EDMOND — These are challenging economic times across the country, and Oklahoma is no exception. Still, two recent reports show that our state has weathered the economic storm better than most, and give Oklahomans great hope for the future.
This month, Fortune magazine and CNN/Money.com ranked Oklahoma City as the best large city in which to start a new business. The report cited Oklahoma City’s favorable tax climate, affordable rents and low foreclosure rate.
That ranking comes on the heels of a report from Business Facilities magazine that ranked Tulsa No. 1 in cost of living and No. 2 in quality of life for cities with more than 500,000 residents. That magazine targets the site consultants, entrepreneurs and business executives who decide where to locate and expand businesses.
These rankings aren’t just good news for the state’s urban centers, they are good news for all of Oklahoma. Economic growth in metro areas is a boon for surrounding rural communities, and the same benefits found in Oklahoma City and Tulsa — a low cost of living, a favorable tax structure and a dedicated workforce — apply to the whole state.
Oklahoma’s star is rising. That fact is evident not only in reports and rankings, but in the announcement early this month that Tulsa soon will be home to a WNBA team that will play in the world-class BOK Center. The announcement came just as Oklahoma City readies for a second season of NBA action with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Our state has much to offer in affordable living and a tremendous quality of life. There truly is no better place to live, work and raise a family. That’s a fact that Oklahomans long have known, and the rest of the nation is starting to learn.
GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his Web site at www.governor.ok.gov.
Opinion
Oklahoma’s bright future
- Opinion
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- LETTER: Reader says incumbent's personal agenda in the way
- LETTER: Supporter says Duncan works 'with all her might'
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Income-tax phase-out would create economic boom
Oklahoma should phase out its personal income tax and replace it with nothing. No property tax increases. No sales tax increases. Nothing.
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Route 66 history, architecture has spot in hearts, minds
Cyrus Avery was a Tulsa oilman who advocated for the construction of a roadway that would run from Chicago to Los Angeles. Largely as a result of his and others’ tireless efforts, in 1926 Route 66 was officially opened.
- LETTER: Reader says Duncan’s career training makes her uniquely qualified for school board
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OTHER VIEW EDITORIAL: Stillwater NewsPress: Committee right to reject tax proposal
Oklahoma’s Senate Finance Committee was right Tuesday to reject a proposal to tax newspapers and magazines.
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LETTER: Supporter calls Duncan caring, interactive
To the Editor:
In my 43-year career as a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma I wrote many a letter of recommendation for deserving students for jobs, graduate and professional schools and scholarships. Those letters are read by busy people who have important decisions to contemplate and my belief is they ought to be brief and on point. This is such a letter. -
LETTER: Supporter applauds Duncan’s persistent dedication
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to support and endorse the re-election of Kathleen Duncan to the Edmond Board of Education next Tuesday. I’ve been an Edmond resident for the past 20 years, and because I don’t live in District 2, I cannot cast my vote for Duncan, but I do pay a considerable amount in taxes to the Edmond Public School District. -
LETTER: Duncan lends watchful eye to school district
To the Editor:
Kathleen Duncan serves tirelessly in her capacity as an Edmond Board of Education member. A former teacher, school counselor and Oklahoma County Assistant District Attorney, she has the time to go into our schools and hear the needs of teachers, students and staff. When she hears of needs, she has the time and experience to share those issues with the appropriate administrators for investigation and resolution. -
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