Monday, May 5, 2008; Posted: 4:40 p.m. (CDT)
Oklahoma City -- A crucial vote for Tinker Air Force Base takes place in eight days and officials are using every opportunity to educate voters. The countywide election will determine if Oklahoma County can purchase the vacant GM building and lease it to Tinker. Monday, officials told a chamber of commerce group how the move would help. KSBI-TV's Kealey McIntire has more.
May 13, 2008, could shape the future of Tinker Air Force Base. If Oklahoma County voters say yes to the $55 million bond issue, work currently taking place in several buildings will all take place in the GM building.
Col. Evan Miller, Director of Plans and Programs at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, told a group they have plans in case the bond is not approved, but a yes vote would immensely help.
"It certainly would help make us more efficient and effective and that's certainly what we try to do in each case, whether we're given the opportunity to use the facility or whether we have to press on with current plans," says Miller.
Miller explained how consolidating different kinds of work would up efficiency through reducing travel time between the buildings. He also says the GM facility is more energy efficient.
"Many of the buildings we operate out of are old warehouses that are less efficient, much more difficult to heat and cool. So we see some real potential with utility saving," says Miller.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce asked Tinker officials to talk to a group at a luncheon Monday. Kirk Humphreys, Chamber Vice Chair of Aviation and Aerospace, says educating potential voters is their way of showing support.
"It's really going to make Tinker more productive, more efficient, more economical, more competitive. That will safeguard Tinker and help it grow and that's why it's important to us," says Humphreys.
Humphreys says a yes vote would help Tinker if the Air Force decides to close more bases. Col. Miller says the GM building would help them up efficiency, which in turn will help them better complete their mission.
"Certainly that's all bounded by our ability to support the war fighter and make sure that we can do what we're required to do and support our nation," says Miller.
Four other issues will be on the May 13 ballot. More than $10 million would be used for county courthouse renovations, nearly $6 million would go toward county record retention, more than $7 million would go toward building a new facility for the county cooperative extension service and $6 million would be used for natural hazard mitigation and flood relief.
The items are separate, meaning you can vote yes for one and no for another.
