9:55 PM...and the winner is (drum roll please)...Oklahoma City!

9:00 PM...with 66 precints counted, 61% for, 39% against (http://www.news9.com/global/Category.asp?c=124638)

OKC is wonderful, you have the privelege of deciding if you want an NBA team or not, if you choose 'not', would you please send the propiosal to Yuma, Arizona where it is being attempted to have the taxpayers build a 50 million dollar 'Ice Hockey arena' without a vote of the taxpayers. Did you get the statement that it is Yuma, Arizona? With an arena for ice hockey being pushed for by the powers that be? Ladies and gentlemen, the Seattle Supersonics would be most welcome in the desert southwest.

No matter how much you are against it why would you say that about your own city? You sound like a Seattle resident. Only one of them would say somethign like that. "change the name to OKC carpetbaggers".

Have the carpetbaggers won yet?

Nice Dennis. Had Porkchops myself for dinner.

Danny...yep, you are right. I had to do something with my time while I was waiting for my poke chops on the grill.

No problem. Keep 'em coming.

sorry that should have been 7:45 pm

Votes counted as of 5:00 p.m. March 4, 2008:
(18% of precincts reporting)
YES 60
NO 40

Alright, thanks Mike. Please keep up the updates.

4% of the precincts in, 58%yes,42%no, lets keep it going.

Haha Dennis you were probably waiting there, just waiting to be the one to say that. Anyway, polls are closed! Keep me updated people!

7:00 PM, the Polls are closed. And the winner is...

Great comments, Jill! You have my support and so does this proposal.

That posting by JILL has so many things wrong. Vote how you want to vote but do not spread "un truths". No NBA owner owns their team and accepts not making money, no way. All of these owners are savy business men. You said 30% of the teams do not make money. Wrong! Here is a perfect example Howard Schultz who owned the Sonics before Clay Bennet. Howards group bought the team for $200M they say they lost $18M a year for 5 years, or $90M(most people acknowledge these are always inflated) Then Howards sells to Clay for $350M, after the loses a profit of $60M or 30%. How many of you made 30% on anything over 5 years? you say Clay wants to "bring something good to Oklahoma City" then why does he need every person in OKC to pay for his building renovations and for his practice facility? Why can't he and his group pay for them "for the good of OKC"? Because they want to line their pockets at everyones expense. The problem is not Seattle's or OKCs the problem is not Clay's or the tax payers, the real problem is that the business model for the NBA is broke. As long as owners can "make money" off of the taxes, then the NBAs broken model will stay in place.

We need to attract new jobs to this area; and this arena vote won't do a damn thing. Oh wait, we live in OK

I'm done here. Virtually everyone has probably gone to the polls or is on their way. I must say, if this doesn't pass, I will be very disappointed in Oklahoma City and their shortsightedness. I see nothing good coming from failure to pass this proposal. If it passes, I see a bright future. Regardless, Eduardo, you don't have to read anything from me anymore.

During the NEXT Mayoral race in Oklahoma City, if you see a "Jill for Mayor" sign along the roadway...I put it there.

What's funny is that the tax rate in OKC with the extra penny is lower than many of the other municipalities around OKC. You naysayers are the same ones that didn't want OKC to pay for the Bass Pro Shops building that is now an attraction and puts TONS of sales tax revenue in our coffers every month.

Eduardo says, "If you voted YES you voted for improvements to be made to the FORD center at taxpayer's expense." You are free to ignore my comments, Eduardo. Of course the improvements are being made at the taxpayer's expense. So was everything else built by MAPS, so are our parks, our zoo and all public amenities. If they weren't they'd be privately owned and the person who built them would charge us enough to make back his or her expenses. No one of lower income would be able to go to a game at the Ford Center or the Redhawks Stadium, we'd have to pay to go to our parks, to the public library, etc. We, as taxpayers, choose what to build with public funds, and that includes places for leisure time activity. You Eduardo, may not go to the Ford Center, but perhaps you go to the Civic Center or a park, or the zoo. Perhaps your children use the public library. These are all built at taxpayer expense for the benefit of the community. What you consider beneficial might be different from what I consider beneficial, but I'll vote for your favorite venue because I want to support all things people in our community enjoy, whether I use them or not.

