Letters to the editor: Monday, February 4, 2008

I've never voted against a sales tax increase or a school bond issue. I'm always for helping our police and fire departments, schools and other worthwhile functions. But I will vote against the 1-cent sales tax for the Ford Center improvements. All of us are being asked to pay for something that would involve only a small percentage of residents. Those who are not interested in professional basketball or who couldn't afford a ticket would still be paying for them.

What bothers me most is the argument that the tax is needed "if we are to be a first-class city.” I thought we were already a first-class city! I respect and am thankful for the mayor, city council and other leaders, for what they do to manage and improve Oklahoma City. However, this isn't Chicago, Miami or Los Angeles. This is Oklahoma City, a city that's just about the right size.

City leaders need to find another way to accomplish these improvements.

B.J. Thorne, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City's temporary sales tax of 15 years ago lives on! First we were taxed to build the Ford Center for $92 million. Now we're being asked to pay a tax for $121 million worth of improvements to Ford Center in order to lure the Seattle SuperSonics. If the team can't draw the revenue in the more affluent, larger Seattle market, it won't here either.

Ford Center is great and supposedly was a bargain, so it should be generating a profit and therefore help pay for its own remodeling. The idea that we shouldn't have hotel guests or ticket buyers pay anything for the update on Ford Center is ridiculous. If the center is to benefit us, that should be measured by just those two items.

James England, Warr Acres

Oklahoma City announces a $3 million operating budget cut due to revenue shortfalls at the same time the city wants to raise $100 million to improve the Ford Center with tile floors, luxury suites and a new facade. Leaders also want to add another $20 million building to the city inventory in the form of a basketball practice center. Take a drive by the old police headquarters and see all the broken out and boarded up windows in that city building. Something's wrong with our priorities!

Let's vote no on the Ford Center upgrade until we figure out how to maintain what we already own. The current economic situation will probably result in more revenue shortfalls. Will it take longer than 15 months to raise the Ford Center money? Will the temporary sales tax be extended again until construction cost overruns and revenue shortfalls are covered?

Ray Sears, Oklahoma City

This presidential election is probably the most important in many years — and not for the fact that a black or a woman might be chosen. More important is the fact that due to the aging of our Supreme Court justices, the next president could possibly appoint four new justices. This could change America for many years to come, with either a liberal or conservative court. I hope everyone considers how important this election is to our future.

Jim Tusing, Oklahoma City

Oklahoma students who are now 14 years old will be able to vote in the 2012 election cycle. These young Oklahomans should let political powers know that they're watching and, when allowed, they will vote their mind. 18-year-olds, who will vote for first time this November, should speak their mind and vote their thoughts and beliefs. Not voting is a vote for giving up their rights, thoughts and beliefs. The young of this state should be an important voting bloc who exercises their freedom. They can make a difference if they don't vote.

Bob White, Piedmont