A couple of weeks ago I tried to make a case that our city and state are becoming over regulated by unnecessary local legislation and bureaucracy. From the banning of a legal substance in restaurants (namely tobacco), to traffic medians which only serve to further clog roadways, to business owners being told they must remove the flags from their store fronts, we are awash in petty legislation.

The latest example of local interference in the affairs of Tylerites is the attempt to shut down the Oil Palace. As best as I can gather, the facility has twice been the victim of vandalism. Once during a ZZ top concert when insulation was flushed down the toilet; and the water valves turned down, the other prior to the Glenn Beck appearance when the water pressure was again turned down. In light of the health department’s concerns about water flow and restroom access, the facility has brought in air-conditioned restrooms to help insure that the existing systems are not overwhelmed. Yet this is still not sufficient for the health officials, who have threatened to try to shut down the Oil Palace prior to upcoming appearances by guests like George Jones and Sarah Palin. Now as someone who attended the Glenn Beck lecture, I can attest to the fact that the Oil Palace as a venue does leave a lot to be desired, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the health department’s complaints. Both the Glenn Beck, and the Sean Hannity appearances were great nights, and there was no danger posed to any attendee. Personally, I plan to attend the Palin visit and expect to have no issues on that occasion either, nor do I plan to turn off the water valves, or flush any insulation.

I once heard someone say that many local bureaucrats are more concerned with being important than being useful. When a local institution bends over backwards to uphold the spirit of an ordinance while continuing to keep its commitments to provide a place for important local and cultural events, I must conclude this is the case. So a brief note to those oh so important folks in the health department: the fact is I as an attendee understand that there may be a problem with water flow in the building. Guess what, I won’t drink it, I still want to see Sarah Palin. I am willing to risk a water fountain that doesn’t work or a toilet that doesn’t flush right. Do you know why I take such awful risks? Because I’m a grown up! I think I can remember to go before I leave the house, and I’ll take a bottle of water to insure that I don’t over heat, but please stop trying to remove all the risk from every nuance of my life! If the facility is making a reasonable effort to fix problems or find ways to otherwise accommodate attendees I am willing to chance it.

As far as I can see, and from what I’ve read at this point, it seems the staff and management at the Oil Palace has taken reasonable steps to comply with what has been asked of them. At this point the whole thing seems like a silly battle of wills to me.

For more information, or to read up on the conflict go to the KETK website at http://www.ketknbc.com/local/oil-palace-gets-another-health-district-notice, or see the KLTV page at http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=12598373. For more info on the Oil Palace or on upcoming events go to the website at www.oilpalace.com. Readers can also check out my review of the Glenn Beck appearance by looking for the title Glenn Beck comes to Tyler, located elsewhere on this site. Lastly, for a brief look at a few cultural attractions in Tyler this summer, including those coming to the Oil Palace look for the title Cultural Events and Institutions in Tyler TX.