MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

Opinion

Discussion

September 23, 2012

It’s time for Muskogee to grow

Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn’s emphasis on growing our city is a strong message that requires focus and determination from us all.

Coburn told a lunch audience during his State of the City Address that Muskogee has been roughly 40,000 strong for decades.

Muskogee has so many advantages on which to build a bigger, more affluent city.

Muskogee is in the middle of the United States with access to an interstate highway system.

Muskogee has a port that can connect us to practically anywhere in the world.

Muskogee has Davis Field airport.

Muskogee is a regional health care hub.

Our city has numerous campuses for higher education. No one has to travel from our city to get a degree or technical training beyond a high school diploma.

Muskogee is within two and one-half hours of two major metropolitan cities.

Unfortunately, that might be the reason Muskogee has not grown.

Some want Muskogee to remain a small town with a community feel. Some don’t want to become a larger city and create larger city problems.

Some will say there is a group of good old boys keeping us from growing.

However, if Muskogee wants change, progress and growth, the process is within our hands.

Citizens must make their feelings well-known to their elected officials.

They must be willing to roll up their sleeves and help effect change.

The largest ovation at Coburn’s State of the City Address came as he spoke for the need for growth.

The audience at the Civic Center on Thursday made their voice heard.

Now, it’s your turn.

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