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Talk About Tulsa => Development & New Businesses => Topic started by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 08:40:00 AM

Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 08:40:00 AM
It was formed to make the process easier between local governments.  This was during a time before access to online services and email.  It made the process of working with representatives from each government easier for the common man.

Today it seems to be a self-sustaining regulatory roadblock between local governments, developers and progress in general.  I believe that today if these functions were moved back to the individual governments, the process would be much more streamlined.  INCOG could function as nothing more than an online collaboration between the various jurisdictions.  This would certainly make things less expensive.

Your thoughts?
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: bacjz00 on January 16, 2008, 09:04:41 AM
I think this makes WAAAAY too much sense.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 09:33:24 AM
I think if INCOG was moved more into a neighborhood advocate role I could accept that.  I DO NOT want it made easier for developers to do and get their way.  There are SOME people at INCOG that make sure developers dot their i's and cross their t's and don't let them get away with murder.  We NEED those people.

If you let developers talk to directly to elected officials you would see some of the worst, evil development ever.  

What we DO need to do is get rid of anyone on the TMAPC board who has ANY tie to development.  They sneak their way on that board by way of mayoral appointment which I'm sure is directly proportional to how much they contribute to the mayor's campaign.  It is scary because these people will hold to the mayor's bidding.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 09:54:24 AM
Untrue, once again, inteller.

Most appointees have nothing to do with any election campaign.

Why do you feel compelled to slander?
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: Kenosha on January 16, 2008, 10:54:46 AM
You do realize that INCOG does more than just staff the TMAPC?

Transportation Planning, Environmental Services, Community Planning, Mapping... all part of INCOG's role.  The Land Development side is just the most visible portion.  The Transportation Division is responsible for planning all of our roadways and transportation alternatives.  Should we not have that be a regional function?  Can you imagine if individual cities took over that role?  We'd have haphazard, uncoordinated transportation planning.  Furthermore, millions of Federal and State dollars are funneled through the MPO as it is a requirement in order for communities to recieve them.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 12:43:29 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Kenosha

You do realize that INCOG does more than just staff the TMAPC?

Transportation Planning, Environmental Services, Community Planning, Mapping... all part of INCOG's role.  The Land Development side is just the most visible portion.  The Transportation Division is responsible for planning all of our roadways and transportation alternatives.  Should we not have that be a regional function?  Can you imagine if individual cities took over that role?  We'd have haphazard, uncoordinated transportation planning.  Furthermore, millions of Federal and State dollars are funneled through the MPO as it is a requirement in order for communities to recieve them.



Yes I do, but within INCOG, these functions are performed my members of the respective jurisdictions and municipalities.  INCOG only serves as a coordination and administrative tool.  I still feel that coordination can take place without a slow, secondary, and for the most part redundant dinosaur.  

The mapping function that they produce uses antiquated systems and software.  Most of your large development organizations and municipalities use GIS systems that include current zoning, terrain, soils, underground utilities and a host of other forms of information in a 3D navigable format.  INCOG is still producing huge maps in PDF and paper form.

These people need to be moved back into regional and state government.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: booWorld on January 16, 2008, 12:54:50 PM
On the land planning and zoning administration side of things, I'd like to see all or most of the planning for Tulsa fall to a City planning department.

And for all of my criticisms of INCOG, I must admit that there are some very good people working there.  In general, I did not appreciate the treatment I received when my property was down-zoned against my wishes.  I began to delve into the process itself, and IMO it's messed up.  Many or even most of the employees at INCOG are caught in a situation well beyond their control.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 01:49:58 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Untrue, once again, inteller.

Most appointees have nothing to do with any election campaign.

Why do you feel compelled to slander?



Keith McArtor, former chairman of Tulsa County Democratic Party, appointed by Krazy Kathy in April 2007....oh yeah there is no connection there [8)]......you tool.  

It really is ok, you aren't required to defend the cronies upstairs from you.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 02:13:10 PM
She has appointed hundreds of people to various boards and you picked one?

I went back to the list of contributors printed in the Tulsa World in 2006 and his name was not on it.

I am guessing either you are lying or just assuming that a past county democrat leader gave money to a democrat candidate for Mayor.

Most of the other posters are willing to add positively to the forum or are willing to back it up. You do neither.

Your lies and constant negativity hurt us all.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:13:54 PM
quote:
Originally posted by spoonbill

quote:
Originally posted by Kenosha

You do realize that INCOG does more than just staff the TMAPC?

Transportation Planning, Environmental Services, Community Planning, Mapping... all part of INCOG's role.  The Land Development side is just the most visible portion.  The Transportation Division is responsible for planning all of our roadways and transportation alternatives.  Should we not have that be a regional function?  Can you imagine if individual cities took over that role?  We'd have haphazard, uncoordinated transportation planning.  Furthermore, millions of Federal and State dollars are funneled through the MPO as it is a requirement in order for communities to recieve them.



