The clock is ticking on the upcoming river tax vote. The latest News On 6 Oklahoma Poll shows passing the tax will still be an upstream battle. The yes vote is trailing, but both sides will need to
Sunday, October 7th 2007, 9:31 pm
By: News On 6
The clock is ticking on the upcoming river tax vote. The latest News On 6 Oklahoma Poll shows passing the tax will still be an upstream battle. The yes vote is trailing, but both sides will need to win over undecided voters to gain a majority. The News On 6’s Joshua Brakhage reports in the final days of the campaign, both sides are focusing on the little things to win the race.
Those involved with both campaigns laced up their walking shoes over the weekend to sell their stance to voters face to face.
"We have a grassroots movement with a little bit of money, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, people going door-to-door, people communicating one-on-one," said river opponent Julia Prokopis.
She says a new tax won't solve the county's problems.
"When your city's falling apart, you don't go put a playground in,†said Prokopis.
Others share her view.
"I just think it's a waste of time and a waste of money and I don't think the city is going to benefit that much from it,†river opponent Morrell Pace said.
Those against the tax proposal for development of the Arkansas River say some voters are getting the message.
"The nice thing about this, I will have to say, it has brought people from all over this county together,†said Julia Prokopis.
Across Tulsa, two women of opposite political parties now stand shoulder-to-shoulder to win over voters for the river development cause.
"You should vote yes because this is really a defining moment for Tulsa. We have the opportunity after 80 years to develop the river,†said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.
Tulsa’s mayor and Tulsa County Commissioner Randi Miller are among those embracing the river plan and trying to convince others to vote yes.
"We got just three more days until the most crucial vote in the last decade for Tulsa. It really is about the future,†said campaign volunteer Ryan Bowling.
Polls suggest it really is about who gets out and votes on Tuesday.
Both campaigns hope every hand they shake means one more vote in their column.
The campaigns aren't just running out of time. They're also running out of yard signs. Those against the proposal had to go to the dump to collect used signs for voters on their side.
The vote on river development is set for October 9. For complete coverage of the River Vote, click here.