Comments on: Nick Roberts Goes to Bat

By: BTDT

BTDT — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:53:38 +0000

When a politician is as blunt as the mayor is by saying “I don’t know if my definition of an open process will meet everyone else’s definition. But I can’t imagine there will be any shortage of citizen input” it ought to be a giant red flag wake up call to anyone and everyone who wants input and openness.

If the statement was devoid of politispeak, it might read like this:
People can offer anything they want, and will. But, we’re still going to do this my way.

By: Larry OKC

Larry OKC — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:07:01 +0000

Slim, adding to my prior post…

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-citys-bricktown-association-calls-for-openness-on-convention-center-site-selection/article/3472888?custom_click=pod_headline_business

Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Association calls for openness on convention center site selection (Oklahoman, 7/2/10)

“It will be a very open process,” Cornett said. “I don’t know if my definition of an open process will meet everyone else’s definition. But I can’t imagine there will be any shortage of citizen input.”

Shades of the open process/public input that was promised by the Mayor in selecting the MAPS 3 items? There never were any public meetings (just the Mayor’s “open door” to any citizen that wanted to make a suggestion).

On the other hand, there has been the appearance of public input (a series of Lets Talk Transit meetings) for the Streetcar routes (still very preliminary).

We can hope…

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:29:41 +0000

Matt: Boy do I hear that (IDP).

By: Larry OKC

Larry OKC — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:55:45 +0000

Slim,
As Steve alluded there may be an open public process (see the Streetcar discussions) or there may not (as the Mayor defined the public process in determining MAPS 3 items, there were no public meetings but just an “open door” policy to contact the Mayor anytime you wanted). To be on the safe side, I would do as Steve suggested and contact City Hall, then if a more public process occurs, participate that way too.

By: slackmeyer

slackmeyer — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:16:28 +0000

Slim, I’m not at all certain there will be a public process unless residents call their council members and demand that there be one.

By: Slim

Slim — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:54:30 +0000

When does public input start happening in regards to the proposed CC site?

Why is the city funding a 3rd study in regards to the proposed CC site, when two highly respected organizations have said the park site is the least desirable?

By: Steven

Steven — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:44:51 +0000

Nick, thanks for not letting them go without a fight, I used to do that a few years back when I was your age, but now don’t have the time due to other obligations. I applaud you for keeping the fight going. Don’t get caught up just being an obstructionist though, it can easily sidetrack you from the real issues. Also if you want to work in OKC, I’m sure you can find a job here, it’s just where you set your mind where you want to be.

Sounds like Mayor Mickey Mouse & David Holt have been doing some more PR tactics and political grandstanding, they’re good at it and do it well. Hopefully we’ll get rid of them both next election cycle. Mick was good in his early years, but politics have gotten to him now. Sandridge could learn from their PR tactics.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:11:20 +0000

I was particularly cranky last night. Was cranking in a year’s worth of IDP into one night and the server was running thru molasses.

On a serious note, Nick, it does take a lot of guts to get up in front of the Mayor and be poised enough to argue a point.

By: Nick Roberts

Nick Roberts — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:41:04 +0000

Oh, this is kind of embarrassing. Really didn’t want attention..keep in mind that when I finish my degree I’m just getting a job wherever one comes available. I appreciate the kind words.

I was thinking on my way back down to Norman how many fights are going on right now. Urbanists have been up against the establishment in this town a lot recently. It will be interesting to play out. In every other city on the planet where this struggle has played out, the establishment has won. Look at Robert Moses. Look at urban renewal everywhere. Look at highway lobbyists.

If we can win a single one of these dog fights it will be pretty big. SandRidge, the convention center, whatever else. The convention center is obviously still 10 years out, but these guys are going to press the issue while they can, or else we wouldn’t even go there for another 5 years. I hope that everyone that believes in downtown and growing a vibrant community will stand for what they believe in. If we can get that, we will win. OKC will win.

By: slackmeyer

slackmeyer — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:39:36 +0000

Matt, just sharing history. It happened.