Yes I do, but within INCOG, these functions are performed my members of the respective jurisdictions and municipalities.  INCOG only serves as a coordination and administrative tool.  I still feel that coordination can take place without a slow, secondary, and for the most part redundant dinosaur.  

The mapping function that they produce uses antiquated systems and software.  Most of your large development organizations and municipalities use GIS systems that include current zoning, terrain, soils, underground utilities and a host of other forms of information in a 3D navigable format.  INCOG is still producing huge maps in PDF and paper form.

These people need to be moved back into regional and state government.



oh, don't get me started on INCOG's (lacking) GIS.

The City of Owasso has a better GIS than this "county wide" organization.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:18:36 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

She has appointed hundreds of people to various boards and you picked one?

I went back to the list of contributors printed in the Tulsa World in 2006 and his name was not on it.

I am guessing either you are lying or just assuming that a past county democrat leader gave money to a democrat candidate for Mayor.

Most of the other posters are willing to add positively to the forum or are willing to back it up. You do neither.

Your lies and constant negativity hurt us all.



I'm only speaking of the TMAPC which is at the center of debate on this thread.  She has only had the opportunity to appoint 3 people to that board.  Of those 3, one is the former local Dem leader, one is a developer (homebuilder) and the other is an architect that serves many of the developers around here.  Conflicts of interest all over the place.  

There aren't enough hours in the day to discuss the back scratching appointing that has been done for other boards.  I never said anything about MONETARY contributions twit.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 02:26:05 PM
Again your facts are wrong. Do you not realize that people on this forum will call you on it?

She has appointed four people to the board so far and at least one of them doesn't fit your description.

Stop and do your homework before you call out the word "putz".
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 02:27:11 PM
Fight! Fight! Fight!


(http://jlarocco.com/images/geek_fight.jpg)
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 02:27:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

They sneak their way on that board by way of mayoral appointment which I'm sure is directly proportional to how much they contribute to the mayor's campaign.  


What other way to you mean they contribute?
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 02:41:13 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

She has appointed hundreds of people to various boards and you picked one?

I went back to the list of contributors printed in the Tulsa World in 2006 and his name was not on it.

I am guessing either you are lying or just assuming that a past county democrat leader gave money to a democrat candidate for Mayor.

Most of the other posters are willing to add positively to the forum or are willing to back it up. You do neither.

Your lies and constant negativity hurt us all.



I'm only speaking of the TMAPC which is at the center of debate on this thread.  She has only had the opportunity to appoint 3 people to that board.  Of those 3, one is the former local Dem leader, one is a developer (homebuilder) and the other is an architect that serves many of the developers around here.  Conflicts of interest all over the place.  

There aren't enough hours in the day to discuss the back scratching appointing that has been done for other boards.  I never said anything about MONETARY contributions twit.



Inteller,
It is advantageous to have members who understand planning, development and architecture at a very high degree.  It is also advantageous for these people to be successful in their communities.  Successful people usually have political ties and opinions.  This is simply part of doing business.  

I have no problem with the members of the planning commission, in fact I think the current staff is an excellent mix with some great intellectual gifts and experience.

If appointments were made to those who have no development, architecture, or engineering experience, the commission would be clown parade.  I would have to spend half my time trying to explain things to them using finger puppets.

I just think the underpinning of INCOG needs to be rethought.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:44:52 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

Again your facts are wrong. Do you not realize that people on this forum will call you on it?

She has appointed four people to the board so far and at least one of them doesn't fit your description.

Stop and do your homework before you call out the word "putz".



Oh yes you are right, I forgot about her very first appointee to TMAPC, one of KKs mid town buddies.  Cronyism at its best.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:47:31 PM
quote:
Originally posted by spoonbill

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

She has appointed hundreds of people to various boards and you picked one?

I went back to the list of contributors printed in the Tulsa World in 2006 and his name was not on it.

I am guessing either you are lying or just assuming that a past county democrat leader gave money to a democrat candidate for Mayor.

Most of the other posters are willing to add positively to the forum or are willing to back it up. You do neither.

Your lies and constant negativity hurt us all.



I'm only speaking of the TMAPC which is at the center of debate on this thread.  She has only had the opportunity to appoint 3 people to that board.  Of those 3, one is the former local Dem leader, one is a developer (homebuilder) and the other is an architect that serves many of the developers around here.  Conflicts of interest all over the place.  

There aren't enough hours in the day to discuss the back scratching appointing that has been done for other boards.  I never said anything about MONETARY contributions twit.



Inteller,
It is advantageous to have members who understand planning, development and architecture at a very high degree.  It is also advantageous for these people to be successful in their communities.  Successful people usually have political ties and opinions.  This is simply part of doing business.  

