Vision 2025 supporters declare victory

Wednesday, September 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

"It's a new day for Tulsa and Tulsa County." Saying it is a pivotal moment in Tulsa's history, Mayor Bill LaFortune declared victory for all four propositions of the Vision tax proposal.

LaFortune says the tax increase will improve Tulsa's chances of landing Boeing's new 7E7 assembly plant, which would mean 1,200 jobs. "This is a huge boost. As I said all along, we remain very competitive with the Boeing race. If this had not passed, we would fall out of that competition."

Supporters of the tax proposal say voters are sending a positive signal to businesses across the country that Tulsa is willing to invest in itself. Mayor Richard Carter of Broken Arrow "You'll see development in so many areas, quality of life will improve, large and small companies will come into the community and stay here." That includes American Airlines. $22.3-million in Vision tax money will be used to help the airline with capital improvements, equipment and training. It's hoped the incentives will convince American to keep its Tulsa maintenance facility open.

The county will begin collecting the additional one-penny sales tax on January 1st.