Love Letters/ Hate Mail

Thanks a Lot

(In response to "A Court's Dozen" in the May 13-19 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly)

Dear Editor:

On behalf of ATC and the cast & crew of 12 Angry Men, thank you Ms. Wall for the wonderful review. Also we wish to thank everybody who came to see the show -- we couldn't do what we do without you. Tulsa-area theatre is alive and well at the PAC -- come see what you might be missing.

-Juror #10 (and I'm really not racist)

Play Fair

(In response to "Food Fight" in the April 29-May 5 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly)

I like these mobile vendors around town. Gonzales has his permits, business and health dept. license, pays his sales tax AND he didn't just set up shop anywhere. He rents his space, too, just as a restaurant in a strip mall does. There is no difference between the two. Competition is good.

-Sara Yost

Staying Mobile

Dear Editor:

Greetings! I am a regular passenger on Tulsa Transit's bus lines. I am a single mother who is active in the community. In past years, I have used Tulsa Transit as a student and as transportation to/between jobs. I now have two chronic pain conditions, requiring medication that prevents me from driving.

In addition to the daily trips that are part of everyone's lives, I need public transportation to sustain my quality of life. Besides seeing my regular doctor, I see five other specialists in the Tulsa area alone, plus lab tests, pharmacy trips, etc. Tulsa Transit's services are vital to sustaining my health, to caring for my elementary-aged daughter, to maintaining my connections with family and friends, and to continuing to live independently.

A common misconception is that Tulsa Transit's passengers are only "the down and out."

With increased services, Tulsa Transit could become a favored mode of transportation for more constituents, starting in these tough economic times. (It's a lot less expensive car payment(s), car insurance, gasoline, maintenance and repair cost, et al.)

Every major U.S. city I have visited has a quality public transit system. Mass transit is integral to thriving cities and several small towns. There are established professionals who live and die in these cities without ever needing to drive. A quality transit system increases economic viability, air quality, road quality and tourism. The City of Tulsa is missing out on a prime marketing opportunity by sacrificing nearly one-third of Tulsa Transit's funding. Wouldn't it be nice for our city not to be the second-worst in the country for asthma sufferers (It's not just the trees)?

For our roads to be repaired and suffer less degradation over time - instead of being a joke amongst travelers?

It is my understanding that Tulsa Transit suffered a 28 percent reduction in its support from City of Tulsa. I realize the economy has slumped, and that the federal stimulus program and other grant monies are presently keeping Tulsa Transit's current level of services afloat.

Tulsa Transit is in need of more bus lines to fill the gaps in services (long wait times, Southside/BA lines severely lacking, more LIFT buses, nighttime services practically non-existent), and more employees, and newer, more-efficient buses -- in order to provide the level of access to professional and educational opportunities needed for Tulsa's citizens, and to provide increased access for citizens and tourists to dining, nightlife, retail, worship, and other area attractions.

It is my sincere hope that the City of Tulsa will be able to restore, and, in the not-too-far future, increase funding and initiatives for our transit system. As a Tulsa native, I love this city, and would like to see quality mass transit become part of our economic development and revitalization.

-Brandy Stoner