Tulsa Go!

Went to a real interesting meeting this afternoon. Got called a "Hired Gun."
For the first time in my memory the Tulsa Chamber, the City of Tulsa and INCOG came together to compare programs. All three programs were about the same in terms of issues to be supported or opposed. The Chamber had called in all of the lobbyists, contract and otherwise to discuss issues and cooperation. Here is what I took away. The new Chamber guy Mike Neal is on the right track, kind of a Clyde Cole track, in that involvement rather than preaching, is probably a better way. Whether or not he can really "Involve" his members up and down the Turnpike and on a daily or weekly basis in Oklahoma City is problematical. The second thing that I took away is that, as usual, there were few specifics. Turnbo tried to focus on the "Money" or the "Ask"as I would put it, i.e. How much money does Tulsa really want in education, healthcare, roads, and good works? This is insightful, even for Turnbo. Get a dollar figure, go for it and then divide the spoils.
The healthcare part was very in teresting. Richard Boone laid out the continual problem of indigent care, and referenced the need for a "Provider Tax" or whatever it is called now. In keeping with collegiality and getting along, the lobbyist representing the the "For Profit Hospitals" just passed the microphone to the next guy. My read - A provider tax is dead. The Tulsa "Not for Prfofits" don't work together and we are missing soooo much federal match that it is criminal!
Finally, you can't do much without focus and commitment. There were only a couple of issues that had real focus and the commitment remains to be seen. If one belivies that the health care issue in Tulsa is being addressed seriously and in a committed way then Heck! Or BS! Nobody even mentioned going after funds for the Community Hospital Authority. Nevertheless,
this was a good start and committing corporate and public lobbyists, through their owners is maybe a good idea. What about bringing in the gorillas? Boren, Smidley or whomever, Larry Williams, the VoTech and TCC. Really get organized and get two or three issues, put the dollar sign on it and bring the money back to Tulsa .