The MAPS 3 Divide

By far, the most reasonable op-ed piece on the MAPS 3 election has been published by Bill Bleakley in the Oklahoma Gazette.

Bleakley, the publisher of the Gazette, notes the election rhetoric has taken on a “particularly vitriolic tone,” and he calls for civility. He writes:

As the MAPS 3 election approaches this Tuesday, we must make an extra effort to be civil to one another and, regardless of the outcome, work together in the future whether it passes or fails.

The vitriol to which Bleakley refers has definitely manifested itself within the city’s progressive community, which has been divided over whether the Maps 3 $777 million in projects represent more corporate welfare and a continuation of a regressive sales tax or yet another major initiative much needed to improve Oklahoma City’s downtown.

It’s a philosophical divide that contains logical assumptions on both sides.

Many progressives support urban renewal and downtown living while opposing the high-energy use and fragmentation caused by suburban sprawl. Maps 3, with its proposed street car system and new downtown park, can fit into this frame.

Yet progressives have also lamented regressive taxation—the seven year one-cent sales tax that will pay for the projects is regressive—and a city government that seems anti-union and dominated by corporate interests and conservative chamber of commerce dogma. Maps 3 can fit into this frame as well.

The bottom line is there are decent, intelligent people making arguments on both sides of the issue, people who genuinely care about Oklahoma City and its future.

So vote how you believe Tuesday and when the results come in let’s heed Bleakley’s advice and put aside the arguing to make Oklahoma City a great place to live, work and play.