I have no problem with the members of the planning commission, in fact I think the current staff is an excellent mix with some great intellectual gifts and experience.

If appointments were made to those who have no development, architecture, or engineering experience, the commission would be clown parade.  I would have to spend half my time trying to explain things to them using finger puppets.

I just think the underpinning of INCOG needs to be rethought.



No, you CAN have smart people who understand planning AND have no ties to local developers and the mayor's office.  But that is not the case here.

AFAIK Bixby has their own planning commission, INCOG doesn't really mess with them.  Now, I'm not sure its makeup is any better than Incog's TMAPC (probably not considering the rampant cronyism around these parts) but they do seem to work autonomously from INCOG.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 02:49:24 PM
I don't think it is possible for you to be more insulting.  

You forgot?...please Inteller. You didn't know until you were questioned...either tell the truth or go away.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:52:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I don't think it is possible for you to be more insulting.  

You forgot?...please Inteller. You didn't know until you were questioned...either tell the truth or go away.



no, I was concentrating more on pure conflicts of interest, not the ever present cronyism.

you know, I sit around and chuckle when you sit there defending KK like she was the second coming.  But if getting you fired up burns a few calories then consider it free exercise.[}:)]
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: cannon_fodder on January 16, 2008, 02:52:57 PM
Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 02:57:16 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by spoonbill

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

She has appointed hundreds of people to various boards and you picked one?

I went back to the list of contributors printed in the Tulsa World in 2006 and his name was not on it.

I am guessing either you are lying or just assuming that a past county democrat leader gave money to a democrat candidate for Mayor.

Most of the other posters are willing to add positively to the forum or are willing to back it up. You do neither.

Your lies and constant negativity hurt us all.



I'm only speaking of the TMAPC which is at the center of debate on this thread.  She has only had the opportunity to appoint 3 people to that board.  Of those 3, one is the former local Dem leader, one is a developer (homebuilder) and the other is an architect that serves many of the developers around here.  Conflicts of interest all over the place.  

There aren't enough hours in the day to discuss the back scratching appointing that has been done for other boards.  I never said anything about MONETARY contributions twit.



Inteller,
It is advantageous to have members who understand planning, development and architecture at a very high degree.  It is also advantageous for these people to be successful in their communities.  Successful people usually have political ties and opinions.  This is simply part of doing business.  

I have no problem with the members of the planning commission, in fact I think the current staff is an excellent mix with some great intellectual gifts and experience.

If appointments were made to those who have no development, architecture, or engineering experience, the commission would be clown parade.  I would have to spend half my time trying to explain things to them using finger puppets.

I just think the underpinning of INCOG needs to be rethought.



No, you CAN have smart people who understand planning AND have no ties to local developers and the mayor's office.  But that is not the case here.

AFAIK Bixby has their own planning commission, INCOG doesn't really mess with them.  Now, I'm not sure its makeup is any better than Incog's TMAPC (probably not considering the rampant cronyism around these parts) but they do seem to work autonomously from INCOG.



To have people who understand planning and have no ties to development means, to appoint strictly academics (you know, those that can't do).

I would love to see this, just for the entertainment value.

Let me restate that, I've seen it attempted before, in other jurisdictions, and it is hilarious.  They constantly attempt to validate themselves and make their marks on each development with absolutely no experience in the matter.  Ultimately they all return to the safety of the academic environment.

It's fun to watch them bog down in the menushia and spend all of their time making new formats for submittal, new forms, and stationary.  On a California project I even saw an 8 page document on how to fold the plans for submittal in accordion format.

It would be good for a laugh though.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 02:59:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.



Come on Canon!  I love this guy!  He makes us all look smart!
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 02:59:10 PM
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.



I've already said, there are plenty of level headed people who understand planning and development issues who don't have a connection to developers or the mayor's office around here.  Hell, I bet some of them have probably even submitted their applications to be on that board.  I think Bates did, or had at least expressed an interest in the past.

And really, at the end of the day this committee largely just rubber stamps the methodical examination that the REAL planners back at INCOG do.  It is only when overt overruling of a logical conclusion by the planners brings to light the conflict of interest issues.

And then one will say "well those people can just abstain from voting on a conflicting issue"  Fine, but if they are having to abstain all the time because they have their fingers in everything around Tulsa, how can you have a fully impartial vote on the TMAPC?  Every time someone with a conflict of interest abstains, someone else's vote just got that much more powerful.

So bottom line, take the mayor out of the appointment process, and screen the backgrounds of all applications for development ties.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: RecycleMichael on January 16, 2008, 03:05:39 PM
So your answer is to appoint people who actively campaign against you?

Please Inteller.

If you don't know what you are saying, it is hard to know when to stop. Now is that time.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 03:08:36 PM
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael

So your answer is to appoint people who actively campaign against you?