Mr. B says, "Isn't the new practice facility going to be built on the land that he owns." I don't know about you, but I have seen no information showing where the practice facility is being built. And, were that the case, do you even know that he wouldn't be donating it to the city? Don't throw out statements like that without giving us a link to back it up.

Vote yes.

Im listening to Jill because shes the one of the people making sense on this board. Yes, its at the taxpayers expense but she's right, we---THE TAXPAYERS---own the Ford Center. This is about image of our city. I travel for my work and when people ask me where I'm from I say Oklahoma City...then they ask me "whats there?" with a weird look on their faces. At that point I defend OK and tell them what a great place this really is...yet they still want to know whats there to do here. Lets show them something!
Im tired of the same small minded people keeping this state down...they do it time and again. I am an Oklahoman, born here, raised here, and I hope the good Lord sees fit to deposit me in the earth here. But we need this...stop being small minded!!!!

Don't forget ex-Mayor Humphries is conviently supporting the tax. Isn't the new practice facility going to be built on the land that he owns. So Kirk is going to be banking also.

For crying out loud Jill be quiet. You cannot make anyone see your point of view. If you voted YES you voted for improvements to be made to the FORD center at taxpayer's expense. Hell, this won't even guarantee a team. Be real. The only ones to benefit for sure on this deal are Benham Architects, the general contractor who wins the bid and anyone owning real-estate that will be used to build the practice facility. Good grief.

J says, "this is all about fat cats lining THEIR pockets at our expense." J, you might do your homework before you make statements like that. I get tired of posting the same thing, and apologize to the regular readers. People don't buy NBA teams to make money, because they probably won't make money. There are far better investments out there. When 30% of all NBA teams don't even break even every year, there's another reason to purchase the team. Can people not accept that fact that these owners might actually have bought the team to bring something good to Oklahoma City? To do something good for Oklahoma City? That's the way it looks to me. But, they've already spent almost $400 million on the team, and it will probably cost them another $100 million in fees to bring the team here. Isn't that a pretty big contribution on their part? Can we not give up 10 to 50 cents a day (most of us far closer to the ten cents than the 50 cents) for 15 months to fix up our own arena, that we as a city own? A NBA team would be a great thing for Oklahoma City, would help improve our image nationwide, would get us advertising (for free!) for our city on ESPN every night during basketball season. We'd have the chance to host playoff games and possibly even the NBA Finals or All Star game, with all the national and international attention they would bring, not to mention the money that would go to our hotels and restaurants. It's one of several things that would help enhance our downtown and make it a more interesting and vibrant place to live. A YES vote is a vote for moving forward, of keeping the momentum going for a greater city.

Very good comment Bob.You are right on.If Those cities can do it,OKC can do it.....Some people just dont wat us to move forward.I think it will pass though....Vote yes

As a former Oklahoman (grew up in Stillwater and went to OSU), who now lives in CA, I am hoping that OKC has the wisdom to approve this rather modest (certainly by CA standards!) investment in your city. I love OK and will always consider it my real home. From the perspective from afar, I can tell you that having a pro sports team does indeed embellish the image of a city. Portland is certainly no more important a city than OKC, nor is New Orleans, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and even places like Baltimore. And let's not even start on little old Green Bay in the NFL. Here in LA, we don't need the franchises, which is why there is no NFL here anymore, but we've got TONS of other diversions simply not available in most cities. The situations are not comparable. We have 2 NBA teams, 2 MLB franchises, 2 NHL teams, even a pro Soccer team, plus 2 major Universities with consistently good teams. OKC would benefit greatly from an NBA franchise, not only in monetary terms, but in a number of intangible ways. I saw the same thing happen in Charlotte when I was commuting there on a monthly basis some years back, first with the Hornets, and then the Panthers.

I just voted YES....Lets keep it going Oklahoma City.

