Tonight’s City council meeting was one of the more riveting of late. I found myself fascinated by two of the items.
The first was from Mayor LaFortune. He read a proclamation in praise of the Tulsa Police Department for the investigation and capture of Gary Graham, the accused serial rapist. Before he read the proclamation LaFortune explained the size of the group of officers standing beside him. He said, “Not every one is here…some are on duty…” At which point I thought, “Yeah, and some are on administrative leave!"
For the second item, I’m pleased to announce that despite Councilor Martinson, the council passed the TIF(Tax Increment Finance) district that will allow development of the Tulsa Hills shopping center between 71st and 81st along highway 75. Several people spoke in favor of this TIF including Commissioner Randi Miller, Darla Hall, Rick Westcott, Michael Bates, Kaye Price, and myself.
After the public comments came the council discussion. Councilor Neal got things started off by trying to delay this one more week. She suggested that this TIF go back to committee. Martinson liked that idea; he said he would feel more comfortable if it were brought back to committee. This turned out to be disingenuous as it later became clear that he had no intention of supporting this TIF. Baker also agreed that the committee format would be better.
Much to Martinson’s chagrin, Councilor Christiansen indicated his willingness to not only support the TIF but to move on it this evening. Earlier in the meeting Martinson passed a note to Christiansen. He later professed his dismay for Christiansen’s apparent reversal. I guess he thought he had him in his back pocket.
Councilor Mautino made some very good points about funnel theory. This is the idea that tax dollars funnel into Tulsa from outside the communities. However, as the surrounding communities grow the funnel moved from Tulsa to the neighboring communities. A good example of this is the shift of shoppers away from Eastland Mall in East Tulsa to Owasso. He feared that if the TIF was not passed that the same thing would happen to West Tulsa.
Councilor Henderson made some fascinating comments about North Tulsa, “I’m excided about the opportunity that West Tulsa has. I’ve always felt that West and North Tulsa are tied at the hip”. He went on to say that both North Tulsa and West Tulsa have been neglected for too long. That if this TIF failed it would send a strong message to North Tulsa that they don’t matter.
Councilor Sullivan asked “What’s wrong with asking?” He asked “Is this the way we want to spend the money”. The gallery emphatically answered his rhetorical question for him. We yelled out “YES!“ I can’t wait for his term to expire by the way.
Martinson was finally up to bat. Here are some of my notes “Blah blah blah.” He went on and on and on. Most of the stuff he was saying did not even make sense. In fact, in response to Martinson’s ramblings, I over heard Randi Miller make the following comment to an associate “This does not even make sense!”
For example, Martinson in reference to the $16.5 million TIF dollars, kept making comments about how that money could be spent in better places. “This money could be used better,” he said at one point. What money Councilor Martinson? The land in question has nothing on it. Ergo it generates no sales tax revenue. The money in question does not and will not exist without the creation of the TIF. He kept referring to the tax payer’s money, but again THERE IS NOTHING THERE!!!! Unless you live inside the TIF you aren’t a tax payer who is affected by the TIF. Only money from tax payers inside the TIF are at issue. And who “lives” inside the TIF? The developer! The one that wants the TIF, the TIF that ensures the creation of the very tax dollars that Martinson is so desperate to protect.
Both Councilor Medlock and Turner pointed out Martinson’s inconsistency when it comes to protecting the tax dollar and the tax payer. Medlock pointed out that Martinson did not blink at the passage of a 3rd Penny sales tax package that was full of fluff. Fluff like $3 million for a soccer complex. Where is the positive fiscal impact from a soccer field? Medlock said “I’d like to see some consistency from you, both politically and intellectually.” Turner pointed out that, a while back Martinson wanted the city to pay money to BOK that it didn't owe.
I wish I understood his resistance to this project. Is there more to his dissent than honest disagreement and good stewardship?
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2 comments:
Looking back on that meeting, I also find it interesting that Mayor LaFortune had no input that I know of in this TIF! Do you know where he stood? Or, did he not say? Hmmmm...
As far as Martinsen goes-when he first came in to office, he would say over and over that he was knew and needed some time and help to catch up on issues that he was not familiar with...I have no problem with that, because that's how it goes for everyone. However, it seemed to me after a couple of months he was a completely different character. Suddenly, he had all the answers because of his "accounting/auditing" background. Well, Mr. Martinsen, why have you allowed tax payer dollars to be wasted, the Mayor's 3rd penny to move on with added waste, and why did you push to put an end to the Great Plains Airlines investigation!
Selective choices based on a biased that goes along with the gob's!! Mr. Martinsen, I for one, see right through your tactics. I look forward to seeing you get taken out by the 26 year old Kirby, who has his head on way more straight than you, sir!
I'm not sure if you were apart of the gobs in the beginning...but if you weren't, it didn't take long for you to cave in to their pressure! If you were then it's clear to anyone who may have questioned it. If you weren't, it would seem to me that with all of your knowledge and education-you should've done your homework. Which reminds me...why is it okay for you to not have info you think is imperative, but if it's Mautino or Medlock, they're always out of line and ignorant to not have spent the time?
You speak out of both sides of your mouth, Mr. Martinsen!
I'm sure you'll go down in Tulsa's history books as one of the shortest Council terms in the record!
See Ya......
I don't appreciate how you've treated my Councilor, Jim Mautino! You have been very disrespectful to him and there's a lot of us who watch you on TGOV!
Steve,
I want to thank you once again for speaking in favor of the TIF to the council. This TIF is going to allow Southwest Tulsa to blossom. This project is exactly what we need to promote economic development and that is the purpose of a TIF. Councilor Martinsen came to the Southwest Chamber of Commerce earlier that morning spewing the same redoric. Kaye Price rebutted his remarks at that forum also. Kaye always does her homework and shares all her info with others so none of us bought the argument that he had to be a good steward for the tax payers. We knew this would not effect the tax payer the way he stated. Kaye said this isn't your tax money. He exclaimed "YES IT IS". I don't know who he was trying to convince. He must think that west Tulsans don't have a lick of sense. He went from one argument to another against this TIF, Cannibalization, lack of blight, and what constitutes underdeveloped. I heard Martinsen at a council meeting several weeks back ask Mr. Reynolds how many homes would be located south of this site. I told Mrs. Price that the underdeveloped area was going to be his next argument and that he was going to use the homes to argue his point. Tah Da, sure enough he did. To Mr. Martinsen I say, you are not a convincing liar and you certainly have proven this with the TIF. Also, you aren't the sharpest tack in the bucket. I can only hope that your constituents are sharper than you and vote you out of office during the general election!
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