Please Inteller.

If you don't know what you are saying, it is hard to know when to stop. Now is that time.



no, read above.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 03:11:03 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.



I've already said, there are plenty of level headed people who understand planning and development issues who don't have a connection to developers or the mayor's office around here.  Hell, I bet some of them have probably even submitted their applications to be on that board.  I think Bates did, or had at least expressed an interest in the past.

And really, at the end of the day this committee largely just rubber stamps the methodical examination that the REAL planners back at INCOG do.  It is only when overt overruling of a logical conclusion by the planners brings to light the conflict of interest issues.

And then one will say "well those people can just abstain from voting on a conflicting issue"  Fine, but if they are having to abstain all the time because they have their fingers in everything around Tulsa, how can you have a fully impartial vote on the TMAPC?  Every time someone with a conflict of interest abstains, someone else's vote just got that much more powerful.

So bottom line, take the mayor out of the appointment process, and screen the backgrounds of all applications for development ties.



Rubber stamps?  You obviously have no experience with them.

I was going to continue, but it's pointless.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: inteller on January 16, 2008, 03:14:37 PM
quote:
Originally posted by spoonbill

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.



I've already said, there are plenty of level headed people who understand planning and development issues who don't have a connection to developers or the mayor's office around here.  Hell, I bet some of them have probably even submitted their applications to be on that board.  I think Bates did, or had at least expressed an interest in the past.

And really, at the end of the day this committee largely just rubber stamps the methodical examination that the REAL planners back at INCOG do.  It is only when overt overruling of a logical conclusion by the planners brings to light the conflict of interest issues.

And then one will say "well those people can just abstain from voting on a conflicting issue"  Fine, but if they are having to abstain all the time because they have their fingers in everything around Tulsa, how can you have a fully impartial vote on the TMAPC?  Every time someone with a conflict of interest abstains, someone else's vote just got that much more powerful.

So bottom line, take the mayor out of the appointment process, and screen the backgrounds of all applications for development ties.



Rubber stamps?  You obviously have no experience with them.

I was going to continue, but it's pointless.




have you ever been to a technical committee meeting?  That is where the nuts and bolts of development are taken care of.  What comes out of those meetings is largely what is acted upon by TMAPC.  As well as TMAPC meetings are held to allow the public a feeble voice against the development juggernaut.
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 03:20:09 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by spoonbill

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Who would you have on the "Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission?"  It seems developers and architects should be well represented on the board.  Who would you want on it - people that are stoutly anti-development?  That wouldn't make much sense now would it.

What qualified individual is not either a democrat, involved with development/construction/design, living in midtown, or a supporter of the mayor?  Seems like you removed about 65% of the city in one swoop - then try looking for a qualified candidate and I'm confident your search would be a long and difficult one.

Maybe you are not familiar with the makeup of professional boards - they are usually made up of people related to the area they are governing.  That way, they know what they are talking about.  It wouldn't make a lot of sense to staff the board with account managers from SemGroup (or wherever) who know nothing about development.  

Not too mention, if she staffed the board with a bunch of people not related to the industry you'd be *****ing about that.  Do everyone a favor and try to limit yourself to complaining about things you actually have justification for.  I too grow tired of your constant negative fluff.



I've already said, there are plenty of level headed people who understand planning and development issues who don't have a connection to developers or the mayor's office around here.  Hell, I bet some of them have probably even submitted their applications to be on that board.  I think Bates did, or had at least expressed an interest in the past.

And really, at the end of the day this committee largely just rubber stamps the methodical examination that the REAL planners back at INCOG do.  It is only when overt overruling of a logical conclusion by the planners brings to light the conflict of interest issues.

And then one will say "well those people can just abstain from voting on a conflicting issue"  Fine, but if they are having to abstain all the time because they have their fingers in everything around Tulsa, how can you have a fully impartial vote on the TMAPC?  Every time someone with a conflict of interest abstains, someone else's vote just got that much more powerful.

So bottom line, take the mayor out of the appointment process, and screen the backgrounds of all applications for development ties.



Rubber stamps?  You obviously have no experience with them.

I was going to continue, but it's pointless.




have you ever been to a technical committee meeting?  That is where the nuts and bolts of development are taken care of.  What comes out of those meetings is largely what is acted upon by TMAPC.  As well as TMAPC meetings are held to allow the public a feeble voice against the development juggernaut.



Please check the front of your computer for the following sticker.

(http://home.mnet-online.de/reger24/fundstuecke-1/intel-inside-idiot-outside.jpg)
Title: Is INCOG still a necessary evil?
Post by: spoonbill on January 16, 2008, 03:22:42 PM
Sorry, that was inappropriate.  I have attended several TEC ADV meetings.  It is part of the process, and it is imparitive that the members of the Planning Commission understand what is being debated.