TAHLEQUAH —
On the front page of today’s paper, you’ll find the first in what will be an ongoing series to scrutinize the sales tax Tahlequah voters passed Jan. 8.
We pledged to undertake this regular series if the understandably cautious local voters decided to take the plunge and vote for the tax. Many of you believed the three-quarter-cent sales tax was necessary if Tahlequah is to forge a new path into the future. You voted accordingly, and now, it’s our turn.
A few readers have commented that keeping a “watch” on the tax is part of our regular job – and indeed, they’re correct. But what we have in mind is something far more specific. Instead of regular but broad overviews of the various projects, we’ll be looking between the lines, reporting on the minutiae of budgets, and how key people are working behind the scenes.
We’ve undertaken such series before, and so have other newspapers. Some of this might seen boring to the average reader, but for those who are determined to keep track of how their money’s being spent, these finer details could be critical.
By now, most folks know the basic plans: street and sidewalk upgrades; completion of the sports complex, including more stuff for the kids; a cooperative project with NSU to enhance its multipurpose center into an event venue appropriate for city use; the addition of green spaces and projected walking or bicycle trails; and so much more.
As plans develop and the physical work unfolds, we’ll be on the scene when we can, talking to city employees and concerned citizens. We’ll let you know what contractors are doing the work, how much it costs, and how far along various projects have come. If there are delays or problems, we’ll let you know. If expenditures seem questionable or someone suggests a contractor may be getting an advantage from the “good ol’ boy” network, we’ll ask city officials for the scoop, and report back to you.
Our ability to get you the information will, of course, depend on city officials, and in their turn, NSU decision-makers, and the access to records. From the experience we’ve had so far with Mayor Jason Nichols and others involved, we’re confident this will not be a problem. Officials understand our part in the process, and they know about open records, and how critical it is for them to be above board in everything they do – especially when they’ve asked local citizens to contribute to the coffers.
As the developments unfold, you may have questions about different aspects of the work. If you do, drop Staff Writer Josh Newton a line, at jnewton@tahlequah dailypress.com, and he can address your issue in an upcoming installment.
Sales tax advocates have indicated to us they’re eager to keep the public in the loop, and we’ll take them at their word unless we have evidence to the contrary. It’s your job to keep yourself connected to your community. Stay tuned!
Editorials
City ‘tax watch’ begins today
- Editorials
-
-
Welcoming our visitors to town
In just a few days, visitors will be pouring into Cherokee County, as the Memorial Day weekend officially ushers in the local tourist season. For some of us, that means it’s time to batten down the hatches; for others, it’s time for the cash registers to start ringing.
-
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.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Welcoming our visitors to town
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