Yes John, i think your right, most of the people who vote no are from the "Seattle Area", Is this your first time to vote. You see Johnaton the only people who can vote on this issue are those who reside in OKC, not Seattle, not Rome, not Dallas or even Bangledesh, just those from OKC.

I seem to remember David Allan Coe singing about the three famous lies a number of years ago. So far, I've heard two out of three. This is only a penny tax and you won't miss it(this will only hurt for a little bit). The whole city will benefit(your check is in the mail). If this measure passes, it will be a matter of time till we hear the third famous lie.

J, What does OSU have to do with the NBA?

Irrational fear-mongering at its finest. I voted YES and Im glad I did. Most of the vote no people are probably from the Seattle area.

Hmmm an NBA team...wow... We already have OSU and how much money does that make for US? Nothing....and how much money will the NBA make for US? Nothing... this is all about fat cats lining THEIR pockets at our expense. NOW for the big question....HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE FORD CENTER? If your answer is less than 10 then you should vote NO because you are paying for something that YOU don't use.

Vote yes.. It'll only last 15 months lol.

Well, Ray, then consider your vote cancelled out by my vote to keep the tax rate at the same level it is now and pay for these improvements.

I just got back from voting to cut our sales tax next year! A lower sales tax will really help our local economy.

Who here thinks that if we turn this tax proposal down we won't be fixing up the Ford Center in a couple of years anyway? Tulsa has a new $200 million dollar arena, Omaha has a $300 million arena complex and even Wichita is getting a $150 million arena. If you stand still, you fall behind. Oklahoma City should be competing with Kansas City to be a leader in this region, not trying to figure out how to catch up. Let's vote YES so we don't have to see the good concerts going to these cities instead of ours (the Police will be in Omaha this summer, and not here), the regional sporting events going elsewhere and by voting yes, we not only get a beautiful like new arena, but we have a superb opportunity to get an NBA team. There are only 30 NBA teams in the entire country. Kansas City, Louisville and Las Vegas are praying this tax proposal doesn't pass, so they can put the team in their new brand new arena.

Ya,these are not real polls.

I just cast my yes vote....Vote yes for a better OKC.

Those are an online poll not actual results. Kevin, the Chamber is running the campaign. I don't think it has been a big secret.

P.S. Keep in mind that this is a KOCO poll, not the actual count of votes being taken at the precincts... said respectfully.

Jeff...go to :http://cf.koco.com/okl/sh/con_surveycontest_display/displaySurveyResults.cfm?contentid=15452162&sitekey=OKL&questionum=0&answer1=0

Where are you finding the voting results? I checked their websites and their TV stations and don't see anything listed

I just checked KOCO and the vote is now 52% No, and 48% Yes...earlier it was 55% and 45%. Hopefully, the REAL votes will turn that around. Vote YES!

My no vote is in. If this passes, I guarantee you guys will regret it in 5 years.

Bill, I'm sorry to hear that you sweep floors for minimum wage. Have you considered trade school?

Who is to say that the SuperSonics will stay in OKC?

Vote yes for a better OKC.

The cushy lives of millionaires will remain cushy whether a minimum wage worker (How many do YOU know?) votes yes or no, Bill.

I personally don't want the Sonics in Oklahoma City, but I would like another NBA team someday. It's important to remember that this is a CONTINUATION of an existing tax, not adding another 1-cent to what we're already paying. I don't like to see this tax drag on either, but we have a scaled-down arena that needs what was originally intended. Vote yes!

Voting to make life cushy for millionaires seems funny when you work hard sweeping floors for minimum wage. Just about everything else in this city gets knocked down when it needs to be renovated.

I know,the younger people in this state want to grow.The blue hairs want to hold us back...Old people are funny lol Vote yes

Just got back from voting YES and I'm happy to report that all the cool kids were there and they were voting YES too. Don't be a stick in the mud outcast like Kevin. Be one of the cool kids and vote YES.

...and I was told this is from a campaign committee called "Citizens for a Big League City," and I'm sure its only incidental that it is located at the same address as the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber(Burns Hargis, Roy Williams). I thought that commercial had a familiar stench to it.

