I also read the article today. To say the least, I was caught somewhat off guard by RT's comments. Granted, the Strib has yet to see a public subsidy for a stadium they didn't like so the story MAY be ever so slightly slanted to push and prod our new mayor (egad! the press is biased?! Say it ain't so! :-) OK, OK, I'm done.)
A list member has brought it to my attention off-list that my comments here and elsewhere regarding the stadium have been blatant class warfare. I sent a lengthy email discussing that. What I said in a private conversation is not important for the list, other than to clarify that while I have and continue to remain opposed to subsidies for stadiums, I do so not just to be a class-warfarer but rather because I have always believed that it was a very poor deal for the public. This is especially in light of other more pressing needs where there is a better return on the public investment. In any case, I digress. As an opponent of subsidies, I hope RT is not sliding in his non-support of public subsidies. And, knowing that RT is a list member, I hope he'll comment and clarify, especially now that he is not a candidate. Finally, Andy Driscoll mentions no money is impossible. My thoughts are that if indeed land-clearing and cleaning were truly the extent of the investment and there were no deals that could bite us later (selling municipal bonds that the Twins/stadium default on), even a diehard opponent like me MIGHT consider it a fair compromise. Gary Bowman Mpls., 1-1 On Tue, 20 November 2001, "Andy Driscoll" wrote: I think it's important to understand that no public money for a stadium is impossible. All along it's been expected that land-clearing and cleaning will be critical as will infrastructure accommodations for any economic development in the city - perfectly appropriate expenditures. But that's where it ends for me. The structure, the perks, the stadium itself should be entirely privately financed. The Mayor cannot walk away from talks and concerns over the impending blackmail imposed by Major League Baseball. He must be involved, as must the City Council. Andy Driscoll Saint Paul --------------------------------------------------- Get your free web based email from Crosswalk.com: http://mail.crosswalk.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
