So, let's pretend for a moment that Oklahoma City is a person, a slightly troubled person with plenty of flaws. As the new year rolls around, Oklahoma City is on a pursuit of self-improvement and begins to lay out possibilities for that all-important New Year's Resolution.
Where does Oklahoma City need to focus its efforts? The mid-section? That bad smoking habit? How about career? Yeah, there's a little bit of all of that.
Here are Oklahoma City's top 2010 New Year's Resolutions for itself...
Where does Oklahoma City need to focus its efforts? The mid-section? That bad smoking habit? How about career? Yeah, there's a little bit of all of that.
Here are Oklahoma City's top 2010 New Year's Resolutions for itself...
Hit the Health Issues
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Now, this sounds like a traditional New Year's Resolution, doesn't it? Well, it's also quite necessary. Health issues continue to plague Oklahoma City, as well as the rest of the state, and only do harm. In the past couple of years, we've been named one of the most unfit cities in the nation, the 8th most obese by Forbes and the 17th fattest by Men's Fitness Magazine. OKC also struggles with a smoking rate that is far too high. New cigarette tax laws and restaurant bans have helped people quit smoking and Mayor Cornett's city on a diet plan has made strides, and we must continue the effort with vigor.
Keep the Focus on Education
The state of Oklahoma has made some progress in the area of public education, but the picture isn't always good. So there's much to be done. MAPS for Kids will slowly begin to have a positive impact on the city, but all areas of possible improvement must be examined. Many people have different ideas politically about how best to accomplish a goal including teacher pay raises, merit pay, longer school year, etc. Frankly, all should be explored. Oklahoma will have a new state superintendent in 2010, the first change since Sandy Garrett took over in 1990, so education's direction in the new year is critical.
Expand the Technological Horizons
There's no doubt Oklahoma is an energy-based economy. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with that, the state and Oklahoma City need to continue to expand into more technological areas. On a large level, economic benefits from the recent high energy prices can be used to expand industries with great potential. Meteorology and Medical Research are two good examples. On a smaller level, OKC residents should consider the future benefits of a technology background. It's all about opening doors.
Be Thunder-Struck
It finally happened. After months, if not years of NBA confusion, 2007 saw the official arrival of our very own Oklahoma City Thunder. It is an absolutely tremendous step for our fair city. Even though we have the team now, OKC still has much to prove. It's imperative that we all rally around the team and its players, regardless of their shortcomings, and represent Oklahoma City on a national scale.
Don't Rest in Bricktown
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Great things have certainly been done in Bricktown over the last couple of decades, probably so much more than many had even dreamed. In just a few short years, it has already become one of the city's top tourist attractions. But there's still plenty to do. Bricktown needs more shopping and commercial establishments, the Oklahoma River will be improved, and citizen concerns must continue to be addressed. As they say in business, if you're not moving forward, you're moving backward.
But Not Just Bricktown
Photo by Hedrich Blessing
Let's not forget the rest of the city. MAPS 3 is focused on downtown in a lot of ways, but beautifying and structural improvements are necessary in a number of areas around Oklahoma City. A facelift on some of the areas that haven't seen the best of days lately will make the city better all-around, and it will further expand the growing renaissance in OKC. While there's nothing wrong with a focus on the metro's central areas, there are plenty of others on which to concentrate as well.
Keep on Giving
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Oklahoma City must always remember to stay humble. We've seen devastation around the country from natural disasters, horrific tragedies and senseless violence. Oklahoma City has a unique perspective on strength in the face of hardship, and we should show that through our assistance. Despite any economic difficulties, we must continue to be one of the most charitable states in the next year and step up to help all those affected by turmoils of life.
Be a Bit More Persuasive
Both the state and Oklahoma City need to continue the effort to make this an appealing place of residence and business from an economic standpoint. We have a low cost of living and favorable corporate tax laws, and OKC has been immune to many of the difficulties plaguing other areas of the country. For example, we've been named one of the best cities for jobs by Forbes. We should be as persuasive as possible with companies looking to relocate.
Spread the Word
© Adam Knapp, Licensed to About.com, Inc.
While it may be considered somewhat arrogant to speak constantly of one's positive attributes, we are after all talking about a city and not a person. Therefore, bragging isn't only tolerated, it's downright expected. The NBA and all of the metro improvements in recent years have drastically enhanced our reputation and visibility on a national scale. Let's keep it up. Oklahoma City is worthy of being on the national radar, and we need to continue to sing our own praises, encourage OKC's visibility in entertainment and work to dispel the myths and misconceptions about Oklahoma. Up the efforts on tourism, and spread the word about all the things OKC has to offer.
