New organization, 'Citizens for a Better Vision,' speaks out against Vision2

TULSA - Less than a month away from the vote on Vision2, a group of voters is speaking out against the proposed tax extension.

The group -- "Citizens for a Better Vision" -- held a press conference Monday afternoon at Tulsa City Hall, voicing displeasure with the plan, which they believe was hurried through council and fails to offer important details.

Vision2 is a $748 million extension of Vision2025. Of the total proposal, $158 million would go to the city of Tulsa; the remainder would go to other communities in Tulsa County.

"Citizens for a Better Vision" says their goal is to make sure the public is fully educated about the proposal on which they're voting.

Former councilor Maria Barnes said she voted for Vision 2025 but thinks leaders are moving too quickly to push the extension.

"They shouldn't be in this much of a hurry," she said. "It failed once before and they brought it back and they took their time with it. They got people involved and it passed and that’s what they need to do. If they really want this to pass give it some time and get people involved in this."

Supporters of Vision2 say the money is needed to save jobs. Vision2 Co-Chair Don Walker said Monday any negative publicity around the plan comes from "historic naysayers."

“It’s clear that the opposition has little to do with Vision2, but has become a platform for historic naysayers, many of whom led the dysfunctional city council we had in recent years or are in pursuit of a political office," Walker said. "It’s sad to me that personal politics has caused these folks to jeopardize thousands of Tulsa County jobs, put our public safety at risk, and stop much needed improvements to our county's infrastructure."

Tulsa County Commissioner for District 2 Karen Keith said voters have had enough time to decided this is a needed plan.

"They do only have a month to decide and I think it's plenty of time for them to decide this works for me or doesn’t," she said. "Everyone really needs to educate themselves and look at the projects and determine does this do what we think it will do."

Keith said supporters include the business community.

"A lot in the business community understand how important it is for us to maintain our infrastructure to maintain those jobs, to move forward with issues that are quality of life," she said.