Oklahoma City Mayor is Very Optimistic About City's Future

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett gave his "State of the City" address Wednesday at the Cox Convention Center.

In his address, the mayor detailed changes on the way. He discussed the direction of Oklahoma City and the Chamber's major strategic objectives for 2010.

"Compared to other cities, we're still in a very enviable position," Cornett said.

The mayor said even though Oklahoma City's unemployment rate is slightly above 6 percent, it still ranks as one of the lowest in the country.

"I think 2010 is going to be a year of recovery, and it'll take maybe the best part of the year to get on the right track. Once it does, our economy is going to take off like never before," Cornett said.

A survey taken by taxpayers three years ago suggested how to make Oklahoma City a better place, and today, a majority part of those results from more schools, transit, improving the river, having a sports arena and a permanent major league team have become reality. However, one suggestion didn't quite make the cut.

"How many of you want free downtown parking," Cornett asked the crowd at the Convention Center Wednesday. "You people drive me nuts. Truth is we have lots of parking, and we're building more and lot of it is free. It's never going to all be free."

All in all, the Mayor admitted that our city is facing funding problems, but he offered and optimistic vision for the future.

"The passage of MAPS 3 will give us more confidence in the future of our economy than any federal stimulus or bailout package ever could," Cornett said.

The Mayor added how long Oklahoma City will be in these tough times depends on how long the recession lasts, but he said he believes no other city in this country has weathered this economic slowdown better than we have

The address follows Tuesday's December sales tax revenue report from the state Capitol. Collections were down again coming in nearly $180 million under estimates for December. That means state agencies will continue its 10 percent budget cuts.

State Treasurer Scott Meacham said state leaders have their work cut out for them.

Governor Brad Henry said state leaders are making good progress in their budget discussions.

They hope to reach a plan before the regular session begins next month.