Friday, July 4, 2008

Something's Fishy at 21st and Yale

It has been revealed there are some not so honest dealings at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

Let's take Big Splash. No so long ago they flunked the safety inspection. When ordered to fix rotting wood on their water slide, they did not. No eviction. Now we learn they are (or were till they supposedly paid up) one year behind on their rent. In fact, the rent check was held at the bottom of homebody's desk. Again, no eviction.

Compare the treatment Bell's Amusement Park received. For no good reason, County Commissioner Randi Miller, with the help of the Fair Board, gave this family owned business a very hasty boot. So fast, in fact, Bell's was unable to take some of the park inventory. Nor was it able to say goodbye to legions of Tulsans (this blogster included) who have many memories of spending childhood summer days at Bells.

It's upsetting really. Randi and her fair board buddies have not given a satisfactory answer as to the double standards employed. I do not know why Bell's was forced to leave, seeing they had credit enough to purchase a new ride while Big Splash, who was a year behind in rent until a day or two ago, is allowed to stay.

Since Randi won't answer Tulsa's questions, I guess we need to follow the money. Big Splash is owned by Murphy Bros. Murphy Brothers also gave at least $5,000 to candidate Randi Miller as an election contribution. This same Murphy Bros. was allowed to sign an exclusive non competitive contract with the fair.

Am I too paranoid when I say it sounds like Bell's was evicted because they were too much competition with the Murphy Brothers run fair?

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