Jay Cronley: Politicians learn their lesson with Vision2
BY JAY CRONLEY World Staff Columnist
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
9/11/12 at 3:54 AM
Based on public reaction to the Vision2 surprise package presented to the people - public outcry some might more accurately call it - it's obvious that City Hall got the original messages, many of which took forms like this: Forget two short months' worth of warning, or notice, never in a million years will it pass.
The back story of the countywide Vision2 proposal seemed to be: Trust us. We got this. We'll let you know where your money is going just as soon as somebody figures it out and lets us know.
The times have long passed since people conceded that politicians knew what was best for them.
If you want some money, you have to earn it with more than a brochure and a slide show and a slogan and a speech or two to an audience stacked with supporters.
The people know what's best for their own. They're out here in it. They're looking for first or second or third jobs. Not many want to be told that it is in their best interest to vote yes to create a white-water area on the big river where people can go kayaking, whatever that is.
Anybody can listen to the people; not all actually get it.
Two things caused voters immediate concerns in the surprise package:
One, the rush with which the issue was sprung.
Two, an absence of fun therein.
Priorities: Vision 2025 passed primarily because of the BOK Center, where, when you need a break from things like politics, you can go see the WNBA Shock for $10, Journey for $70, or Cirque du Soleil for $147. Carrie Underwood's top ticket price for her upcoming fall concert is $66, another reason why she is such a favorite around here.
City Hall obviously heard the initial response to Vision2. If there's one thing Internet readers and responders are one hundred and ten percent honest about, it's their dislikes.
So the mayor has listed a dozen items of high city priority, should the Vision2 windfall come through.
The first half-dozen have to do with people-friendly projects that suggest fun could be on the way - fix the river, that old standby, fix it so we can actually touch it, get in it, and develop its shoreline. Fix the zoo. Fix the parks. Fix the library.
Who doesn't like all that?
I particularly love the library and have a sticker on my car windshield to prove it.
So with this group it probably all comes down to the river.
Does denaturalizing it fix it?
One more thing: Prove it.
Original Print Headline: Politicians learn their lesson with Vision2
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