MAPS 3 Concerns
Doug Loudenback is one of the city’s leading bloggers. Not only has he closely followed the MAPS campaign and implementation, but he was also active in the study sessions on the downtown streetcar system. And as I post this link, I must fully disclose I am caught in between two people I respect, admire, and with whom I share a great passion for this city’s history. The three of us have dined together, shared laughs and a few rants.
To read all of Doug’s post, go here. The video above clearly consumed much of Doug’s time and effort, and he obviously feels very strongly that things are threatening to go off track.
All I will say on this matter is don’t be surprised if there are more issues ahead. We know that one council seat, Ward 2, will be filled with a new face who may or may not decide to abide by his predecessor’s promises (the MAPS 3 resolution, unlike previous MAPS initiatives, is non-binding). We also know that two other seats held by incumbents Meg Salyer and Pat Ryan are being challenged by individuals who may have different views on several of the MAPS 3 items.
At the end of the day it’s important to note that regardless of his likability, his promises on the campaign trail, etc., Mick Cornett may discover himself in an uncomfortable position held much more often by his predecessors Kirk Humphreys and Ron Norick: he is one of nine votes.
It’s not as if this should have been a surprise to anybody. Let the butchering of the steer begin.
Thank you for joining our conversation on OKC Central. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.
Comments
As you can see in the completed article, after making some additional comments on January 4 which were similar to those on December 21, he backed off of the remarks somewhat reluctantly on January 18: “I too think that we will come to a solution that will make us all satisfied, under the circumstances, that we have the best that we can get. Again, I say, under the circumstances.” Those video clips are in the article, also.
However, by then, the damage was done. Inadvertently, I am sure, he played into the hands of the Tea Party people.
Please note that I have a very high regard for Pete and that has not changed. On these occasions, however, I think that he was wrong (because the time for project debate was before, not after the election) and foolish since he has given reason to doubt that the city will keep its promises and made comments that plays into the hands of those who actually would attempt to change what the public was orally promised, even if he has backed off himself.
The way the MAPS3 ballot initiative was phrased was indeed disconcerting. My greatest fear is that, because it is so broad, politicians will find it hard to resist the temptation to grab for the money and use it for very different purposes.
This is really disconcerting. I get that the old guy is hesitant about spending 20 million a mile for a train in downtown where the majority of people don’t live right now. But in all sense, putting in a rail system is as much about growing the inner-city, economic stimulation, and becoming more progressive and appealing to young professionals as it is about moving people from point a to point b. Not trying to stereotype, but the bus system is overwhelmingly used by people with very limited means to get around. It’s current condition offers no one with a car an equal alternative to getting around.
Installing a light rail with a permanence in the city would be a catalyst to changing to perception of people living in OKC. This maps project is only a start. God knows that 6 miles of rail in the largest land mass city in the country is not the final result. But as energy prices continue to rise, and urbanization becomes more and more prevalent to suburban scrawl, OKC must be at the forefront to remain on this awesome wave we have ridden for the past 2 decades