A winning proposition

Want to start an argument? Mention the issue of incentives and listen to the debate that follows.

Incentives have been around for years. One side says you’re giving away the store while the other side insists that without incentives, the store would have never been built. Truth is, incentives play a prominent role in keeping our state and communities economically competitive in a global marketplace, be it retention and expansion of existing jobs but also the attraction of new jobs. State incentive programs dealing with quality jobs and investment, aviation and historic tax credits have all played a prominent role in building Oklahoma’s job base.

Likewise, Oklahoma City through its Strategic Investment Program, established by voters in 2007, is playing a critical role by adding needed, good-paying jobs to its growing job base, which in turn has continued to stimulate the economy. Cathy O’ Conner, president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma, and her staff do as good a job as anyone in the country in leading negotiations with qualifying prospective projects whereby incentives can bring about quality private investment that leads to a lower unemployment rate.

Incentives have led to Boeing’s increased employment at Tinker Air Force Base, and most recently attracting SkyWest Airlines to build a maintenance center at Will Rogers World Airport. Incentives dealing with tax increment financing have played a major role in the remarkable rebuilding of the city’s downtown streets, traffic control, sidewalks and overall landscaping and appearance. Historic tax credits have played a prominent role in the restoration of the Skirvin Hotel, Film Row and now, along with local and private developers, the restoration of the First National Center. Also the attraction of a new major hotel to complement the city’s proposed convention center.

On Sept. 12, Oklahoma City voters will decide on a number of measures including Proposition 4, which would provide $60 million for continued economic and community development including job-creation programs. I hope Proposition 4, and all the measures on the ballot, are approved, thus allowing the capital city to continue its renaissance as one of this nation’s most vibrant cities.