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VISION 2025 Article by Albro Daniel

Reasons to Say NO, Again, to Vision 2025 

On September 9, Tulsa County voters have an important and difficult decision to make. Citizens are told by various organizations that support of Vision 2025 is good for Tulsa. But is it really good for Tulsa or for a few select individuals and organizations?

The first two propositions propose corporate welfare to help create jobs in Tulsa. But receiving money that does not come from effective management and earned profits is wrong. Boeing recently lost $1 billion in future rocket business from the federal government as punishment because they were stealing secrets from a rival company. American Airlines wants our money to remain competitive. Artificially propping up a company through corporate welfare is not good for the economy.

It might appear beneficial in the short-term but long-term it might prevent important innovation and change in the industry. Discount carriers are not losing money and increasing their business share. Maybe American needs to change it’s business plan, not receive unearned money from Tulsans.

The second proposition involves funding for educational, health care and event facilities. If the various universities feel they need new accommodations then they should fund raise for these projects like every other private and public university. If they can convince enough people to voluntarily give money to their cause then, and only then, should it be built.

Money for improvements to the convention center is also wrong. There’s already a brand-new convention center built from private voluntary funds. It didn’t have to steal money from the taxpayer and neither should any other facility just because its downtown.

The fourth proposition wants money for capital improvements. They want new community centers in various cities. However, there already are community centers. They’re called restaurants, movie theaters, service clubhouses, etc. that were built by voluntary private funds, not money added on top of your grocery bill. Other tax money will go toward expanding “community enrichment” centers. But shouldn’t these be allowed to develop naturally? Money for expansion will come if people want to visit these centers and through effective management of income.

The bottom line is that taxes should never be used to enhance the economy. Unintended consequences usually occur and ordinary citizens are left cleaning up the mess. If a community is ready for capital improvements they will occur naturally through the private sector and flourish or die based on their merits.

Please vote no on September 9 and show that Tulsans want true growth and accountability.