The Edmond Sun

Letters to the Editor

May 25, 2012

Official: Aerospace incentives benefit Edmond

Tulsa — To the Editor:

In recent months, some at the state Capitol and out on the campaign trial  have questioned the economic stimulus seen in Oklahoma as a result of state tax incentives meant to attract new high-paying jobs to Oklahoma in the aerospace industry. As chairman of The State Chamber’s Aerospace Committee, I can tell you with authority that in fact, the incentives have benefited the state of Oklahoma, and the City of Edmond specifically, more than those credits cost the state.

Last year, Boeing announced the relocation of 550 high-paying jobs from California to Oklahoma. Have no doubt that many of those relocating have looked or will be looking at Edmond as a potential place to live and raise their family. These California transplants will buy homes in Edmond, shop in Edmond stores, send their children to Edmond schools and drive on Edmond roads. They will become invested in their new community, and Edmond will be the better for it.

It is easy to dismiss tax incentives as a corporate handout without knowing all the facts. But I have seen the effects of these credits play out in real life business decisions, and I can say the economic packages offered in varying states do matter when it comes to the relocation and retention of jobs and investment. We want these high-paying aerospace jobs here in Oklahoma. We want the people relocating to choose Edmond to put down roots. Without the aerospace tax incentive, that wouldn’t be possible.

 

Steve Hendrickson

Tulsa

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Letters to the Editor
  • Senators give criminals a pass

    Oklahoma’s U.S. Sens. Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe were among 45 senators who recently helped block a sensible measure to reduce gun violence. Specifically, they voted down a measure to expand background checks for gun buyers — a step favored by 86 percent of Americans, according to recent polls. Our senators were not even asked to vote for tougher measures like bans on military-type assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, also favored by 56 percent of Americans, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.

    May 8, 2013

  • LETTER: Senators give criminals a pass

    To the Editor:
    Oklahoma’s U.S. Sens. Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe were among 45 senators who recently helped block a sensible measure to reduce gun violence. Specifically, they voted down a measure to expand background checks for gun buyers — a step favored by 86 percent of Americans, according to recent polls. Our senators were not even asked to vote for tougher measures like bans on military-type assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, also favored by 56 percent of Americans, according to a Quinnipiac University poll.
    By opposing background checks for gun buyers, Sens. Coburn and Inhofe voted in favor of allowing the mentally ill and criminals to buy guns! They call it “Second Amendment” rights. I call it cash for their campaigns from the gun lobby.

    May 8, 2013

  • LETTER: Postal carriers seek to ‘Stamp out Hunger’

    To the Editor:
    On Saturday, help your letter carrier “Stamp Out Hunger” by leaving canned food donations by your mailbox. In Edmond, donations benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s partner agencies HOPE Center of Edmond, Route 66 Project and Edmond Grace Fellowship. This effort is part of the 21st annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, which is the largest one-day food drive in America.

    May 6, 2013

  • LETTER: Unanswered prayer leads to lower taxes, honorable policy makers

    To the Editor:
    In a recent column, Oklahoma Rep. Jason Murphy (“How a no vote solved gas tax problem,” The Edmond Sun, April 30, 2013) commended the wise and educated voters of Oklahoma for seeing through the 2005 fuel tax increase and demanding more action of our state policy makers. With the recent work of our elected officials, along with the Department of Transportation, our roads and bridges have seen much improvement during the past couple of years.

    May 6, 2013

  • LETTER: Senate bills will help veterans living in centers

    To the Editor:
    I just viewed a short video done by Brig. Gen. Steve Ritchie who recounts the rescue of downed Vietnam pilot RogerLocher in April 1972. Ritchie said that Loche’s rescue was the farthest behind enemy lines and superceded all air operations that day.

    March 29, 2013

  • LETTER: President: OneNet saves UCO money

    To the Editor:
    Discussion continues in The Edmond Sun publications regarding upgrading and consolidating information technology resources in state government. While I respect the viewpoint that has been expressed so far, certain facts should be taken into consideration that directly affect the University of Central Oklahoma and the 17,000 students we serve.

    March 25, 2013

  • Bond debt not an unpardonable sin

    Is Oklahoma bond indebtedness for Oklahoma infrastructure an unpardonable sin? No! Rep. Jason Murphey wrote a good op ed dealing with what he bemoans as oppressive state bond debt. He calculates each Oklahoman owes $649 in state debt. He and the rest of the ultra-fiscal conservatives can’t bring themselves to support bonds to pay for the state Capitol repairs, building a medical examiner’s office or other legitimate capital expenditures. So using his logic I decided to apply that thinking to my personal and business life.

    March 4, 2013

  • Senate bill potentially denies women’s rights

    Once again, our state Legislature is moving toward passage of another bill that will not stand up to a court challenge because it is contrary to federal law. It also follows the pattern of many of these failed laws in that it attempts to limit the choices women have in our state.

    March 1, 2013

  • Edmond’s state senators and representatives can do their part to help the economy

    To the Editor:
    Enclosed below is a list of things that I as a citizen believe to be important for the upcoming session.

    February 22, 2013

  • Remembering good friends

    To the Editor,
    I would like to tell the wonderful people of Edmond that we have lost someone very special to us.

    February 22, 2013