Edmond Life and Leisure - October 31, 2024

From the Publisher

Vote Bice for Congress

Election time is finally here folks and most of us will be glad when it is over. Here are some of our picks for this election but please remember that it is just “one man’s opinion” as my mentor in the newspaper business, Leland Gourley, used to say. I sure miss that old guy. He was a second dad to me.

First and foremost, we need to return Stephanie Bice to continue her work in the United States House of Representatives. Bice served us well in the state legislature and she has done an excellent job as our Congressional representative here in the 5th district.

Serving in Congress is no picnic and is full of daily frustration but Bice has handled it well folks. In a day when neither presidential candidates are well thought of, Bice is a breath of fresh air please vote for her to continue the work she does for this district. We need the help!

Return Erick Harris to the Oklahoma Legislature

Erick Harris is an excellent choice to return to State House District 39. He won and has done a fantastic job in filling this seat but will now be up for re-election for a full term. He is a former prosecutor so you know he will not be intimidated by any special interest group. Harris will fight for what he believes in and to represent the interests of his district as well as all Oklahomans.

Vote YES YES YES

The hot topic at Around the Corner Restaurant has been the GO Bond proposals for Edmond on the ballot. Folks at the popular hub around town located in downtown Edmond are heavily against the bonds but just to be honest, I am for it.

Edmond on the GO is a General Obligation (GO) Bond program that will fund the highest priority streets, parks and fire safety improvements Edmond residents expect. This will mark the first GO bond program for the City of Edmond since 1980, a historic and foundational investment if approved by voters.

The Nov. 5, 2024, ballot includes twenty-two projects in three categories - streets, parks, and fire safety. Funded by a proposed 10-year, fifteen mill levy, Edmond on the GO would generate a projected $231 million. If voters approve the bond, property taxes will increase by about $1.34 a day per household or by $40 a month per household, based on the median home value in Edmond. GO Bonds are a common funding method used by cities to address critical infrastructure needs. Edmond is the only city in the metro area that does not utilize the program.

First, a couple of suggestions from us. The discussions on social media and those against the proposals have been wrought with incorrect and bogus information. Some spread by the leadership that opposes bonds and others just from folks believing what they read on the internet which we all know is a mistake. A gentleman called me to ask if it were true that the increase in property tax would only be applied to small businesses. Hard to understand how anybody could believe such a claim. He had seen a post on social media. I looked it up and yes it was posted there. I got another call that told me the city council was going to get rich off these bonds. Folks that is not only false but just dumb.

One of my favorite myths is “Seniors will have to sell their home.” This comes from the dishonest leadership against the bonds that want to paint a picture of old folks sitting around a stove with one lump of coal trying to stay warm as your typical Edmond resident. Look around where you live and let me know if that is the case. If it is, an increase in sales tax will be just as devastating. Heck, homeowners in Edmond have enjoyed great increases in value to their home over the years. One of the main reasons is because our city has done what is needed to improve infrastructure, safety and quality of life. That is what a yes vote will get us for our money folks. Would these folks prefer decreasing home values?

If someone has started a conversation with you about the bonds with these words, “I have heard” or “They say”, discount the rest of the conversation. Over the past month we have run pages of explanations about the bonds that are fact only. Yes, we have run the advertising too, but all the news coverage has been facts and just the facts folks. We have more this week that explains the use and purpose of the GO bonds. This address will give you more factual information edmondok.gov/onthego

Improving streets is the number one concern we hear from Edmond residents. Edmond on the GO addresses that concern with 65% of the program dedicated to street improvements. City Council received project and funding recommendations from an appointed, volunteer resident task force at its August 12 meeting and voted separately to approve three items for the general election in November. The GO Bond is a smart and resourceful way to fund the city’s highest-priority streets, parks and public safety improvements.

Make no mistake, it is a tax increase but those opposed do not seem to be against a tax increase. They want to use a slow way, sales tax, to raise the money but when I put a pencil to it, the sales tax will take too long and not get these needed projects started right away. The cost of funds using a sales tax is also higher than with a property tax. It would take a sales tax high enough to move Edmond from the lowest sales tax in the area to the highest. With sales tax, the large box stores contribute nothing to the projects, they get a free ride. With property tax, either direct through property ownership or through increased rent, the out of state box stores contribute.

It really is not about folks being against the projects. The need for the projects is supported. It is also not about tax increases. Even the nay sayers on the bonds know we will have to pay more to keep Edmond in good infrastructure, safety and quality of life. The real question is how we are taxed. Any businesses person will tell you that organizations are better off with diversified revenue sources.

I am voting yes because I like to move forward and not backward. True that if they are voted down the sun will still rise the next day but having been raised by a Marine, I was taught there is no such thing as neutral. Let’s move forward! The need for the projects is undisputed. A small amount of sales tax will not let us do the projects soon enough to keep up. Let us get them done and improve our Edmond. Over the decades the leadership in Edmond has had the political will to move us forward and that is why we all moved here. Falling behind is a deep dark hole you do not want to be in as a community. Vote YES YES YES to keep Edmond a great place to live my friends. Most of all, the people will decide which is the best case scenario. Once it is done, please, go back to being friends and good community participants. There is no reason to be angry no matter which way it goes. Or, as my dad would have said, “Over the top!”

(Ray Hibbard may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)