Critics Want Letter on MAPS3 Support Site Removed

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Yes for Maps coalition has launched a new Web site called MapsFacts.org, but a letter on the site has caused controversy among MAPS3 critics.

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce CEO Roy Williams said MapsFacts.org was launched to provide the latest information of MAPS3 and to break down MAPS3 myths.

But James Moore, an attorney that represents Oklahoma City's Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123, said one posting on the site does just the opposite and gives a "fake impression."

A letter written by Moore is now posted on MapsFacts.org. Part of the letter that is dated November 10, 2009 stated, "The FOP is willing to get on board with MAPS3 if a couple of things can be done. First, the current contract needs to be disengaged from any Maps proposals."

Read James Moore's Letter

MAPSFacts.org states "the union opposition to MAPS3 is entirely about further leverage in current and future contract negotiations."

"The FOP didn't ask for any money in this contract. To go to all this length and expense and trouble of opposing MAPS3 just to get a six month contract that has no additional money in it doesn't make sense at all. The contract and MAPS are two separate issues. That's what my letter was about," Moore said. "The city was the first to link the two issues. My letter was just a response to the city manager's proposal."

Read Oklahoma City Manager Jim Couch's proposal

Moore said he wants the posting and his letter to be removed from the MapsFacts.org site, but that is unlikely to happen.

"If people think we misinterpreted it, so be it, but I think when you read it you're going to interpret it the way we did," Williams said.

Moore's letter to the city also indicated the union wanted a guarantee of additional officers for their MAPS3 support. The police union maintains it is a separate issue from their contract negotiations, which have already been sent to a third party to hash out.