Letters

Waiting to Inhale

Dear Editor:

Ever since our grand parents first kicked up their heels to the music of Bob Wills, the Cains Ballroom has lead the way in the Tulsa music scene. I had the pleasure of attending two musical events at the ballroom last week. I can gladly say that it is a new age and again the Cains is blazing the trail. Cains is now smoke free. Those of you who have stayed away from Tulsa's amazing music scene can enjoy the music once again. To the management of the Cains Ballroom, a heartfelt thanks for your brave lead.

It shows how much you care for the musicians who play on your great stage and for those of us who come to listen.

-Margaret Aycock

The Birds Get the Bird

Dear Editor:

It's been well publicized that the BOK Arena will open with a concert by the rock band, The Eagles. There's another group bearing a bird name also having an event downtown that same day. And the bigger drawing bird is messing on the smaller.

The Oklahoma Avicultural Society, a Tulsa-based bird club, has been serving the needs of the avian community in Eastern Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas since the late 1980s. OAS is dedicated to educating present and future bird owners, as well as, the general public, on aspects of aviculture and proper care of avian companions. To do so, it has provided a show and sale venue twice each year which draws not only from the mentioned states, but also from Texas, New Mexico, Lousiana and farther away. The "Bird Fairs" are produced on the first Saturday in March and September by volunteers in order to collect monies to fund research, rescue and education organizations, and to spread the word about the joys of birds as pets. Participants and visitors spend travel, lodging and eating dollars in the downtown area.

Maxwell Convention Center personnel had worked with this non-profit organization, affectionately called the "Bird Club," until SMG management began running the Convention Center and BOK Arena facilities. Since then, as with everything else, the rates charged for facility use have risen for each fair. When discussions began for the contract for the venue on September 6, the group was informed that prices will once again rise for the space and any amenities (i.e., tables and chairs) provided by the Convention Center.

But to add insult to injury, the members who spoke with the representatives of SMG were told that because The Eagles will be playing that evening, a $5.00 parking fee will be charged beginning at 9am....the same time the Bird Fair opens!

These Bird Fairs are the fundraising events for the OAS, and because it is a non-profit, run entirely by volunteers, and because many new members are recruited during these fairs, the cost to the "Bird Club" is incalculable.

Expenses have risen and fees to enter the Bird Fair have necessarily increased. March fair attendees voiced concern because they had to pay more for a family than they'd had to in the past. The vendors, who are small business owners, have less traffic and fewer sales.

Sure, the grand opening of this over-budget arena is necessary, and the Eagles will be a good draw. But shouldn't there be some sort of concession for the groups who utilize the Convention Center facilities which has not yet been remodeled? The OAS, and many church and other small groups, have been the only activities downtown on many a weekend in the past few years. Just because there is something finally happening, the little people who've supported the area up 'til now should not be penalized.

SMG, don't give the Bird Club the bird.

-Karen J. O'Brien

Feeling Left Out

Dear Editor:

I am angry that the Native America (Indian) is never ever included in any poll anywhere. We are as invisible now as ever! This is after all the home of the red man! Get with the program people! Wado.

-Odtte Scott

Ode to Oklahoma

Dear Editor:

I have spent a lot of time lately driving on Oklahoma's horrible roads and Tulsa's equally bad streets. I have come to a conclusion. It's time we re-write the words to our state song "Oklahoma." These new words will more accurately describe the state of our state. Here it is, hope you like it.

Oklahoma,

Where the roads are really

Quite the pain.

And the jarring streets,

Will rattle your teeth,

As you try to find a smoother lane.

Oklahoma,

Out of state folks try to drive on in

But the bumpy ridin'

Sends their dentures flyin,'

Til' they vow they'll never

Come again.

The oil money keeps rollin' in,

But alas, it's never seen again.

So when we say, yikes!

That pothole's here to stay,

We're sayin' that the roads are

A load, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma, my spine abhors,

Even one jolt more, Oklahoma!

Yahoo!

-Old Guy

Super?

