If You Don't Tell the Whole Truth, Is It a Lie?
If you are a part of the Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce, it is.
I spent lunch on Wednesday with an employee of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. She was there to talk about the upcoming election on the river tax, which takes place on October 9.
She talked about how a "yes" vote would result in a multi-billion dollar impact on the Tulsa economy. She said that a "yes" vote would create 10,000 jobs. And she said that if Tulsa voted no, it was an indication that people do not care. She said that organizations like the George Kaiser Foundation were waiting to donate money to riverside development to see how the vote goes.
I was so angry I could barely contain myself.
I asked her some pointed questions.
My first question was this: "Is it true that the current river development in Jenks, which is wildly popular and financially successful, was built with no tax increase at all?" Her answer: "Yes."
My second question: "Is it true that the majority of the 10,000 jobs she is speaking about are low paying construction jobs, which will only last until the low water dams are complete?" Her answer: "Yes."
My third question: "If Tulsa votes down this sales tax increase, is it true that the commercial developers will still be allowed to build shops, restaurants, and condos along the river?" Her answer: "Yes."
My fourth question: "Isn't it true that the George Kaiser Foundation has already donated $20 million to enhance trails in the Riverparks area, and that work has already begun on these developments?" Her answer: "Yes."
The people who are promoting this tax are not telling the whole truth.
--The economic development they are promoting will occur with or without the tax.
--The only thing the tax will pay for are the low water dams that will keep water in the river.
The Tulsa Metro Chamber of Commerce, the news media, and county officials seem intent on NOT telling the citizens of Tulsa County all the facts. They want us to know only part of the facts.
>>The chamber employee I met with said (as she laughed) that they are telling people, "Vote NO on October 10!" Of course, the election takes place on October 9. They don't care about the democratic process, or about the will of the people. They only want to win.
>>Developers are anxious to build on the banks of the river. They have been for years. And as soon as the vote is over on October 9, whether the measure passes or fails, they will begin the process of developing the area. The only question is, will they have an extra $300 million in taxpayer funds to spend on it.
>>When the developments are complete, and the restaurants are open, Tulsans will support this development through their patronage of these establishments. Contrary to what the lady from the Chamber said, Tulsa does care about this city's future. Open some restaurants, and you will see what I mean.
Tulsa officials, tell your citizens the whole truth, not just the part you want us to hear. Anything less than the whole truth is nothing but a lie.
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