration. I don’t recall what the tax was going to be used for,or if they even held the election. Nevertheless, the City agreed to the Countys request.

By: Steve Lackmeyer

Steve Lackmeyer — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:49:34 +0000

So, here’s the big “thing” for all of you to remember: County government can not, by law, fund a campaign. City Hall, by law, can not fund a campaign. Typically a tax issue campaign is funded by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Exceptions include Sheriff Whetsel’s last effort to get a dedicated sales tax, which failed by a large margin. That campaign, as I recall, was pushed by the County FOP.
My goal is to my best to provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at what’s going on downtown – and all of this is very, very relevant if one believes a MAPS 3 is needed to continue downtown’s momentum. I will do my best to continue asking uncomfortable questions and provoke discussions on this city’s future.

By: John R. "Radar" Doyle

John R. "Radar" Doyle — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:24:55 +0000

The secrets continue to be uncovered. We OKC Central readers and our beloved host debated on a possible delay in MAPS-3 and Core-To-Shore just last week.

Today, we hear about Ray “Never met a tax he didn’d hike” Vaughn reinforce his County Jail views.

Remember, there are people who still question the timing of the GM-to-Tinker deal, long before we knew GM would seek bailout money, or file Bankruptcy. And still today, not one promised job has materialized at the empty plant.

I question the choreography of the upcoming voluntary sales tax elections in Central Oklahoma. I suspect Vaughn and his comrades asked the City of OKC, and/or the Chamber to put MAPS-3 “on hold” in order to raise funds to address the Jail issue. I wish I could be persuaded against my beliefs on this one, but my Spidey senses smell something between Hudson and Shartel along Couch Drive that is a fragrance of good-’ol-boy deal-making.

The Jail issue should have been addressed BEFORE the GM plant. We may have paid a lower price for the plant if we had waited. And, why did the County wait so very long to address the Jail issue in the first place?

I agree. Sheriff Whetsel has too many “toys”, and not enough jail money. I realize I am rambling a bit, but this has been festering for some time. Please forgive me for my emotional commentary.

By: Steve Lackmeyer

Steve Lackmeyer — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:59:16 +0000

For what it’s worth, these are all questions I asked when I once covered Oklahoma County. On most of them I could never get a straight answer except from Jim Roth, who responded county reform – home rule – needed to be passed by the legislature. County lobbyists ensured no such reform ever got beyond committee.

By: jim

jim — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:11:53 +0000

my guess is that the county didn’t do a lot of “polling” to see what their approval rating is????
There is no way this would pass, I just hope it doesn’t cloud the voters minds as it relates to MAPS 3.