GAPS consists of much more than one entity
09/02/2012 GAPS consists of much more than one entity
A recent blog I read referenced “GAPS/ADA”. I’m not sure where that idea comes from, but it is totally incorrect. So, who is GAPS?
Yes, ADA members are involved in GAPS. But so are City Commissioners, County Commissioners, School Board members, University Center Board members, Chamber of Commerce board members, Leadership Ardmore Alumni members, etc. GAPS is not one single group; it is a collaborative effort of many organizations with only one goal in mind: working cooperatively to improve our community and area.
Furthermore, their effort to improve is based on what citizens participating in a visioning process determined as future goals. Those 300 citizens represented all areas of our community and all walks of life. It even included some who continually find what is wrong with an issue and continually oppose initiatives. The community visioning process in 2009 was widely publicized and open to all who were interested in having a part in shaping our future. The process sought input from all voices.
Following the visioning session, the GAPS group, referenced above, held a planning retreat in 2010 to begin the development of plans and steps necessary to meet the goals of the citizens. It is not one organization that decides what is needed. Citizens told the community what was wanted and the GAPS committee is fulfilling their charge of finding ways to accomplish those goals.
Mayor Mick Cornett of Oklahoma City was chosen as the city Mayoral representative speaker to the Republican Convention this past week. Referring to a series of tax issues passed in Oklahoma City to fund a range of improvements, Cornett said the city decided to invest in itself. That is precisely what the GAPS program is about: investing for our future. Cornett referenced the quality of life amenities that have transformed his city into a dynamic location. Recently, Oklahoma City was recently named as the most entrepreneurial city in the country. Why, because the city invested in itself and created quality of life amenities, economic development, education and infrastructure.
That defines GAPS: an opportunity to invest in our community, a chance to grow jobs, build infrastructure, improve education and advance the quality of life of all citizens. Growth, Action, Progress and Success (GAPS) is a broad based citizen’s initiative aimed at the improvement of all of Carter County. Some may criticize the GAPS issues to be voted on in November. That is their right. But criticism toward the dedicated citizens involved in the process is unwarranted. It has been my honor to work with the many caring and dedicated men and women who take time from their busy schedules to give to the community. They exemplify the spirit of Ardmore and what is great about our community, our County, and our State.