A Bubble Off Plumb

There was an interesting topic on social media recently on what residents love, want to change and dislike about Watonga.

Most respondents wanted more education about Watonga history and what is great about the town. For instance, Clarence Nash. He made a name for himself as the voice of Donald Duck and a whole lot of other Disney characters. Some said he didn’t really live here for long, but there are old articles from when he went around to the schools as an adult, so his association with Watonga must have meant something to him. The town can’t risk the ire of Father Walt and use the likeness of Mr. Duck, but those people are right, we should celebrate that association.

Others wanted a wider variety of eating establishments. I can see that. More businesses small and large. More jobs.

Many wanted lower utility costs and sales taxes. I’d like that too, but we were told when the town halls were held that increased sales taxes would not meet the full costs of the water infrastructure improvements. And no one has been able to explain why in state-tostate comparisons, Oklahoma – not just Watonga -- has higher utility rates than many others. It beats the devil out of me why.

I did a little checking around and found out the average utility bill in Oklahoma City for a 950 square foot apartment is about $200. That doesn’t count water, sewer, gas or garbage. Just power. For a two-bedroom apartment.

But here’s the thing. Nothing is going down. Not food, not rent, cars, fuel, not power or the cost to build. The average home price in the U.S. is $495,100. That’s from the Census Bureau and HUD. The average cost in Oklahoma is $199,378.

So, if someone could come to a place where there are good schools and purchase a brand new home for $150,000, within driving distance of the city, that is attractive.

Is our town perfectly clean? No. People, me included, must do more to keep their homes up, be they owners or renters. Does Main Street need help? You bet. But how can an owner be forced to stop using former commercial real estate for a storage depot? It is a sticky wicket, balancing the needs of the community with the rights of property owners.

But blaming everything on the costs to live here and the city government has got to stop. Costs are a pain in the pants, but aren’t the issue. The issue is value for the money, quality of life for the money.

So upgrading small parks in residential neighborhoods helps. Town wide cleanup days help. Working together to beautify downtown helps. Planning events that bring people to town and add value helps.

First, though, is civil discourse. The ability to ask questions and find solutions is a very good place to start. I was very pleased to see it and hope there is more where that came from. When the discussion is not adversarial, but looks for remedies to local problems, we all benefit.