Dear Editor:

I was most interested in the great detail that you exposed in the article (see "Man for the Job" in the July 31-Aug. 6, 2008, issue). I am very concerned however on a few of his quotes "on one hand the school board member is the ultimate volunteer, " I believe they are not volunteers; they are elected members of the board. "someone who implements policy and makes things happen." Pardon again I thought that was the reason and duties of the superintendent. Another interesting remark: "I want to be involved at the university level, but not for three or five years." Most interesting, another temp super.

Then the most interesting and freightening remark. He states, "I enjoy the clasroom immensely." The position of superintendent of TPS I believe will occupy his time continually and not being hired to be a classroom teacher. The entire review I believe shows that he is to be a puppet on a string being pulled by someone who possibly desires to have the position but cannot be considered at this time. It is a shame that this man thinks that he will be able to enjoy the classroom, operate t a district many times larger than any he ever handled and in general be a friend to all members of the board.

Tulsa in truth needs a complete overhaul, from superintendent since they so rudely through a non voting board or a board or group that had no business in sticking their noses into the operations of tps, the editoral staff of the Tulsa drab. Just wanted to share a few issues with you. You did a wonderful and complete story on a person whom has a great desire to help education, I believe, but also has a greater desire to be in the classroom a position which is not a part of his position as superintendent.

The interesting thing is he taught the entire board on the proper operation yet something was not working obviosly as the issues as you stated were numerouis. Why did the board allow the mass confusion and failure to follow the very policy manuals that they prepared and accepted and was made a part of every TPS school? If you are not familar with what I am referring to pick up a manual and note, ALL schools are to have the same policy. Why are some schools allowing electronics in the classroom and others following the policy. Why are some schools allowing sagging pants while others are following the policy? Why is it that this highly trained board allows the assistants in many departments to not report to them or the superintendent "ISSUES" that cause problems for the TPS system?

In closing again I want to say you did a wonderful job. I would even recommend you for superintendent if I was on the board. If you desire to copy this and give it to the board feel free to. I pray that the parties involved will pray and ask for guidance. Tulsa needs to work together for the best interest of all of the schools within TPS and for all the students regardless of their needs.

-J Patrick C.

Power of the People

Dear Editor:

Let me begin by saying, I didn't vote for Maria Barnes, because she was never available, didn't campaign, didn't come to neighborhood association meetings when invited, basically was invisible to the community, and I've known her for 10 years. Now I'm sorry I voted for you, Mr. Gomez, and I will not vote for Kathy Taylor next election either. How could you let them do this in your district, why didn't you fight for us? Why did you keep us in the dark about this? Do you honestly think you are going to be elected again? On second thought; do you even live in the district? Is this going to effect YOUR way of life? Is this going to kill YOUR property values? I'd be willing to bet not.

I live in the Crowell Heights area near 11th and Yale. I'm a first time homebuyer and I chose my property carefully, and now this. It's bad enough when the "11th Street Mail Order Brides" (hookers) bring their tricks into our neighborhood, and the apartments on 12th street bring in gangs, violence and drugs. I work at the court house and deal with the homeless 5 days a week, we can't even take lunch on the plaza because almost every place to sit has a homeless person sleeping on it. I've come in on Monday morning and the plaza is covered with trash, there's feces smeared on the walls, vomit all over, and I just pray for the weekends so I don't have to deal with it. Well, that's all going to change now, isn't it? Is there going to be added police protection in our area? Are they going to put up "no loitering" signs at Braden Park. Many families enjoy that park and I walk my dogs there regularly. But once this shelter is built, I'll never feel safe there again.

Why this location? Why not renovate one of the 36 empty buildings downtown? Oh, I digress, that would go against Queen Kathy's plan. What gives the City Council the right to dictate what will happen to the masses? The covertness of our Council is scary, you're elected officials, not a secret society. I realize the homeless have the right to a safe place to lay their heads at night, but what about my rights for the same!! The homeless also have the rights to get a job and become a productive member of society, but we mollycoddle them so much, what's their incentive?

Let me finish by saying: Please, please pull your heads out before someone sits down and breaks their neck.

-Allison