I just got back from my voting station and,out of the 20 people there,only 2 were voting no...Whoohoo!!! Vote yes guys,lets get this done.

I just voted yes and, it feels great...Lets go OKC!!!!

RE: bigger and better... Been to Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Miami, LA, Seattle, lately? Do you want that? Is there something wrong with OKC remaining a livable city? Are our traffic jams not big enough? Is our violent crime not vast enough? Do our streets not have enough potholes? Do we not have plenty of restaurants, shopping, concerts, sporting events, etc? Is Bigger really Better? NOT to me.

Vote NO! So the Sonics can sing..."we're goin to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come!!"

Sue...AKA Albert - You're freaking idiots.

Ok, so I just heard back from someone at City Hall. The funding for the Three Stooges to promote this carpetbagger deal on television came from our City Council, who apparently held a fundraiser for this effort, and received funding from 'corporate sponsors.' Hmmm. Wonder who those sponsors would be?

sue in OKC, why do the words you type seem so similar to Albert in Bethany? In fact, how many of those opinions against this proposal are simply an astro-turfing dirt bag trying to hype the no vote?

Caleb, you are aware that local gang members have taken to getting tattoos of '405' on their arms or necks? THAT's something to be proud of.

The funny part about this crap the city is offering is the fact that YOU the TAX PAYER will pay for the upgrades to the ford center and build a practice facility for bennett and the nba, then the city will work out a lease with them and continue to make money off of the lease from these buildings! In other words, the tax payer will pay for the upgrades and the city will make loads of money off of the lease from the nba,then YOU the TAX PAYER will have to spend EVEN MORE money just to get in the door to watch the game! YOU WOULD BE VERY DUMB TO DO THIS...VOTE NO!!!

Too much emphasis is being put on the NBA. Regardless of whether they come or not, we still got the Ford center for a dime and a prayer. It was a projec that almost didn't happen. Want bigger, better concerts? Want the Big XII back? How about the NCAA? These are the types of events that we stand to lose if we don't vote to make these improvments. Our facility is now 7 years old. We paid $89 million for it, when we purchased it. Tulsa is putting the final polish on a $200 million facility. Kansas City is finishing a $350 facility. Dallas has the "crown jewel" $450 facility. We compete against these three cities for concerts and other significant events. Having events means putting money in the hands of restaurant workers, parking valets, parking lot attendants, hotel staff and others whose livelihoods are aided by significant amount of traffic downtown. Having the NBA would spur further economic development and help us attract bigger, better companies to set up shop in OKC (not just call centers.) These companies have jobs. Having the NBA would also help spur more development downtown, and with that development, comes density, and with that density comes public transportation, that may of you "no" voters are clamoring to have. It's one step at a time, but this is a very significant piece of the puzzle. VOTE YES!!!!

Vote Yes! It will be great for the city. Nobody can deny MAPS has transformed the city and this will do the same.

FALSE STATEMENT "THIS WILL NOT COST YOU"! IT WILL CERTAINLY COST TAXPAYERS. CONTINUE 1 CENT SALES TAX, PROMOTION FOR THIS VOTE, PROMOTION & PROCESS TO PUT ON BALLOT, COST OF HAVING ELECTION, FURTHER PROMOTIONS IF PASSED, TRAVELING TO ACQUIRE TEAM, TAX EXEMPTIONS, ETC. WHY POLITICIANS LOSE IN FALSE STATEMENTS. OTHER "GOODIES" FOR ACQUIRING NBA TEAM,
ETC. I THINK DISCLOSURE OF ALL COSTS SHOULD BE LISTED.
WOULD BE CAUSE TO PAUSE ON THIS ISSUE.

I often wonder if those who are so vehemently against this proposal are the same who voted against MAPS. Has the one-cent tax hurt us in the 15 years it has been around? Oklahoma City is certainly becoming admired for its renaissance, and the original MAPS is a huge part of our resurgence. I urge all to vote YES on this proposal. Oklahoma City residents are too great to let an opportunity like this pass us by.

