Letter to the Editor: Drilling for facts

By Randy Farran, Tulsa - 11/3/2009


I'm afraid that the Tulsa World was remiss in mentioning one fact in its story about moving home plate from the old Drillers stadium to the new one — using a helicopter, no less ("Now It's Home" Oct. 27).

Exactly how much did this photo op cost? It seems especially relevant since it was reported on the same day that 21 policemen were let go (and ironically two police helicopters were mothballed). Now I realize that whatever it cost, it wouldn't have kept one of those hard-working men or women employed, but it might have at least repaired a couple potholes in our streets.

I have an offer to make the city. If there is any more sports equipment they might need moving (and would fit in my Toyota) I'll do it for, oh, say $50. Oh, wait. I'd have to go downtown. Make it $75.

Seriously though, whoever thought up this shameful publicity stunt should be fired. Immediately. That might get us one policeman back.

Editor's note: Kim MacLeod, spokeswoman for the city, said that although Mayor Kathy Taylor took part in the event, no city money was spent on it. The event, including the helicopter, was arranged by the Tulsa Drillers.







Letters to the editor are encouraged. Each letter must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be a maximum of 250 words to be considered for publication and may be edited for length, style and grammar. Letters should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Tulsa World, Box 1770, Tulsa, Okla., 74102, or send e-mail to letters@tulsaworld.com.



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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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Hijinx, (11/3/2009 6:30:24 AM)
Well then Randy, maybe you can get the Drillers to come fix your pothole.

Dr. Strangelove, Tulsa (11/3/2009 6:32:09 AM)
I thought it was cool.

Eagle 4, Tulsa (11/3/2009 7:08:26 AM)
Yeah, THAT bucket of water I didn't want to see going over the Falls! Drats. Hey, let's hurry up and get to the Greater Depression so we can ALL be miserable. Randy, STRIKE THREE! Sit down and put a hot dog in it.

bruinsooner, (11/3/2009 7:35:32 AM)
Yes, it was cool to have the homeplate ceremony. But the editor's comment got me siding with Randy more than the Drillers on this one. A helicopter was extravagant for the Drillers when considering how the project is being paid. The new business "building" of the Drillers is being paid for by the area businesses located near the new stadium downtown. Why do sports franchises get the taxpayers or other businesses to pay for their building?

jett rink, (11/3/2009 7:40:09 AM)
"Why do sports franchises get the taxpayers or other businesses to pay for their building" It's called corporate welfare...an example of socialism for a wealthy business owner...

cant_stop_jack, five (11/3/2009 8:23:32 AM)
It's called the government creating private jobs, idiots. You all complain when there are no jobs, when the government does nothing, when they do something, when jobs are created, when they are cut and when my cat fluffy takes a dump. Stop bellyaching about jobs being created. It is called INVESTMENT. Ever heard of that word? INVESTMENT.

DBJohn, Tulsa (11/3/2009 9:01:24 AM)
Good letter!

Ric, Broken Arrow (11/3/2009 9:22:23 AM)
I think he meant well, and if it had beem city dollars used his point would have been a homer.

psychedelikrelik, Tulsa (11/3/2009 10:58:24 AM)
Well, so much for knowing from whence you speak before you show your @ $ $.

bruinsooner, (11/3/2009 12:44:39 PM)
Cant stop-I have owned and managed my own business for 35 years. I did not get the taxpayers or adjacent restaurants to invest in it. My wife and I sacrificed at the beginning. More recent investments have been made by the business. The Drillers and other sports franchises across the nation regularly hold the taxpayers hostage. They are money-making; why not fund their own expansion/relocations?

bruinsooner, (11/3/2009 12:47:14 PM)
Good letter by Randy. He signed his name; the rest of have, and are entitled to, our own opinions but are hiding behind our screen names. Thanks for writing, Randy.

Skyhawk, Downtown Tulsa (11/3/2009 4:33:13 PM)
This town is, oh so, comical. Its like the only way they would have heard of a symphony orchestra is by watching Tom and Jerry. "Badges? We don't need no stinken badges!"

Thunder196, Tulsa (11/3/2009 7:47:24 PM)
Oh well if Kim said it, I'm sure it has to be true.

Elusive, the burbs (11/3/2009 7:50:34 PM)
Good letter Randy, I'd like to see all of them riding in the back of your truck too.

IrishQuaker, Tulsa (11/3/2009 10:47:25 PM)
Well. Well. Good to see the TW set the record straight. As far as sports franchises taking tax payers on the slide: don't forget, the way that GWB made his fortune was through taking advantage of texas taxpayers when the Rangers built their new stadium. Maybe Lamson should run for president.

Tulsaboyw, tulsa (11/5/2009 9:46:46 AM)
This wasnt about creating jobs. Saying that about moving the 'team' downtown is a fake jobs deal. WHen one creates jobs that are very temp at most the jobs are often a joke and often not even local labor. As its since it was private $$ that paid for it.. all comments are irrelevant on this.



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