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PrintYou, part 2
The results on Election Day depend on your vote.
A couple of months ago, I wrote a column endorsing “you” for the next mayor of Tulsa. Of course, this was all very tongue in cheek, but I meant what I said. The basic premise was that no matter who wins on Election Day, the ultimate fate of downtown Tulsa and all of this promise we are seeing really depends on you.
Since the writing of that piece, a few people have mentioned it to me. Some saw it as some kind of “pie in the sky” idealism, while others seemed to really get it. But the most important thing to happen over these past weeks has been the numerous town halls, forums and debates in which the three of the final four candidates (Adelson, Bartlett and Perkins) have participated. I’ve watched, listened and read as much as I can to be as informed as humanly possible.
Aside from talk of zoning (yawn), taxes, education (not really a city function) and streets, downtown does seem to come up often in these gatherings. And what I have come away with — novice that I am — is that none of these candidates would really do anything good or bad for downtown. They talk a good game.
The much-debated PlaniTulsa comes up often and in great depth. But don’t be fooled or worried.
The fate of downtown’s resurgence as the most vital part of our city does not lie in the hands of these men. Thank goodness for that.
Oh, yeah: Don’t forget to vote on Nov. 10. But if you just have to miss it, a good excuse might be applying for a small-business loan.