Let us show the state and the nation a little something about the 405.

How is an NBA team going to correct the countless issues with OKC? Why must we try and be like another city? We are a strong City on our own merits and have a lot to offer that other cities don't. Our real estate market is still great (foreclosures way below nat'l avg) and many other things. People are not giving OKC enough credit and are always striving to be like someone else. That may be fine for somethings but not for others. We can vote NO and still support our City.

Gary, this tax extension has nothing to do with taxes on gasoline.

Don't listen to the "woe is me" crowd who want to hold our city back. We CAN have one of the nicest arenas in the country and our first major league team. We CAN have the nicer things that larger cities have. Continue the progress we've made. Vote YES.

Aside from all else, our proprty taxes are way up thanks to the previous boom in real estate, we have roads in horrible shape and the OKC schools need help. I strongly believe that we have more important issues that spending millions of $$ on the Ford Center. The Supersonics should accept what we have or use thier own money for the improvements or let Devon or Cheasapeke have the rights to it in exchange for funding the improvements. I love this City but they don't love us.

Kevin...just to let you know, someone from the City has always replied to my e-mails. I have got to give the good folks at City Hall a big thumbs up for that.

If the tax were on hotels and restaurant revenues, I'd vote yes. But instead the tax is on the essentials - groceries, gas, etc. NBA in OKC is NOT an essential.

I apologize for the earlier post--I meant no offense to Larry, Curly, and Moe. Has anybody used the term 'carpetbagger scheme' yet? Dennis, I called the number provided, and as is typical, nobody knew anything, but they WILL get back to me. I'll be holding my breath while in line to vote(no).

Professional sports teams? Don’t believe the hype! Studies over the years always shows that professional sports teams do NOT make a major economic impact - it is a myth. And why not focus on what’s really most important for a city? Better schools, low crime, affordable housing, good business opportunities, etc.

And after the entire fiasco with past OKC school superintendent and the state of public schools, would it be better to focus on substance (better schools, etc.) than the superficial?

K Jones, yes, singlehandedly our buying a new arena for some millionaires will change our dustbowl national image. Good grief.

Vote NO OKC residents! So people in Edmond, Yukon, Bethany, Midwest City, and all those other burbs will be happy! Vote NO so Tulsa can bring in an NBA team and continue to gloat about how much better they are than OKC.

People stop and look outside the box for a minute and realize that having an NBA franchise here in this city will bring national attention to our city. Do you not think companies that are growing and thriving who might be looking for a new city to relocate or expand their business too, doesn’t something like an NBA team give us a little more exposure and possibly increase our chances for something like this to happen. And then the economic impact of having more people downtown and in brick town for at least 35 home games a year if not more that alone will bring a tremendous amount of income that the city would not have otherwise. That doesn’t even touch the topics of other events a first rate facility could help us host. So stop whining about a penny sales tax and oh our schools need more money just shut up! Because a 121 million dollar investment into the Ford center and a practice facility may seem kind of high but when you figure in all the potential income that could come our cities way the money for the schools and other city projects will come as a result of this city finally stepping up and out of the poor image we’ve had since the dust bowl!

Jennifer - Could not have said it better.

Kevin...you can contact the City at 297-2535, or send an e-mail to public.info@okc.gov to get an answer. Let us know what you find out.

Vote NO! If it benefits Downtown/Bricktown, then those hotels, businesses, and restaurants should pay for the improvements. If they were asking to extend the tax b/c SO many schools are *still* in ruins after Maps for Kids should have improved them, that would be different.

Here we have (3) mayors (2 former and our present one) pushing for more corporate welfare (trite phrase but true). Look no further than who stands to benefit the most as to who is paying for the ads

Just got back from New Hope Church and turnout seemed to be pretty steady (folks going to work, soccer moms dropping kids off at school, retirees). To all the folks that seem to be harboring some sort of resentment or envy of those with money, put aside such feelings and lets become one of the 30 cities that can claim they have an NBA team (well, 29 cities... L.A. has 2 teams). And please, don't belittle the Oklahoma millonaires that make up the investors that own the Sonics and want to move the team to OKC and call the Ford Center home. I am sure if Gaillardia had more land available we would have seen a brand new stadium in NW OKC. Ford Center is a more central location and just makes good business sense. Vote YES!

