Bill Bleakley;News

It’s time to let registered independents in Oklahoma vote in the primary elections. According to the results of a recent SoonerPoll.com survey reported elsewhere in this newspaper, almost two-thirds of Oklahoma’s registered voters agree with this proposal. That includes more than half of the Republicans, nearly two-thirds of the Democrats and almost all of the […]

One of the things that makes Oklahoma City a great city is the friendliness and cordiality of its citizens. However, aside from partisan elections for political office, this MAPS election seems to have developed a particularly vitriolic tone. As the MAPS 3 election approaches this Tuesday, we must make an extra effort to be civil […]

When Oklahoma Gazette’s first issue came off the press in October 1979, Oklahoma City was a much different place than it is now. Much of the ’70s was rough on Oklahoma City. Instead of working on a rational plan of school desegregation, a recalcitrant board of education said “hell no” and got court-ordered busing. Integration […]

When Oklahoma Gazette’s first issue came off the press in October 1979, Oklahoma City was a much different place than it is now. Much of the ’70s was rough on Oklahoma City. Instead of working on a rational plan of school desegregation, a recalcitrant board of education said “hell no” and got court-ordered busing. Integration […]

The seeds of the future successes of the MAPS initiatives were planted 24 years ago in the summer of 1985. While Oklahoma City languished from an oil bust, two initiatives sought to change things for the better. First was a citizens group for in-depth public opinion polling on what voters thought were the city’s problems, […]

The seeds of the future successes of the MAPS initiatives were planted 24 years ago in the summer of 1985. While Oklahoma City languished from an oil bust, two initiatives sought to change things for the better. First was a citizens group for in-depth public opinion polling on what voters thought were the city’s problems, […]

Editor’s note: As part of Oklahoma Gazette’s 30th anniversary year celebration during 2009, we reflect on our newspaper and publishing company. This commentary discusses our focus on local content. As an Oklahoma Gazette reader, hopefully you’ve noticed our dedication to the quality of life in Central Oklahoma. We passionately strive to have a local perspective […]

At its last meeting, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board received a recommendation from its superintendent, Karl Springer, to not sell $196 million in school bonds authorized by a record margin of victory in the district’s 2007 bond election. Following the superintendent’s recommendation, board chair Kirk Humphreys recessed the meeting and held a press conference […]

On Dec. 16, the Oklahoma City Council will vote on a tax increment finance district comprised solely of the Devon Energy world headquarters complex. Since the building site, less than two city blocks, is already part of the existing Downtown/Bricktown TIF district, why create a new TIF?      There appear to be two main reasons. The […]

This year’s Gazette’s Ghouls Gone Wild Halloween parade certainly exceeded everyone’s expectations. An estimated crowd of 34,000 people, absolutely perfect weather, 75 entries and more flaming skeletons than last year made it a perfect evening to celebrate our city’s creativity, artistry and diversity. Midtown’s invitation to start the parade near St. Anthony Hospital and Plaza […]