MAPS3 Supporters, Opposition Go Door to Door in Oklahoma City

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The last minute push to get out the vote for MAPS 3 is in full swing, and both sides of the MAPS debate have been hitting the streets.

Saturday morning, volunteers were suited up and stacked on the signs ready to push the message on the MAPS3 initiative. The election is just a few days away and people like Greg Sadler said they are ready to go.

"I'm just helping the MAPS program, kind of getting the word out so everyone votes and hopefully that'll pass," Sadler said.

Some MAPS3 supporters are also getting an extra incentive for going door to door. Sadler's with The Oklahoma publishing company, also known as OPUBCO, gets a paid vacation day for volunteering.

"It's great because it allows you to give time to something you believe in as well as fulfill your job obligations too," Sadler said.

On the north side of town, student volunteer Hunter Ligon was also campaigning for MAPS3.

"I think that whenever you think about our future or our kids future, I think it's kind of strange how some people will be against it. I question maybe their vision or foresight because some say it's not the right time for it, but when really there's no better time," Ligon said.

About 50 opponents with NOT THIS MAPS hit the streets Saturday as well with the message that it isn't the right time for MAPS3.

"If MAPS has done that for this community then why did we lose public safety personnel over the last 16 years? Instead it should have, if it was the economic engine they claim it was, it should have provided a lot more funding to actually put firefighters and police officers in the street and it's done exactly the opposite of that," said Phil Sipe, President of Firefighters local 157.

OPUBCO, the parent company of The Oklahoman isn't the only metro company throwing support behind MAPS3. Chesapeake is giving its employees paid volunteer opportunities for campaigning for as well.