Tahlequah —
Where do you see Tahlequah in the next five years? The next 10? And why should you care?
If Tahlequah is your home, you should care about how its history unfolds. And you should be especially concerned if you plan to raise your children here, and see your grandchildren among the local population.
Over the years, many local residents have expressed regret that their children move away when grown. They wonder why can’t we coax in some light industry or cutting-edge business concern that will keep young people from leaving for perceived “greener pastures.”
To be sure, we have Northeastern State University and the Cherokee Nation, as well as a dozen or so other major employers. But while these entities are crucial for the survival of this area, they aren’t quite enough to ensure robust economic growth well into the next few decades. That type of development requires a skilled and productive work force, but it also calls for a strong infrastructure – like good streets, a network of sidewalks, inviting public spaces, adequate venues for gatherings, and a mixture of facilities for entertainment and other diversions, like sporting events and concerts. Perhaps, one day, an indoor aquatics facility like Muskogee has.
Tahlequah does boast some fine public parks. But even the most avid fan of this city would admit other facets could use improvement – that is, if we’re to attract the kind of commercial interests that will secure our future.
Those projects will cost money, of course, and that’s why Mayor Jason Nichols and the four city councilors are looking for public input on a capital improvement proposal. Nichols has collected a number of suggestions on his Facebook page and elsewhere, but he’s also scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Armory Municipal Center, 100 N. Water Ave.
At this point, officials are thinking about asking city voters to approve a 3/4-cent sales tax to fund potential projects. This would essentially replace the 1/4-cent tax that just went off the books, plus add another 1/2 cent to the lineup.
We can almost hear the gasps of disbelief, and the comments: “A tax? Right now? During these tough economic times?” City officials know that will be the reaction, and that’s why they want your input and your opinions. They want to know not only what projects citizens would like to see on the drawing board, but which of those projects they deem worthy a bit more tax money.
For some people, no undertaking will be worth even the most minuscule tax hike – and considering how people have been deceived over the years by politicians at every level, who could blame them? Other folks, though, might be willing to entertain a new tax – perhaps not as high as 3/4 cent, and not for just any proposal. But for certain projects, maybe – and maybe even “yes.”
If you have a vested interest in Tahlequah, attend Tuesday night’s meeting, and let your voice be heard. In the long run, you might not get exactly what you want, but you can at least be confident this particular set of officials is going to listen to what you have to say.
Editorials
Get involved in city’s future
- Editorials
-
-
Phone record debacle an insult to press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
-
Punishing the animal dumpers
Animal dumping is not a problem unique to Cherokee County, but anyone who’s been keeping up with current events for the past decade or so will acknowledge it’s especially prevalent here.
-
Openness on AG the right course
It takes courage to admit to a serious mistake or a personal lapse, especially when the nature of the situation may call for a public mea culpa.
-
Legislative action not encouraging
It’s outrageous to advance the argument that it’s “fair” for Chesapeake Oil to wind up with a negative tax bill – lower than the average Oklahoman paid last year. Yet that’s precisely the message some of that company’s protectors in the state Legislature are trying to convey.
-
Cast your ballot for ‘At Its Best’
May has arrived, and that means folks will be relishing their upcoming trips over the Memorial Day weekend to Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River. Before that, families with 12th-graders in their households will be making plans to watch their children make the monumental transition that graduation brings.
-
Corporations shouldn’t have ‘people’ status
Since the Supreme Court made its fateful 2010 decision in the Citizens United case, most Americans have come to agree with the cynical statement that “corporations aren’t people.” And most Americans – except that tiny fraction who wield all the power – would approve of a constitutional amendment to make it tougher to buy a congressman.
-
Anti-texting bill still needs look
A bill that would have banned texting while driving was shot down for the third and presumably final time this legislative session, and we can’t say we’re surprised.
-
Red Fern a great family fun event
By the time many of you read this, you’ll already be just hours away from milling around, or kicking back in your lawn chairs, at Norris Park. Some of you might already be downtown before your paper arrives.
-
Progress set to print Sunday
Sporadic readers will want to pick up a copy of the Sunday, April 21 Daily Press. It will contain the first “wave” of our annual Progress edition.
-
Faking ‘evidence’ hurts their case
Sometimes activists, in their determined attempts to advance cherished causes, can do more harm than good. That’s what could be happening in the case of the pit bulldog killed with an arrow by a local high school student.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Phone record debacle an insult to press
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