I want to know who is paying for all the air time for the three stooges to promote this fiasco!

I want to know who is paying for all the air time for the three stooges to promote this fiasco!

I want to know who is paying for all the air time for the three stooges to promote this fiasco!

As an added note..if the team gets all the proceeds, and the city pays for all upkeep and maintenance, doesn't that mean this fiasco is going to be in "the red" for the city before they even get started???

Yes Thomas..the city will own the Ford, with or without improvements..problem is, the lease agreement will give all proceeds to the NBA team, and any "big concerts" or what have you proceeds will go to the team as well...what an outstanding deal for the city...just as a side thought..if the city owns the building, and the team gets all proceeds from any and all events...who pays for the custodial staff, routine maintenance issues etc? I'ma guessin' the city(meaning you OKC taxpayers) will be footing the bill...why would I ever consider voting NO to such a great deal as that?? Vote NO and end this foolishness before it even begins......send the NBA packing before they even arrive and save a few million(or few hundred million over the next 20 years or so)....

I see in today's paper that one of the owners has a company that is making tens of millions of dollars each quarter. Why doesn't he write a check for this team if he wants it so bad?

OKC this is an opportunity that has not and likely will not come around at least in my lifetime. The facility BELONGS to the City (residents. This is tantamount to doing renovation to your home. vote yes

We're going to need that 100 Million to pay for higher gas prices!

Vote NO!!! Lower taxes and keep 100 Million dollars in the residents pockets!

Vote YES! If a city with half the population that we have (Portland, Oregon)can support an NBA team, certainly we can as well. Vote YES!

I would like to thank the little idoit campaigner who called my home last night and woke up my newborn twins all in an effort to get me, a NORMAN RESIDENT, to vote. Are the people behind this campaign that stupid? Oh, and it's not a water bill thing as I am on a well. MORON!!!!!

Oklahoma City with an NBA team will be like a mobile home or shotgun shack with a $40,000.00 "monster truck wannabe" or a pimped out Caddy in the driveway. All flash and glamour out on the road , but one visit to the " house " and everyone will know what kind of people REALLY live there ! Big league city my hiney ....

After we get this passed, would the City please start the process to incorporate Bethany, Nichols Hills, The Village, and Warr Acres into the City...no reason they shouldn't be permitted to take advantage of all we have to offer in Oklahoma City.

Albert, That is the point a city willing to pay to upgrade a building that will server many needs including the NBA, yes we will also build a practice facility that in return they will also lease from the city thus begining a return on the investment we are making as a city to prove we are ready for the big league. IF you don't want to support this it is fine you can choose to purchase your goods directly in bethany or any of the suburbs. The is the right time for OKC and a good thing for OKC. You take about the city making money as well, so should we stop subsidizing the city zoo, should we stop building parks that have pools that the public pays to get into and the city makes money off of. The city in turn re-invest that back to the city I as a taxpayer would rather see the city have a short term tax then a bond that we pay 3 to 4 time the amount due to interest and payoffs. this makes sense and I will vote yes.

J, I vote for playgrounds to be built and I do not use them. I pay for schools and hospitals to be built and I do not use them. I pay for improvements to Lake Hefner and I do not use them. Your statements do not make sense.

The funny part about this crap the city is offering is the fact that YOU the TAX PAYER will pay for the upgrades to the ford center and build a practice facility for bennett and the nba, then the city will work out a lease with them and continue to make money off of the lease from these buildings! In other words, the tax payer will pay for the upgrades and the city will make loads of money off of the lease from the nba,then YOU the TAX PAYER will have to spend EVEN MORE money just to get in the door to watch the game! YOU WOULD BE VERY DUMB TO DO THIS...VOTE NO!!!

Cant wait to see our NBA team....Vote yes

Cant wait to our NBA team....Vote yes

Vote yes Oklahoma City....