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?

No Tax, and NO FAIR

No tax and NO FAIR.

Is anybody going to the fair this year? I’m not and I’ll tell you why. I don’t appreciate a certain County leader (Chairman Miller) using strong armed tactics to force a long standing business out of our city so their buddies can have no competition. Furthermore, I don't appreciate said leader (Chairman Miller, hey, Chairman Mao used strong armed tactics, so the name fits for her) thinking she can decide which business stay and which go, as if we are her little playthings. As much as I hate conspiracy theories, KOTV did a revealing story showing the connections between contributions to Randi Miller and the Bell’s eviction. They also showed documentation that Murphy Bros, who runs the Midway at the fair was allowed to sign a sweetheart deal with no competitive bidding whatsoever. I remember Bell’s as a kid and it sickens me my daughter will not be able to spend time there like I did when I was her age. Bottom line, I’m excursing my freedom of choice and not giving the fair my $$$. (Gee, I am able to be pro choice and not kill any babies, talk about cool!)

As for the River tax, I will be voting a resounding NO Tuesday for the simple reason I believe we are overtaxed. Any person who will do the research can see this for themselves. Why should hard working Tulsans pay for the extras for our city when our streets are in such bad shape and our crime is out of control? I can think of better ways our city could spend our money. No right thinking person is against river development but why should the citizens of Tulsa pay for something the private sector should be paying for themselves. And if I hear one more commercial about how it’s for the children, I’ll throw up. I’m voting no for MY child so myself and her when she’s older will not be saddled an unnecessary debt.

One more thing to ponder when you pull that lever, remember, the plans are not fully developed, so think long and hard whether you trust Chairman Miller with what amounts to a blank check. Any doubt? Remember Bells.

Also remember, it’s YOUR money, not the city’s. Only by holding them accountable will we be able to turn this city around and restore it to the great city it is meant to be.