Oct. 15--Anyone who lived in Tahlequah when Jerry Cook was mayor probably remembers the brouhaha over the downtown sidewalk renovations. Several merchants publicly complained about the project, predicting they would lose business because of the construction.

Turns out that Cook's push for an expanded and improved sidewalk system was prescient. In just a few short years, Tahlequah residents -- and indeed, residents of all comparably sized communities -- are realizing that good sidewalks aren't just good for business; they're essential for continued growth and prosperity.

When people and businesses look to move to a new city, the quality of the schools is one of the first considerations. But running a close second is infrastructure. A city with cracked and buckling roads, inadequate drainage, and sidewalks that are too few or poorly maintained, doesn't stand much of a chance of attracting positive attention.

The sidewalk issue has come to the fore with a vengeance over the past couple of years. Spiking gasoline prices are one big reason; health concerns are another. People are now inclined to walk to work, to the store or to visit a neighbor if they can, but they'd rather not risk life and limb by strolling on the streets.

Also gathering steam is the bicycle trail movement, part and parcel of the same inclination to opt for a cheaper, more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Cook talked about bike trails, too, during his days in the mayor's office, and so did former NSU first lady Pam Williams.

Although sidewalk renovations do continue in Tahlequah, and Street Commissioner Mike Corn regularly announces temporary street closures to implement repairs, area residents can be forgiven for assuming major sidewalk and street work in the city has stagnated, at least to a degree. They can also be forgiven for complaining about the city's determination to acquire new property, when it may not be properly servicing the acreage it already has.

These opinions have been expressed in no uncertain terms during recent city council meetings, with Ward 2 City Councilor Jack Spears the only "official" voice who seemed to concur that plans for a new annexation were moving a bit too hastily.

Last week, in a three-part series (still available online), the Press sought explanations from a variety of sources. Many good points were made, but possibly the most revealing was a comparison of Tahlequah's street and sidewalk expenditures with nearby cities of comparable size. It seems Tahlequah's budget in that arena is considerably smaller than those of even smaller towns.

City officials here and elsewhere may have their own priorities when it comes to growth and acquisition, and they may have very valid reasons for bucking the tide of public opinion. But if so, they need to do a better job justifying their decisions and explaining them to their constituents.

As for Tahlequah, it's imperative that officials listen to their predecessors and other potential partners when it comes to shoring up the city's infrastructure -- and the budget needs to reflect those concerns. That's what the citizens want, and that's what they deserve. Ultimately, better sidewalks and streets will serve everyone well.

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