THE PEOPLE SPEAK: Maybe there’s a reason for the dissatisfaction

May 10, 2008 05:35 pm

— I have a question for mayoral candidate Hershel McBride. How do you plan to enforce the all-important city codes you have helped to create?
Several businesses were forced to sell their property during the widening of York Street.
I had several discussions with you, as my city counselor at that time, to no avail. I was forced to sell to the city because my building was on a lot that would not meet the new city code because it was too small.
Imagine my surprise as one block south of where I was, at 630 N. York St., we now have several new commercial buildings on lots that are even smaller than mine was.
I am happy for these businesses but why force other businesses to move if in fact the code was not really going to exist? Can you answer that for me, Hershel?
It could explain why people are dissatisfied with the “progress” we have experienced by city government in the past.
Loren Blehm
Muskogee