[east central texas]

Unless Ponca City attracts viable industries that care about their employees, the city will become like all the surrounding towns such as Blackwell and Tonkawa. Since I'm not originally from here, but have lived here 30+ years, I can offer an "on the outside looking in perspective." Conoco's gone. Yes, the refinery remains, but this is primarily contract labor. In a very small radius, the refinery, Jupiter Chemical, and Carbon Black all function to send horrendous pollutants into our environment. Not to mention OGE coal burning plant just south of our city which adds insult to injury. All of my children have moved from Ponca for professional careers that aren't offered here. When they come home, they are disgusted with the atmospheric odors that they don't experience while living in large metro areas. When driving into town whether it be from the north, south, east or west, one does not get a feeling that this would be an appealing town for relocation. Driving north on Waverly between South Ave. and Hubbard, a glance towards the east during the drive looks as though our city is a dump. ie. the former Braden Meat, Boyd Construction, and the unsitely junk car dealerships that line both sides of this scenic drive into town. This is the first impression/lasting impression that out of towners get upon this route. And coming from all the other directions aren't any better when coming in from the four "main veins" into our town. Which the west entrance is most important due to visitors coming from I-35. I've known of individuals checking on job prospects turn around and leave after viewing the town and realize this is a city that has seen it's better days. One of them dubbed our city "Ponca Stinky."

So, what entities will we attract. Ones that hope to prey on the "no other choice" inhabitants and pull employer provided pensions, offer lower wages with substandard working conditions, etc. I know, because that is exactly what happen when Via Christi was sold and employees were told "everything will be the same." Not once was it ever mentioned that the employer provided pension would be taken away, yet all the other hospitals in the surrounding metros provide them. For young professionals that plan for financial security, this is a very important benefit, indeed. It could average up to $6,000/yr of "free" money placed in an acct. that after 5 years would be fully vested. This is why unions are so important.

Quality jobs, competitive wages/benefits, and beautification of the main entrances can build Ponca City into a thriving community. If we allow more halfway houses and bigger jails to take over the area, not to mention the national dump that's proposed next door in Blackwell, our city is headed to hell in a handbasket. Squat and watch...certainly not a place I foresee anyone finding appealing for job/relocation. Unless, of course, a mega buck sign-on bonus is involved.

[Tracy3906]

Well I don't know about this. Our family moved here about 6 months ago for my husbands job, not Conoco. And we love it here. This town has been such an answered prayer for us. The local economy is stable, the schools are fantastic, the sense of community pride is strong, etc. Sure there are some bad parts of town, but I drive around all the time and never see them except when I have to go to I-35. And what smell? Never noticed it and I have a very sensitive nose. As for allergies - we moved here from TX and our allergies are much less than they were there. We love it here and plan on being here a long time.