Jim Curd Jr.

Dear Editor-

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As we’ve brought information to the community on the upcoming GO bond issue this coming March 6 th ,

some of the most pointed comments regarding primarily the Parks and Recreation proposal have been:

Why was the Tower Green Project not parted out for a separate vote? Are the projects essential? What

are we doing about JOBS? With the recent loss of 135 jobs, this seems fresh upon people’s mind, despite

the many good things happening in our community.

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For many years I’ve represented and believed that these projects, originally in a grouping called the 5 for

5, five projects for $5 million dollars, needed to been done together as a group. I have always believed

that the power and impact of these projects was in the package as opposed to parting them out over

the years. I believe all the projects as essential to Bartlesville. This grouping will undeniably assist us in

our quest to better compete for young professionals choosing where to live, attracting companies to

locate or expand here, attracting visitors and greatly improve upon the lives of those that have chosen

to live here. This proposal will help us to bring jobs to this community

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In the past 20 years we’ve addressed many other important needs in our bond issues, despite our park

and strategic plans having long ago determined and expressed the immediate need for projects like

these in the proposal. While this approach seemed sensible at the time, it was unbalanced and left these

specific needs behind. It has not served us well and why we find ourselves needing all of these projects.

These projects are noted throughout our community based plans and studies alongside our recent

successful efforts to better maintain our parks, expand retail, improve downtown, develop more

housing and continue to improve our quality schools. They are not pet projects but a part of broad

vision, supported by many, and these projects will continue our efforts to elevate our community and

level the playing field more to our advantage.

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All too often we’ve seen young professionals choosing to work here and live in communities to our

south and It’s obvious in these neighboring communities, that have fulfilled similar visions for

themselves, that these elements and projects work. They create growth, provide new destinations,

create events and provide for youth sports tournaments within the community, collectively helping raise

additional sales tax revenues. Projects coordinated in this manner are in fact vital in helping attract

companies, young professional and visitors. The grouping provides impact, drives stability, growth and

value. Separated, it creates uncertainty and provides little benefit.

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We are in a fierce competition with nearby cities for jobs, residents and visitors and I believe as many

others do, that bringing good jobs to our community is the most essential thing we can be doing for

Bartlesville. Now though, it’s your choose and your YES vote on March 6th for all 4 bond proposals we’ll

help transform Bartlesville to a far more desirable choice for future companies, young professionals and

visitors to reside and visit going forward.

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I urge you to vote YES on March 6 th . Help move Bartlesville forward. Vote 4 Bartlesville. The Power is

truly in the Package.

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Signed, James Curd Ward 3 City Council